Original post: While tuned to 3533, the P3 reported an S9 signal, narrow and essentially a steady carrier down frequency 15 KHz or so. It moved with the VFO A cursor such that I couldn't tune to it. I found similar "signals" on other bands.
Geoff and I have been conversing about it off-list and the final conclusion was that I had finally calibrated my K3 S-meter with my service monitor, and then tried to calibrate the P3. I was able to do so, however I had to run the "P3 Gain" way way up to get -73 dBm on the P3 for the S9 signal. K3 is S/N 642 and did not have the IF level mod. It does now, the P3 gain is back in reasonable territory, K3 and P3 agree on signal strength, and all the "spurs" are gone. My theory is that with the P3 gain so high, it was seeing miniscule leakage of internal K3 signals. Moral appears to be, if you're going to use a P3, you need the IF level mod [K3BUFFKIT] or something like that if your K3 doesn't already have it. The kit replaces a single SM resistor [R8 on the RF board]. If I can do it, anyone can. Elecraft sent both SM and leaded resistors, I chose old school. I found R8 very easily, grabbed it with a small locking surgical clamp, and it immediately broke off leaving the two pads. I formed the resistor leads, soldered the one end into the via, and then tacked down the other end. By far the hardest part was getting the K3 out of the shelf, a dozen cables disconnected, and then reconnecting everything [correctly] in back again. It took several tries, and I kept wondering why is it called "wireless?" Incidentally, I have a small stock of surgical clamps of various types, they are most useful electronic tools. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
