Related Manuals for ELECRAFT P3
Summary of Contents for ELECRAFT P3
- Page 1 LECRAFT ERFORMANCE ANADAPTER ’ WNER ANUAL Revision H, March 27, 2016 E740152 Copyright © 2016, Elecraft, Inc. All Rights Reserved...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents NOTE: IF YOU PURCHASED YOUR P3 AS A KIT, GO DIRECTLY TO KIT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 53 TO ASSEMBLE YOUR P3. Key to Symbols and Text Styles ...... 2 P3SVGA Option ..........26 Transmit Monitor (TX Mon) Option ....34 ... -
Page 3: Key To Symbols And Text Styles
Key to Symbols and Text Styles Important – read carefully Operating tip Characters displayed on the LCD screen -100 D I S P L AY Tap switch function (labeled above a switch) AV E R AG E Hold switch function (labeled below a switch; hold for 1/2 sec. to activate) SELECT Rotary control Q S Y... -
Page 4: Quick-Start Guide
Quick-Start Guide To get started using your P3 right away, please read this page and the two pages that follow, trying each of the controls. The first thing you need to know about the P3 is that most switches have two functions. Tap (press briefly) to activate the function labeled above a switch. - Page 5 If you have a device such as a STEPP-IR antenna controller or pc program that monitors the RS232 port, sense the RS232 signals at the PC connector at the P3. Never attempt to sense the RS232 signals at the XCVR connector.
- Page 6 Basic K3 /P3 Cabling for USB Interface to a Personal Computer.
- Page 7 Basic K3 /P3 Cabling for RS232 Interface to a Personal Computer.
- Page 8 Basic K3/P3 Cabling for RS232 Interface to a Personal Computer.
- Page 9 Additional Cabling for Optional Keyboard and Monitor if P3SVGA Installed.
- Page 10 Other Hold to toggle on or off the function key labels located at the bottom of the L AB E L S Features screen, just above the function keys (Pages 14 and 15). and use the knob to scroll through the list. You can tap or SELECT M E N U hold one of the function keys {3-6} to assign the currently-displayed function to the key.
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Page 11: Introduction
Advanced Operation (page. 20) fill in the No unused controls on the screen. details of the full capabilities of the P3. This manual assumes that your P3 is equipped with Field Upgradable firmware version 1.60 and, if equipped, SVGA 1.34 ... -
Page 12: Transmit Monitor (Tx Mon) Option
Transmit Monitor (Tx Mon) Option The P3 transmit monitor displays the RF power and Like the P3 itself, the transmit monitor can be used modulation waveform of a transmitter as well as the with any transceiver. The sensor unit detects the SWR of the antenna and feed line. -
Page 13: Customer Service And Support
Elecraft products transferred by the purchaser to a third party, either by sale, gift, or other method, who is not disclosed to Elecraft at the time of original order, are not covered by this warranty. If the Elecraft product is being bought indirectly for a third party, the third party’s name and address must be provided at time of order to ensure... -
Page 14: Front Panel
Front Panel This section describes all front panel controls and the liquid crystal display (LCD). Operating instructions are covered in later sections. Control Groups Primary controls (page 14): These keys are hard- Programmable function keys (page 15): The coded with permanent function assignments. They function keys may be assigned to any of the provide the most important operational features functions in the... -
Page 15: Display
M E N U needed by the operator. All graphics and text are Primary Controls Turns the P3 on or off. The P3 may be selected is the one that causes the K3 to QSY. To P O W E R configured to turn on automatically whenever return from the last QSY ("undo"... -
Page 16: Menu
L AB E L S waterfall. The amplitude labels that appear along If your P3 is equipped with the SVGA option, up to the left edge of the spectrum display may be in dBm eight macros can be assigned to the function keys... -
Page 17: Rear Panel Connectors
Note that communications between the KEYBOARD thumb drive (mass storage device). Apple transceiver and the P3 are always at a data rate of keyboards are not supported at this time. 38400 baud (see figure below). The K3 baud rate is... -
Page 18: Basic Operation
Connect a power supply, I.F. input and (optionally) an RS232 cable (page 16). Press to turn the P3 on, if it is not on P O W E R already. The screen should light and you should Typical Display Showing a Menu Selection see a spectrum or combined spectrum and ... -
Page 19: Programmable Functions
Programmable Functions Adjusting the Frequencies Displayed to adjust the range of frequencies that S P AN Most functions can be assigned to any M E N U can be seen on the display at one time. The start and programmable function key, . -
Page 20: Using Markers
Using Markers Waterfall Markers to turn on marker A and allow you to Select . Tapping the M K R A MENU:WfallMkrs change the marker frequency by rotating the knob will turn the waterfall markers SELECT knob. To determine the frequency of a on, causing the marker line(s) to travel down into SELECT signal, move the marker so that it overlays the... -
Page 21: Noise Blanker
Noise Blanker The noise blanker in the P3 reduces the effect of impulse-type noise on the display. It has little or no effect on other types of noise such as thermal noise and static crashes but can dramatically reduce impulse noise from sources such as the AC power line and the ignition systems of motor vehicles. -
Page 22: How To Set Up And Interpret The P3 Display
The height of the waterfall can be adjusted with however there are several reasons why that might . The function (FN) key labels not be the case. One is that the P3 is not affected by MENU:Waterfall appear at the bottom of the screen by default. You the preamplifier and attenuator in the K3. -
Page 23: Waterfall Display
As mentioned before, it is useful to keep the noise visibility of signals on the waterfall, it is best to set level right at the bottom of the display. The P3 can so that the noise level is right at the... -
Page 24: Typical Spectra
C E N T E R exception is Static mode, where the only way to In fixed-tune mode the frequencies on the P3 change the center frequency or span while fixed- display stay fixed as you tune VFO A. The VFO A... - Page 25 I.F. passband, but they used. The P3 is a handy tool for adjusting the are easy to see on the panadapter display because of transmit equalizer in the K3.
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Page 26: Advanced Operating Features
1-9. Tape the knob again to select either “Inverted” or “Not Inverted. See also Amplitude Calibration for Transverters on page 41. If you are using your P3 with an Elecraft K3, the K3 Owner’s manual contains more information about working with transverters. -
Page 27: P3Svga Option
SVGA waterfall color bias Set Resolution knob again. Turn the knob to change SELECT the bias value (shown in upper left corner of the P3 In the SVGA sub-menu, turn the knob SELECT internal display). The change will appear and then tap the... - Page 28 K3 to decode text in CW and each of the data modes. To set the window and font sizes, tap M E N U Turn off text display before using the P3 then turn the knob to . Tap...
- Page 29 Transmit Setup Using the Keyboard An upper case K in the right hand corner of the that the keyboard is connected and active. Keyboard SVGA display status bar (see SVGA Display with shortcuts are listed below. (Hyphenated keys must Data Terminal Mode Enabled on page 27) indicates be pressed at the same time.) Keyboard Shortcuts KEYS...
- Page 30 Transmit Timeout: 0 to 90,000 ms (0 to 90 Setup Options seconds) in 200 ms (0.2 second) increments. The transmit mode options and text color The length of time an idle signal will be transmitted parameters that you can set are listed below. Press in PSK or RTTY modes after the last character is to open the setup menu on the SVGA Ctrl-Alt-S...
- Page 31 Enter the text of the message. In this ALT-B combination was assigned to the message. example the message is “Rig is an Elecraft If the name of the key does not appear K3 with P3/SVGA.” Correct errors using when it is pressed, it has already been...
- Page 32 Using the Scratchpad One way to use the scratchpad is to quickly call call sign in the scratchpad. When he finishes another station with a single keystroke. Create a calling, press the assigned key to recall the message message as described under Text Message Entry you stored.
- Page 33 ) to assign the macro to that a simple one or two key entry or P3 button push. P3 key. commands may be embedded within a macro as Sample Macros: described below.
- Page 34 It does not indicate the actual of the P3 display: time of the file capture. 1. Use the P3 Utility program with a computer. Text Message and Macro Save and Restore With your computer connected to the P3 and...
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Page 35: Transmit Monitor (Tx Mon) Option
Transmit Monitor (TX Mon) Option with another transceiver or with a K3/K3S Setup without the cable, you can set the P3 to switch to transmit mode when RF is sensed 1. Connect the Sensor to your antenna system, as described in steps 3 and 4. - Page 36 Tx Mon Display The envelope display replaces the spectrum display transmitter timeout period determined by on the P3 main monitor during transmit. A typical the value set with in the TX hang transmit monitor display is shown on the next page.
- Page 37 If you wish to use more than one sensor with the When using multiple sensors on different P3, such as separate sensors for HF and VHF, you transceivers, enable transmit sense in the menu as must switch the sensor cable to the active sensor as described in step 4 of Setup above when using needed.
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Page 38: Firmware Upgrades
P3 Utility. Versions of the between the computer and the K3. If you have Utility program are provided for PCs, Macs, and configured the P3 so you cannot turn it off with the Linux platforms. switch (see Configuration on page 38), P O W E R unplug the power connector on the P3’s rear panel. -
Page 39: Configuration
P O W E R powered from the auxiliary jack on a transceiver switch. such as the Elecraft K3 so the P3 turns on with the Pins 2 & 3: P3 turns on automatically when power transceiver. is applied to the rear panel connector. P3 may be... -
Page 40: Calibration Procedures
The Elecraft XG2 signal generator will provide the recommended output and frequency. Turn the transceiver and P3 on and allow Other power levels and frequencies within range of them to warm up for 30 minutes, minimum, your transceiver may be used. -
Page 41: Amplitude Calibration For Transverters
-72 have your P3 match its readings, you can adjust the dBm when using that input. P3 calibration as follows. A separate calibration... -
Page 42: Menu Functions
Tap the SELECT M E N U knob to select the displayed function. SELECT Basic P3 Menu Entry Default Description CENTER Toggles between “Off” and “On”. When “Off”is selected, the CENTER key does... - Page 43 38400 baud, but it is then restored to the value selected in this menu entry. Specifies the way the P3 responds to changes in SPAN. “Off” means do not change REF_LVL or SCALE when SPAN is changed. “REF LVL only” means change the SpanScale reference level to keep the noise level approximately constant.
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Page 44: P3Svga Option Menu
Allows changing among a list of transceivers. For transceivers not listed, it also Xcvr Sel allows selecting a user-defined transceiver or simply choosing the I.F. Calibrate the gain of the transceiving converters (transverters) used with the K3 XV Gain +25.0 (see page 40). -
Page 45: Transmit Monitor Menu
Sets the transmit data window size on the external display (see Adjusting the SVGA WinT Receive and Transmit Windows and Font Sizes on page 27). Macro (1-8) Assigns macro in memory locations 1 through 8 to a P3 function key. Transmit Monitor Menu Entry Default Description Switches between “Sensor Split Enabled”... -
Page 46: Troubleshooting
MENU entries to the default values shown in page 41. If you have a computer available to do configuration save and restore, run the P3 Utility program and use the Configuration function to save your present firmware configuration. Otherwise write down your function (FN) key assignments and MENU parameters you have set. -
Page 47: Theory Of Operation
+12 VDC input. The input power is approximately independent of the voltage, which means the lower the input voltage the higher the current. While the P3 will typically work with input voltages of less than 8 V, the current may exceed the 0.5 A specification at that voltage. -
Page 48: Parts List
In addition to the components below, this box contains this manual and the K3 I.F. Buffer Gain Modification kit consisting of an instruction sheet with a small envelope containing resistors attached. This kit should be installed on some K3’s for optimal P3 performance. See page 4 for details. P3 Side Panel Assembly – E850428... -
Page 49: P3 Misc Bag - E850433
P3 Rear Panel Assembly – E850431 ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. Rear Panel E100365 Hole Cover E100396 P3 Misc Bag - E850433 P3 Chassis Hardware – E850409 ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. 2-D Fastener E100078 L-Bracket E700073 Jackscrew Nut, 4-40 E700078 Screw, Pan Head, Zinc, 4-40 7/16”... - Page 50 RF Cable, BNC – BNC, 36” (91.5 cm) E980170 TMP Cable, 10” (25.4 cm) E850338 DE9 Cable M-F, 36” (91.5 cm) E980169 Retaining Clip E980228 Note: Some cables may have packages showing the original vendor’s part number instead of the Elecraft part number.
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Page 51: P3 Pcb Box - E850436
ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. Serial Number Label E850437 (in protective envelope) P3 Front Panel Board with LCD and Switch Matrix. IMPORTANT: Components on this board are easily E850426 damaged with careless handling. Leave it in its protective wrapping until instructed to remove it. -
Page 52: P3Svga Parts
P3SVGA Parts If you purchased the P3SVGA option with your kit, the following parts are included. ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. P3SVGA Circuit Board Assembly E850482 ESD Sensitive. Jackscrew Nut, 4-40 (may be mounted on E700078 the Circuit Board Assembly Connector) -
Page 53: Transmit Monitor (Tx Mon) Parts
Transmit Monitor (Tx Mon) Parts If you purchased the Transmit Monitor option with your kit, the following parts are included. ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION PART NO. TXMON PCB Assy E850387 ESD Sensitive W2 Sensor Cable RJ8 E850638 6' (183 cm) DCHF-200... -
Page 54: Kit Assembly Instructions
If you choose to use a soldering iron to work on your P3 for any reason, be sure your iron has an ESD- safe grounded tip tied to the same common ground used by your mat or wrist strap. -
Page 55: Tools Required
The circuit boards are mounted on the front and rear panels and interconnected by cables as shown in Figure 1. The enclosure uses Elecraft’s 2D fasteners at the corners of the panels which allow removing any combination of panels to gain access to the interior. - Page 56 If any parts are missing, contact Elecraft for a replacement (see, Customer Service and Support on page 12). Recommend you also keep the printed circuit board assemblies in their anti-static packaging until you are instructed to remove them.
- Page 57 Mount four 2-56 5/16” (7.9 mm) standoffs on the front panel display board as shown in Figure 4. Be sure to place one lock washer between the standoff and the pc board as shown. This lock washer is important to establish the proper height of the standoff.
- Page 58 Position the display board behind the front panel so all four standoffs line up with the holes in the panel. Be sure the buttons all pass through their respective holes in the panel. Place the plastic bezel over the display so its holes line up.
- Page 59 Mount a 2D fastener at the top of the front panel assembly as shown in Figure 7. Do not use a lock washer. The 2D fasteners must always be oriented so the wide side of the fastener is toward the outside as shown. Tighten the fastener only enough to hold it in place.
- Page 60 At the front end of the bottom cover, install the two feet and tilt stand as shown in Figure 9. Place the tilt stand with the ends inserted into the holes in the feet as shown before attaching the feet to the bottom cover. Use 4-40 7/16”...
- Page 61 Back Cover Locate the back cover. Check the area on the inside of the cover around each of the holes to ensure bare metal will contact the fasteners and connectors. The holes marked are not used unless you SENSOR KEYBOARD EXT.
- Page 62 Place a straight edge along the scored line on the hole cover and peel away the unwanted parts, depending upon which options you are installing. Figure 12 shows how to remove the covers from the KEYBOARD EXT. connector openings to install the P3SVGA option. DISPLAY AUX DATA If you have the TX Monitor option but not the P3SVGA, move the straight edge down...
- Page 63 Remove the I/O printed circuit assembly from its anti-static packaging and check to see if either of the two multi-pin connectors have jack screw nuts installed (see Figure 14). These are the nuts the jack screws on the connector shells screw into to secure them. If either connector has jack screw nuts installed, remove them. Figure 14.
- Page 64 If you have the P3SVGA board to install at this time, check the connector and remove the jackscrew nuts if present, just as you did for the I/O board connectors (Figure 14). Mount the P3SVGA board on the I/O board as shown in Figure 15.
- Page 65 If you have the TX Monitor option. install it as follows: Mount the two standoffs supplied with the option on the I/O board as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16. Mounting Tx Monitor Standoffs on the I/O Board. Mount Tx Monitor board on the I/O board as shown in Figure 17. Figure 17.
- Page 66 Installing the I/O Board Assembly Mount the I/O board on the rear panel with the connectors in the RS232 PC and XCVR holes as shown in Figure 18. It is held in place by the jack screw nuts as shown. CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the jack screw nuts.
- Page 67 Installing the RF Board Locate the RF Board, the four 7/16” (14.3 mm) inside tooth lock washers and the two 7/16” (14.3 mm) nuts. Mount the board on the rear panel as shown in Figure 19. Be sure two lock washers are between the BNC connectors and the inside surface of the rear panel and two lock washers are between the nuts and the rear panel as shown.
- Page 68 (see Figure 20). Figure 20. Clearance Notch in P3SVGA board. CAUTION: Severe damage to your P3 may occur if the 40-conductor ribbon cable is not oriented correctly and properly mated to the connectors as described in the following steps.
- Page 69 Mount the front panel assembly on the bottom cover end opposite the rear panel using a 3/16” (4.8 mm) pan head screw into each 2D fastener. Plug the free end of the ribbon cable into P504 on the I/O board or, if the P3SVGA board is installed, into P102 on the P3SVGA board.
- Page 70 Gather the ribbon cable into neat folds and place the clip on the cable to hold it in place as shown in Figure 23. The clip has ridges to grip the cable tightly. Use gentle folds. Avoid creasing the cable. Figure 23.
- Page 71 IMPORTANT: Ensure that all case screws are tight but do not over-tighten the screws. You can strip the threads or damage and scratch the screw heads. . Good electrical contact between the enclosure panels and the circuit boards is essential for proper operation. That completes the assembly of your P3 Panadapter kit.
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Page 72: Servicing The P3
When reassembling, be sure the 40-conductor ribbon cable is not twisted. The colored edge should go to the pins 1 and 2 end of the connectors on the circuit boards. Pins 1 and 2 are on the end nearest the bottom of the P3 when they are installed. -
Page 73: Replacing The Lcd Display
Replacing the LCD Display Remove the front panel board with the LCD display from the P3 front panel. Be careful not to damage the tiny transformers on the component side of the board (see Figure 2). Place the board on your work table with the top of the board nearest you.
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