Researching my options for a K3 panadapter (Softrock, LP-PAN, SDR-IQ, Perseus, Mercury...) I want to thank Paul W9AC for sharing his experience with the SDR-IQ on the list:
"When observing signal strength on the display, there's ample resolution for signal comparisons. SDR-IQ is powered from the PC's USB port, so only two connections are made (I.F. and USB). SpectraVue supports the K3 and using the "point 'n click" feature has been great. Click on the display and the K3 instantly moves to that frequency. The only shortcoming I've found is that SpectraVue needs to poll the K3's mode offset data so that changing modes does not require an offset change in SpectraVue. Not sure if that's handled automatically when using LP-PAN and PowerSDR." I would be very interested to read similar detail about the other possible hardware and software choices. An overview table showing which spectrum analysis software packages work with which hardware choices would be very helpful. As long as a the hardware is used for spectrum display (not as a receiver to be listened to) it seems to me that hardware in the low to middle price range is good enough. The issue then is the software choice first and then finding hardware compatible with the software. When choosing software I would really like to know if there is any package available today that already adjusts for the mode offset, or is planned to do so in the near future. A wide and narrow spectrum display window may also be a positive feature in comparing one software package to another, especially if one is going to run other software at the same time. If one contemplates actually listening to the outboard SDR, it seems that more money does buy better performance, although probably none of the reasonable hardware choices will be as good in some contests as the second receiver option of the K3, which has roofing filters. On the other hand, it would hardly be practical for an assistant operator to reach the K3 controls to make use of the second receiver, while the computer controlling an outboard SDR could easily be used by an assistant operator. (Of course depending on the contest, this may or may not be legal for a given entry class.) Maybe the second RX in a K3 could be run from a computer while the rig is otherwise run from the front panel? Maybe two computers (one per operator) could be used to control the K3 with second RX. I don't have experience with the various rig control software available, so I hope someone can enlighten me. 73, Erik K7TV -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-choices-tp1495993p1495993.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
