[Elecraft] P3 Panadapter

[George Thornton]

I have owned both the K2 and K3.  Perhaps the most fun I had in HAM radio was building the K2.   I learned a lot about soldering and assembly techniques.  

Electronics technology has advanced with miniaturization and surface mount parts.  The skill and equipment requirements for surface mount work is beyond the average amateur.  Elecraft does not offer kits that require surface mount work.

The assembly process for the K3 is much less satisfying than with the K2.   All circuit boards come pre-assembled and you are pretty much just building the box and plugging things in.  

I also have worked extensively with the P3.   I find it very helpful.  There is a wealth of knowledge you get from being able to visually see the spectrum you are working.  

That being said, some of the advantages of the P3 come from its close integration with the K3.  I would believe that close integration would not be possible with the K2.

There are also other panadapter options including the LP-Pan, which will allow you to view the K2's spectrum.   I much prefer the P3 because of the handy controls that allow you to adjust the image, but some of those other options may be less expensive.

Think also of where you might go with all this.  The K2 is a wonderful rig and more than adequate for HF work.  If yuou get really serious about this you may, as I did, choose to upgrade to either the K3s or KX3.  The P3 could be used with the K3s but the KX3 has a different, smaller unit.





-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 10:13 AM
To: Don Schroder <donanddeena at hotmail.com>; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Panadapter

Don,

You can use it with the K3 (the P3 input can be tuned anywhere between 455kHz and 21 MHz).
You will have to add an IF output to the K2.  DX Engineering is now selling the Clifton Labs buffer amplifier which can be used for that purpose.

I don't know what documentation is being sent with the DX Engineering kit, but if you need it, I can supply the original Clifton Labs document for the K2.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/18/2018 12:53 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
> Morning!
> 
> I have a kit K2 s/n 7818 that is about 2/3rds complete. I’m a newbie and this is my first radio. I’ve been  looking at additions for my non-existent ham shack and am curious about the Elecraft P3. Looking at the advertising, I see it is for the K3 & K3s, and other radios.
> 
> Hence, my question. How many of you consider the P3 to be a must have, and can it be used with a K2 transceiver? As a side note, what other optional equipment to the K2 would you consider necessary?
> 
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