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| Reviews Summary for Elecraft P3 Panadapter |
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Reviews: 30
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $699.95 kit, 749.95 assembled
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Description: The new Elecraft P3 Panadapter display adds a visual dimension to signal
hunting
with fast real time spectrum and waterfall displays of band activity. The P3
offers
superior sensitivity and DSP processing, giving you the ability to see signals
down to
the K3's noise floor. The P3 can also be used with any other radio that
provides an
IF output of 455 kHz to 21.7 MHz.
P3 features:
- High-resolution, full-color LCD
- Fast, real-time spectrum and waterfall displays
- Excellent sensitivity and advanced 32-bit signal processing
- Simple, 5-minute plug-in integration with the K3; no PC needed
- 200 kHz max. span; 2 kHz min. span (wider spans with future f/w update)
- Point and click by tapping "select" knob to move K3 to desired signals
- Cursors show K3's VFO A and VFO B locations and main/sub RX
bandwidth
- Multi-pass signal averaging mode shows weaker signals, averaging out
noise
- Peak detection mode to show total activity on the band
- User calibration of display to show absolute signal level in dBm
- Programmable function keys for both P3 and K3 commands
- Programmable IF input (455 kHz to 21.7 MHz) for use with other
transceivers
- Supplied software utility can send screen captures to a PC
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.elecraft.com/P3/p3.htm
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write your own review of the Elecraft P3 Panadapter.
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WB6RSE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 27, 2012 16:33
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INDISPENSIBLE DXers TOOL
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Years ago, a second receiver became THE necessary tool for chasing DX that was operating split. The ability to listen to the DX and the pileup simultaneously can significantly shorten the time it takes to make a Q. The dual audio allows you to tune to the split frequency that corresponds to the timing between the DX and the station being worked. Once you’re use to it, you can never go back. After that, find yourself using a non-dual receive rig and you’ll feel like one hand is tied behind you back.
The same is true once you get to actually see the spectrum in a much wider view than the usual audio passband. Seeing where the split clumps are, when they start and stop and where the holes in the pileup are can once again provide a significant advantage towards getting the DX in your log more quickly. Get use to the P3, and sit down without one and you’ll feel lost. Like a second receiver, you can never go back.
It’s not just a DXing tool either. It’s great for identifying sparse activity when a band sounds dead. And you don’t need a computer with a rig interface running an SDR program. See a blip or two on the P3’s display and you can quickly move to that frequency to hear what you may be missing.
The P3 works seamlessly with and is the perfect complement to Elecraft’s K3. The kit version assembles in less than an hour. The functions are customizable to fit your operating style. It’s one more tribute to Elecraft’s superb engineering and attention to detail.
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K6UI
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 23, 2011 12:35
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Perfect Addition to the K3
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I finished assembling the P3 that I received yesterday in "kit" form. It took an easy couple of hours to put together, but probably could have gone even faster, but I'm a stickler for process and organization. Anyways, after trying it out today on my K3 I must say that I really enjoy the P3 - it has really opened up my radio. Seeing all of the signals on the panadapter makes the K3 an even more enjoyable radio. I have and use other panadapters, such as the one built into my Icom 756 PRO II, but the P3's display offers much more. The viewing area on the P3's LCD is just right - it's not too small in size to be difficult to use or see nor not too large to be obtrusive. With a K3 at its side it just feels like a solid matched pair that gives you the flexibility to make your ham experience that much more enjoyable. Whether you want one for contests or just want the ability to see where the QSOs are happening, this one is a winner.
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WA8EBM
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2011 18:54
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Completes the K3
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Up to a few weeks ago my K3 has been seldom used for almost 2 years. The reason was my purchase of a Flex 5000 SDR with lots of options. I tried using the K3 with the LPpan adapter but found it awkward, although it was functional. The addition of the P3 completes the K3 experience and I believe makes it the most versatile transceiver you can buy combined with the fantastic performance of the radio. Even though you don't have the click on display tuning and filter manipulation you also do not have latency issues. I still like my Flex but after all the decades I have spent twisting knobs I now have the best of the old and new in the K3/P3 package. I just added the one pound N8BX vfo A knob and cannot imagine any radio I would rather have.
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NI0C
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2011 15:13
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Unexpected applications
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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When I purchased this (my first) panadaptor, I anticipated being able to "see" the band I was operating, to find holes in the DX pileups, and to quickly assess band activity. The P3 fulfilled these applications quite well.
Since then, I have come to appreciate being able to see and actually measure noise levels, and see changes, whether from far away thunderstorms, or the neighbor's elctronic devices.
It is also useful for checking antennas. For 160 meters, I use a short vertical antenna that has quite a narrow bandwidth. Using the P3, I can use band noise to see the bandwidth of my antenna, and detect any shifts in the resonant frequency. This came in quite useful last winter when ice buildup on my antenna caused the antenna to QSY dramatically.
I also appreciate the "freeze" feature, enabling one to store an image for future reference. I've e-mailed some of these images to stations I have worked. This Spring, I published an article in the K9YA Telegraph, that displayed some memorable moments on Top Band as recorded on the P3.
The P3 is also quite useful for evaluating the bandwidth of signals-- you can see SSB "splatter" and CW keyclicks.
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K6JEY
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 24, 2011 16:22
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Versatile and Excellent
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have used a variety of spectrum analyzers, SDR receivers and Panadaptors, including a real Panadaptor and the Hallicrafters SP 44. The P3 was easily wired and put on the air with a Yaesu VR5000. It was very handy and worked very well with it. I was satisfied that it would be a help on EME S&P activity.
I then bought the K3 and added it on. Wow. Having the added features with the K3 makes it a spectacular addition. Having both of the receivers work on the display gives me a visual sense of where I am on the band. The image scale of the display matches works with the K3 in that I am not squinting at the P3 display or shielding my eyes. Finally, like the K3, the functions you need the most are easiest to use. If not, you can assign any function to the buttons on the bottom. So far averaging is the only one I have added. The P3 is also self-contained and makes one less computer to fuss with.
Worth the $600, even if I already have an SDR IQ? yes. The P3 is an extension of the K3, and the SDR IQ is a lab receiver. I've kept both.
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NK8A
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 15, 2011 07:36
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Great Ham tool
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Not being the greatest with mechanical assembly ,or with high tech ham radio equipment,I bought my P3 already assembled.The settings from the factory are just what I wanted and needed.It is very easy to get a picture of whatever band you choose,as far as what signals are out there.Just see a small peak on the spectrum and go right to it.The P3 seems to be very sensitive to weak signals and is a great tool for me,only having it for two days.
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WA7URV
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 14, 2011 17:57
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Quite an instrument!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've had my P3 for a couple of weeks. I bought the kit; it went together in classical Elecraft style -- that would be, elegant!
For those who haven't used such a device, which I hadn't, the visual spectrum display adds a great element of convenience and capability. And by having it split from my K3, I'm able to locate it above the K3 with a more ergonomic eye shot! I highly recommend the P3. It is worth the money!
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W7TEA
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 14, 2011 13:48
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Great fun
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just built the P3 to go with my K3 #1001. It was a snap and works beautifully. Only other "real time" continuous sweep I've owned was on my original Orion. The P3 opens new worlds.
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K2MK
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 12, 2011 05:51
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A Must-Have
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I hesitated buying the P3 because I was waiting for the external monitor option to become available. I finally purchased it and now I doubt that I will even want to use an external monitor. The P3 display is extremely sharp and when put within arm’s reach the resolution is just right even for old tri-focal laden eyes.
The P3 is an extremely useful tool for working split. You will be amazed at what you see during pileup conditions. By carefully monitoring the display instead of blindly transmitting it becomes very clear where the DX station is listening, what his timing is, and whether he is tuning up or down. The result is less time in the pileup and less frustration. Having a sub receiver is helpful but not an absolute necessity. It doesn’t matter if you want to transmit exactly where the DX is listening or if you want to find the nearest clear spot, the P3 is an excellent tool.
I also found the P3 useful in evaluating the performance of a separate receive antenna. Using the calibrated db scale I was able to measure the difference in noise level and signal strength. I have a small rotatable loop and it’s useful to null out local noise. Using my ears proved to be far less accurate than watching the noise level on the P3.
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W1ZI
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Rating: 5/5
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May 18, 2011 20:27
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Elecraft P3 REDUX!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Please see my previous review. The concatenation PC/P3/K3 still does not work properly with FLDIGI alone, but the developer of FLDIGI has written a small "helper program" currently under development, FLRIG Ver. 1.1.3CO, that completely solves the communications problem when using FLDIGI 3.21.9. I have tested the combination fairly extensively, and totally withdraw my previous assessment rating of 2. The P3 is a delightful device, and I rate it as "5" or even 6 out of 5.
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