P3 - spikes that never move

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P3 - spikes that never move

hhoyt
I too have spurs displayed on my P3.  The spurious signals interfering
with the usability of the P3 are at ~ -1, -2, -3 and -4 KHz below the
tuned center frequency on 160M-10M at S1, S3, S2, and S1 respectively,
although more are present lower in frequency at 1KHz spacing at
progressively lower amplitudes.  On 6M they flip to the +1, +2, +3 and
+4 KHz side.  The spurs are spaced at exact 1KHz intervals, although
their relationship to the center tuned frequency changes depending on mode.

After some experimentation I believe they are actually contained in the
IF signal coming from the K3.  If I disconnect the IF cable, the display
is dark, but of course if it is a mixing product in the P3 that would be
the case as well.  I have replaced the IF cable leading from the K3 to
the P3, no change.  I also followed Elecraft's advice and pinned the
ribbon cable in the P3 to the left side of the case, no change.

I have corresponded with Elecraft about this problem, and although they
responded promptly they had no resolution to the problem.  The P3 has
become the front panel of the K-line to me, being an op who mainly
chases DX and contests, I spend much of my time staring at the P3,
looking for new signals on a band to S&P on.

I would love a resolution to this issue, I'm sorry to see that others
have it as well, but maybe this will raise the perceived severity of the
issue to the point where Elecraft can afford to allocate engineering
time to it?

Hopeful in Chapel Hill,

Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
I have tried the previously suggested solutions for the ghost spikes on
the P3 - to no avail. I am disappointed and disgusted with the P3 and
certainly will not be upgrading to the SVGA - nothing to be gained
except for a larger display of the same faulty images.

I think the ghosts are just something the K3 user must accept if they
are going to use a P3. That is what I am doing.

Kindly send no flames - I am merely stating my experience.

Bill W2BLC



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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

ke9uw
Ok, but I don't have them. Wonder why...no flame.

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Feb 27, 2013, at 6:56 PM, "Bill Clarke" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have tried the previously suggested solutions for the ghost spikes on the P3 - to no avail. I am disappointed and disgusted with the P3 and certainly will not be upgrading to the SVGA - nothing to be gained except for a larger display of the same faulty images.
>
> I think the ghosts are just something the K3 user must accept if they are going to use a P3. That is what I am doing.
>
> Kindly send no flames - I am merely stating my experience.
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

WB4SON
I wonder what signal level they are at Howard?

I'm lucky to have a local noise level that is pretty much at or below -130
dBm all the time except on 80 and 160 meters.  When I am tuned to a signal,
I don't see any spurious signals above or below the signal I am listening
to unless it is another valid signal.  In other words if I put a marker
over any blip that is a couple of db above what I would consider the noise
floor, then I can be sure there is a signal there.

Sorry you are having issues, but it certainly doesn't match my experience.

73, Bob, WB4SON
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73, Bob, WB4SON
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I certainly don't see any spurious spikes ... even at -140 dBm (noise
floor).  That is with a completely quiet/closed band or -107 dBm from
the XG3 with a 30 dB pad.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2/27/2013 8:28 PM, Bob wrote:

> I wonder what signal level they are at Howard?
>
> I'm lucky to have a local noise level that is pretty much at or below -130
> dBm all the time except on 80 and 160 meters.  When I am tuned to a signal,
> I don't see any spurious signals above or below the signal I am listening
> to unless it is another valid signal.  In other words if I put a marker
> over any blip that is a couple of db above what I would consider the noise
> floor, then I can be sure there is a signal there.
>
> Sorry you are having issues, but it certainly doesn't match my experience.
>
> 73, Bob, WB4SON
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
Thought I should mention: This QTH is extremely quiet. The typical
daytime background for 75 meters does not even move the S-meter. Of
course I base on daytime conditions, as they are all local and not
propagated in.

This is a very quiet QTH - however, with the antenna disconnected:

The spikes I see on 75 meters are S3 (below the operating frequency) and
show up on the waterfall as well. I also have a wide peak (20 kcs
approx.) which is above the operating frequency with a strength of S5
and is also on the waterfall. I get a similar display on 40 and 20
meters. Mode makes no difference.

As the antenna is disconnected and I am seeing this on the display - I
can only assume it is internally generated. Note that the spikes are not
tunable.

Bill W2BLC



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P3 - spikes that never move

Johnny Siu
Hello Bill,
 
May I suggest you take video capture of which you see on your P3 and send it to [hidden email]
 
In the past, I encountered firmware bugs in my KX3 and found it very difficult to describe them in words for Elecraft to reproduce them.  I eventually took a short video and sent it to elecraft.  They solved the problem after a couple of firmware updates.
 
Just don't give up and let elecraft know your problem.  Please also keep the group informed of further development.  I will be interested in knowing more.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC


________________________________
 寄件人︰ Bill Clarke <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2013年02月28日 (週四) 10:13 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move
 
Thought I should mention: This QTH is extremely quiet. The typical daytime background for 75 meters does not even move the S-meter. Of course I base on daytime conditions, as they are all local and not propagated in.

This is a very quiet QTH - however, with the antenna disconnected:

The spikes I see on 75 meters are S3 (below the operating frequency) and show up on the waterfall as well. I also have a wide peak (20 kcs approx.) which is above the operating frequency with a strength of S5 and is also on the waterfall. I get a similar display on 40 and 20 meters. Mode makes no difference.

As the antenna is disconnected and I am seeing this on the display - I can only assume it is internally generated. Note that the spikes are not tunable.

Bill W2BLC
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Ken G Kopp
In reply to this post by Bill Clarke
Hello Bill,

I have no sign of spikes here ...

Sorry you're having issues ...

Please let us know what you find ...

73!

Ken Kopp - K0PP

On Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 12:56 AM, Bill Clarke <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have tried the previously suggested solutions for the ghost spikes on the
> P3 - to no avail. I am disappointed and disgusted with the P3 and certainly
> will not be upgrading to the SVGA - nothing to be gained except for a larger
> display of the same faulty images.
>
> I think the ghosts are just something the K3 user must accept if they are
> going to use a P3. That is what I am doing.
>
> Kindly send no flames - I am merely stating my experience.
>
> Bill W2BLC
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
This morning I removed the entire shack from AC and left only the K3/P3
on battery and the antennas disconnected. No change on the screen. Bunch
of work for nothing and was exactly what I expected.

Of note: The ghosts vanish when the band is active - covered by the
ambient background noise level. During the day, when the band is "dead,"
this is not the case and the spikes can be seen. Remember, I can not
tune to them as they remain in a static location on the scope. Signals
move through them as you tune.

Having used other forms of band-scopes over the years (including the
great SM-220) that only displayed what was actually RF on a band, I am
convinced this is something internally generated within the P3. If it
was outside of the P3, it would tune (move when the VFO is moved).
Perhaps the P3 is overkill and does, or is capable of, way more than
what a simple band-scope really needs to do. Such is the day and age of
microprocessors - simplicity has been left in the dust of bells and
whistles.

Rather than continue to worry about this, I am just going to accept it
as an anomaly of the P3. It really has no effect other than appearing as
signals that are not really there. Once you know what they are, you
won't bother trying to tune to them. Does this make it right for the
$$$? No, of course not, but it is the easy way out for an old guy that
only rag chews on 75 and 40.

Thanks for all the comments,

Bill W2BLC






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P3 - spikes that never move

Johnny Siu
Hello Bill,
 
Contact elecraft support should be the right approach.  If there is something wrong with your P3, repair under warranty is quick and efficiency.
 
Elecraft support has never let me down.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC


________________________________
 寄件人︰ Bill Clarke <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2013年02月28日 (週四) 8:13 PM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move
 
This morning I removed the entire shack from AC and left only the K3/P3 on battery and the antennas disconnected. No change on the screen. Bunch of work for nothing and was exactly what I expected.

Of note: The ghosts vanish when the band is active - covered by the ambient background noise level. During the day, when the band is "dead," this is not the case and the spikes can be seen. Remember, I can not tune to them as they remain in a static location on the scope. Signals move through them as you tune.

Having used other forms of band-scopes over the years (including the great SM-220) that only displayed what was actually RF on a band, I am convinced this is something internally generated within the P3. If it was outside of the P3, it would tune (move when the VFO is moved). Perhaps the P3 is overkill and does, or is capable of, way more than what a simple band-scope really needs to do. Such is the day and age of microprocessors - simplicity has been left in the dust of bells and whistles.

Rather than continue to worry about this, I am just going to accept it as an anomaly of the P3. It really has no effect other than appearing as signals that are not really there. Once you know what they are, you won't bother trying to tune to them. Does this make it right for the $$$? No, of course not, but it is the easy way out for an old guy that only rag chews on 75 and 40.

Thanks for all the comments,

Bill W2BLC






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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

John_N1JM
In reply to this post by Bill Clarke
If you are adventurous, you might take the cover off and make sure all screws are tight, particularly those that need to make a good chasis ground connection.

73, John N1JM

Bill Clarke wrote
This morning I removed the entire shack from AC and left only the K3/P3
on battery and the antennas disconnected. No change on the screen. Bunch
of work for nothing and was exactly what I expected.

Of note: The ghosts vanish when the band is active - covered by the
ambient background noise level. During the day, when the band is "dead,"
this is not the case and the spikes can be seen. Remember, I can not
tune to them as they remain in a static location on the scope. Signals
move through them as you tune.

Having used other forms of band-scopes over the years (including the
great SM-220) that only displayed what was actually RF on a band, I am
convinced this is something internally generated within the P3. If it
was outside of the P3, it would tune (move when the VFO is moved).
Perhaps the P3 is overkill and does, or is capable of, way more than
what a simple band-scope really needs to do. Such is the day and age of
microprocessors - simplicity has been left in the dust of bells and
whistles.

Rather than continue to worry about this, I am just going to accept it
as an anomaly of the P3. It really has no effect other than appearing as
signals that are not really there. Once you know what they are, you
won't bother trying to tune to them. Does this make it right for the
$$$? No, of course not, but it is the easy way out for an old guy that
only rag chews on 75 and 40.

Thanks for all the comments,

Bill W2BLC






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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

N2TK
In reply to this post by Bill Clarke
When I first got my P3 I used the included cable. I had some spikes on the
screen that didn't make sense. As I have worked at minimizing ingress of
junk into the cables in my shack I replaced the included cable and made up a
new one with 100% foil shielded coax with new BNC connectors. That took care
of the junk on the screen.

Before I left home this week for KP2 I hooked up a coax from the P3 to the
LP-Pan to run CW Skimmer. When I hook up the cable I see one spike on the
P3. I have not had time to check it out. Will do that when I get home.
Ferrite on the coax jumper didn't help.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 11:45 AM
To: 'Bill Clarke'; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move

A signal near the I.F. that is picked up by the P3 or P3 cable will not move
as you tune.

Other signals appear to move only because their frequency relative to the
I.F. center frequency changes as you change the frequency of the K3's VFO.

I'm not saying that the artifacts cannot be internal to the P3. Only that a
fixed frequency signal near the K3's I.F. will remain in a fixed position on
the P3 display as you tune the K3, whether it is internal or external to the
P3.  

73 Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill Clarke
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:13 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move

This morning I removed the entire shack from AC and left only the K3/P3 on
battery and the antennas disconnected. No change on the screen. Bunch of
work for nothing and was exactly what I expected.

Of note: The ghosts vanish when the band is active - covered by the ambient
background noise level. During the day, when the band is "dead,"
this is not the case and the spikes can be seen. Remember, I can not tune to
them as they remain in a static location on the scope. Signals move through
them as you tune.

Having used other forms of band-scopes over the years (including the great
SM-220) that only displayed what was actually RF on a band, I am convinced
this is something internally generated within the P3. If it was outside of
the P3, it would tune (move when the VFO is moved).
Perhaps the P3 is overkill and does, or is capable of, way more than what a
simple band-scope really needs to do. Such is the day and age of
microprocessors - simplicity has been left in the dust of bells and
whistles.

Rather than continue to worry about this, I am just going to accept it as an
anomaly of the P3. It really has no effect other than appearing as signals
that are not really there. Once you know what they are, you won't bother
trying to tune to them. Does this make it right for the $$$? No, of course
not, but it is the easy way out for an old guy that only rag chews on 75 and
40.

Thanks for all the comments,

Bill W2BLC






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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
In reply to this post by hhoyt
Thanks Ron - great explanation.

This afternoon the desk comes out from the wall so I can get behind
everything and I will try a few more tests and cable replacements. At
least I will know if it is internal. Slow process and easier to just
ignore - but I'd like to know where it is coming from.

Bill W2BLC


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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
Got it - it was worth dragging the desk out from the wall (no small
undertaking) so I could change the BNC cable from the K3 to the P3 with
an old mil-spec cable from my radar days.

With the replacement cable in place, all the ghosts vanished.

I have sent an email to support with the information and request for a
replacement cable.

Thanks to all who replied - the ghost spikes really did bug me, but I
was about to give up on it.

Bill W2BLC
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Vic Rosenthal
In reply to this post by Bill Clarke
This is at least the third message from you that I have seen in which you claim that the
spurs you are seeing are an inherent defect of the P3.

Others report either that spurs do not appear, or are caused by a cable with a bad braid
connection, poor grounding, etc. I personally cannot find such spurs when I disconnect my
antenna.

So it seems obvious that there is a malfunction in your P3. Several people have suggested
that you contact K3 support to get it fixed, which they would undoubtedly do at no
charge.  But you respond that there is an "anomaly in the P3" and that it isn't "right for
the $$$."

Let me add that I had an SM-220, and it wasn't all that 'great'. It certainly didn't come
close to the functionality and performance of the P3!

On 2/28/2013 4:13 AM, Bill Clarke wrote:

> This morning I removed the entire shack from AC and left only the K3/P3 on battery and
> the antennas disconnected. No change on the screen. Bunch of work for nothing and was
> exactly what I expected.
>
> Of note: The ghosts vanish when the band is active - covered by the ambient background
> noise level. During the day, when the band is "dead," this is not the case and the
> spikes can be seen. Remember, I can not tune to them as they remain in a static location
> on the scope. Signals move through them as you tune.
>
> Having used other forms of band-scopes over the years (including the great SM-220) that
> only displayed what was actually RF on a band, I am convinced this is something
> internally generated within the P3. If it was outside of the P3, it would tune (move
> when the VFO is moved). Perhaps the P3 is overkill and does, or is capable of, way more
> than what a simple band-scope really needs to do. Such is the day and age of
> microprocessors - simplicity has been left in the dust of bells and whistles.
>
> Rather than continue to worry about this, I am just going to accept it as an anomaly of
> the P3. It really has no effect other than appearing as signals that are not really
> there. Once you know what they are, you won't bother trying to tune to them. Does this
> make it right for the $$$? No, of course not, but it is the easy way out for an old guy
> that only rag chews on 75 and 40.
>
> Thanks for all the comments,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>

--
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
Thank you for your kind support.

Bill W2BLC

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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

ke9uw
In reply to this post by Bill Clarke
I threw that Elecraft supplied cable away.

Chuck, KE9UW
AARL, CCA
Lionel Trains TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWRA, BMWMOA #224
________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Bill Clarke [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 1:11 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move

Got it - it was worth dragging the desk out from the wall (no small
undertaking) so I could change the BNC cable from the K3 to the P3 with
an old mil-spec cable from my radar days.

With the replacement cable in place, all the ghosts vanished.

I have sent an email to support with the information and request for a
replacement cable.

Thanks to all who replied - the ghost spikes really did bug me, but I
was about to give up on it.

Bill W2BLC
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Chuck, KE9UW
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

gm3sek
To expand a previous posting:

I can only speak for the cable that was supplied with my own P3, but that
was definitely the cause of spurious signals on the display. The signals
were not strong, but they made it impossible to watch for weak openings on
the 10m and 6m bands.

After cutting away the strain relief moldings at both ends of the cable, I
found that the coax shield was not correctly crimped onto the plug body.
This was undoubtedly the cause of the signal leakage. Continuity looked OK
on the ohm-meter, but signal levels at the IF input of the P3 are extremely
low so this was a case where simple DC continuity wasn't good enough.

Ferrite beads at both ends of the cable did make some improvement (which was
a big clue about the cause) but ferrite beads would not have been the
correct way to fix the problem. The only correct way was to use a correctly
assembled cable.



73 from Ian GM3SEK

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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

N0AZZ
In reply to this post by ke9uw
I have the same issue and think that a new Elecraft cable will take care of
the problem being that seems to be the cause. I can't see them using
something so cheaply made as to cause this to save a few pennies, I trust
them to supply me with a good cable being that is the problem.

73
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of hawley, charles j jr
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:25 PM
To: Bill Clarke; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move

I threw that Elecraft supplied cable away.

Chuck, KE9UW
AARL, CCA
Lionel Trains TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWRA, BMWMOA #224
________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on
behalf of Bill Clarke [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 1:11 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 - spikes that never move

Got it - it was worth dragging the desk out from the wall (no small
undertaking) so I could change the BNC cable from the K3 to the P3 with an
old mil-spec cable from my radar days.

With the replacement cable in place, all the ghosts vanished.

I have sent an email to support with the information and request for a
replacement cable.

Thanks to all who replied - the ghost spikes really did bug me, but I was
about to give up on it.

Bill W2BLC
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Re: P3 - spikes that never move

Bill Clarke
As a replacement for the faulty Elecraft cable I am using a real
Mil-Spec cable. When I receive the replacement cable from Elecraft I
will compare it to the Mil-Spec cable for quality before using it. I'll
let you know what I think of it and how well it works.

I never gave a thought to the cable being the culprit - after all, the
cable was supplied by Elecraft. To me that meant it was of high quality.
Disappointing!

All that said, however, I can now say the P3 is working perfectly and
the weakest of signals can be seen. I went for months using it as it was
- not really knowing any better.

Bill W2BLC

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