Related Manuals for ELECRAFT PX3
Summary of Contents for ELECRAFT PX3
- Page 1 LECRAFT ERFORMANCE ANADAPTER ’ WNER ANUAL Revision A5, May 22, 2015 Copyright © 2015, Elecraft, Inc. All Rights Reserved...
- Page 2 For Owners of the Elecraft K3 Transceiver and P3 Panoramic Display: The PX3 has nearly all of the same features as the P3, including the same high-resolution color display, 2 to 200 kHz SPAN, fast sweep rates, and eight programmable “hot keys” to do quick setup. The primary difference between the two is in the interface to the transceiver.
- Page 3 Contents If you purchased the PX3 Kit, go directly to page 38 to assemble your PX3 Key to Symbols and Text Styles ......4 Command Tester ........... 23 In the Box ..............5 Capturing Screen Displays ......23 Serial Data Cable ..........5 ...
- Page 4 Key to Symbols and Text Styles Identifies important information. Operating or kit assembly tip. Characters displayed on the LCD screen -100 Tap switch function (labeled above a switch) D I S P Hold switch function (labeled below a switch; hold for 1/2 sec. to activate) AV E R AG E Typical menu entry MENU:Font...
- Page 5 DC Power Cable (E850524) Connects the PX3 to your 9 to 16 Vdc power supply with tinned leads to connect to your power supply. Optionally you can purchase the PX3 DC Power Supply that plugs into a mains outlet as shown below. Order the (PWR121A-US).
- Page 6 Quick-Start Guide To get started using your PX3 right away, please read this page and the pages that follow, to connect your PX3 to your KX3 and explore the features and controls. Figure 1. PX3 Front Panel. Ensure your KX3 is equipped with Firmware version 2.19 or later: See your KX3 Owner’s Prepare your Manual for information about checking and updating the firmware if needed.
- Page 7 The Basics TAP AND HOLD: Most PX3 switches have two functions, similar to the KX3.Tap (press briefly) to activate the function labeled on the switch. Hold (press for 1/2 second) activates the function labeled below the switch. In the text, tap functions are shown like this:...
- Page 8 For example, Scale (dB): 60 means that the bottom of the display is 60 dB below the top (Page 13). Hold to turn on display averaging and allow adjustment of the averaging AV E R AG E time by turning the knob (Page 13). SELECT Figure 2. Basic KX3-PX3 Cabling.
- Page 9 When used with the KXPA100 Amplifier as shown here, the PX3 RS232 data rate must be set to 38400 baud (see menu entry RS232 on page 32). Figure 3. PX3 Signal Cabling with KXPA100 Amplifier and KX3 to KXPA100 Adapter Cable.
- Page 10 Features (page 23) fill in the details of the full capabilities of the PX3. PX3 Features The PX3 Integrates very closely with the Elecraft KX3 with point-and-click QSY and an “undo” feature with simple control press to return to the previous frequency. A number of advanced features enhance the PX3’s...
- Page 11 Front Panel This section describes all front panel controls and the liquid crystal display (LCD). Operating instructions are covered in later sections. Figure 4. PX3 Control Groups. Control Groups Primary Controls (see page 12): These switches Programmable Function Switches (see page 13):...
- Page 12 (Page 31). M E N U needed by the operator. All graphics and text are Figure 5. PX3 Display. Primary Controls turns the PX3 on or off. The PX3 may be knob. Tapping the knob SELECT SELECT P W R...
- Page 13 sets the frequency span of the display. The Menu S P AN available range is 2 kHz to 200 kHz. The start and stop frequencies are displayed at the top (left and accesses an alphabetical list of functions M E N U (see Menu Functions, page.31).
- Page 14 Side Panel Connectors Figure 6. PX3 Side Panels. See Figure 2 on page 8 or on page 9 for normal cable interconnections between the PX3 and KX3. The following describes the function and pin-out of each connector. Power: 9-16 VDC is a standard 2.1 mm barrel connector for dc power. The center pin is the positive (+) connection.
- Page 15 Power switch which has only the one function. The switch requires a hold to turn P W R the PX3 on but only a tap to turn the PX3 off. Initial Power-Up Figure 7. Typical Display Showing a Menu ...
- Page 16 Programmable Functions Adjusting the Frequencies Displayed Most menu functions can be assigned to any to adjust the range of frequencies that S P AN programmable function switch, FN1 to FN8 to can be seen on the display at one time. The start and allow quick access without using the menu.
- Page 17 To turn off a marker you must first make it active, if necessary, by tapping or holding M K R A M K R B Then tap or hold the switch a second time to turn off the marker. If some other function that uses the SELECT knob is activated, the marker stays on and automatically becomes active again (you can adjust...
- Page 18 You have the choice of enabling the text display blanker is enabled, appears near the upper right manually or having the PX3 automatically switch to corner of the display after you exit the menu. text display when in the KX3 is switched to CW or DATA modes.
- Page 19 The height of the waterfall can be adjusted with not be the case. One is that the PX3 is not affected . The function (FN) switch by the preamplifier and attenuator in the KX3 when...
- Page 20 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 PX3 so that the noise level is right at the bottom of...
- Page 21 ± 50 kHz (100 kHz total). If you enter fixed-tune mode with a wider span set, the span will be reduced automatically to ± 50 kHz. The frequency resolution of the PX3 display depends in part upon the relationship between the Figure 15. Typical Interference Display.
- Page 22 When you QSY the much wider bandwidth. transceiver using MKR A or MKR B on the PX3, where the marker is set is the frequency the KX3 is a shot of a local AM broadcast station, Figure 16 will go to.
- Page 23 P W R Capturing Screen Displays to put the PX3 in Boot Loader mode to force a firmware download. To cancel Boot Loader mode, Click on the utility program Capture Image tab grab remove power from the PX3.
- Page 24 When using an external transverter with the KX3 you may need to change the direction of the tuning so the frequency displayed is correct. To configure the PX3 so the displays moves as expected, select , tap the MENU:XV Invert...
- Page 25 You can upgrade both PX3 and KX3 firmware connection between the computer and the KX3. If through the same connector on the PX3. Simply you have configured the PX3 so you cannot turn it turn the PX3 off before using the KX3 Utility off with the...
- Page 26 PX3 contains a built-in signal generator that is suitable or you can use an external signal generator such as the Elecraft XG3. If you use the built in signal generator in the PX3, set up the equipment with a coupling wire to introduce signal into the KX3 antenna as shown on page 30.
- Page 27 Before changing any settings, record the current amplitude and phase values in the initial settings columns for each band. You can use Configuration Backup in the PX3 Utility program (see page 23) or write the values on Table 1. This is important in case you want to return to the factory defaults. Tap the...
- Page 28 If you haven’t done so already, connect your signal generator to the KX3 BNC antenna connector or set up the PX3 to use the internal signal source as shown on page 30. Set the signal generator for about -40 dBm output (if you are using the XG3 set it for -33 dBm output). If using the PX3 internal signal source, you can adjust the coupling to the KX3 antenna input for about -40 dBm as needed when you tune in the signal in the next steps.
- Page 29 If you have difficulty identifying the opposite sideband in the noise, momentarily unplug the I/Q connector to the PX3. That will cause the opposite sideband to be as strong as the main signal so you can identify exactly where it is on the display. Be sure to replace the connector before continuing with the adjustments.
- Page 30 12 inches (30 cm) long. About 20 or 22 gauge will fit nicely. Pass it through the side panel opening in the PX3 and through opening in J103 as shown in Figure 20. Do not remove the insulation and do not push it through so far the exposed conductors at the cut end might contact components inside the PX3.
- Page 31 Tap the SELECT M E N U knob to select the displayed function. SELECT PX3 Menu Entry Default Description Cal Sig Enable/Disable Calibrator signal output. CenterEn When OFF, the CENTER key does not adjust the center frequency.
- Page 32 38400 baud, but it is then restored to the value selected in this menu entry. Specifies the way the PX3 responds to changes in SPAN. “Off” means do not change REF_LVL or SCALE when SPAN is changed. “REF LVL only” means change the reference level to keep the noise level approximately constant.
- Page 33 Some or All of the Spectrum Display is Magenta or Purple: This occurs when the filter bandwidth assigned to VFO B is nearly as wide as or even wider than the PX3 spectral display. The VFO B cursor/ bandwidth can be turned off using the VFO B menu entry.
- Page 34 I/O board is in the "always-on" position. While holding in the key, hold the switch for about 1/2second to turn the PX3 on. After L AB E L S P W R about 2 seconds, let go of the key.
- Page 35 In the case of a PC panadapter application, a sound card must be used and performance will only be as good as the ADC used on the sound card. The PX3’s ADC is very high performance, resulting in a low noise floor, and the supplied cables are very short to minimize noise pickup.
- Page 36 Figure 22. PX3 Simplified Block Diagram. The input to the PX3 is a pair of signals from the KX3 transceiver that represent the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of the received RF signal. These signals are also buffered and sent back out so you can connect them to a personal computer or other device for additional processing.
- Page 37 RS-232 Serial Interface Cable Your PX3 was furnished with a serial interface cable that uses an USB port on your computer. Optionally you can use a cable designed for an RS-232 port. You can order a cable from Elecraft. Order part number KXSER.
- Page 38 Use a grounded anti-static mat on your work bench. If you choose to use a soldering iron to work on your PX3 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 39 Parts List PX3 Front Panel Assembly Bag E850621 ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. Front Panel E100484SS Display Bezel E100479 Individually Wrapped Components ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. Right Side Panel E850618 Left Side Panel E850617 Rear Panel E850619...
- Page 40 ELECRAFT ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION QTY. PART NO. Serial Data Cable KXUSB PX3 Front Panel Board with LCD and Switch Matrix. E850624 Take ESD Precautions before handling this board. Do not remove the rubber band or protective film on the LCD until instructed to do so.
- Page 41 Hex Nut and Flat Washer (see note below) 1 set E700301 Knurled Nut (see note below) E700300 Note: If these items are not in the bag, you should find them on the connectors on the PX3 Front Panel and PX3 Power Supply boards.
- Page 42 All of the circuits are contained on two pc boards, the front panel board and the power supply board. Figure Figure 24 shows the inside of the assembled PX3 with the rear panel removed. The front panel board with the liquid crystal display (LCD) and switch matrix mounts in the top cover.
- Page 43 Remove the front panel display board from its anti-static packaging. Do not remove the rubber band, It is holding the LCD in place. Mount four 2-56 5/16” (7.9 mm) standoffs on the front panel display board as shown in Figure 25. 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 44 Place the front panel face up on your work table. Carefully remove the rubber band holding the LCD in place and prop the front panel board up on its top edge against your work table. Install the threaded nylon standoff on the board as shown in Figure 27. Tighten only until the standoff is snug. Do not over-tighten or you will strip the threads in the standoff.
- Page 45 Replace the LCD in the rubber matrix and lay the front panel board face up on your work table. Remove the thin plastic film over the LCD using a sharp edge to pick up one corner as shown in Figure 29 and then peel the plastic off of the LCD.
- Page 46 Hold the front panel board face up so the LCD does not become dislodged and place the front panel sheet metal and bezel over it as shown in Figure 31. Insert the front panel board from the back of the sheet metal, angling it as needed to fit past the narrow part of the panel.
- Page 47 Remove the power supply pc board from its packaging and mount it on the back of the front panel board as shown in Figure 33. Be sure the multi-pin connectors are properly lined up and fully mated as shown. The connectors fit very tightly.
- Page 48 23. By Figure 18 positioning the jumper, you can choose how the PX3 power switch behaves as described in the accompanying text. Unwrap the left side panel and clean the inside surface as needed in the five locations shown in Figure 35 If a hole is completely covered with tape, push a blunt tool through from the other side to break it loose.
- Page 49 Inspect the outside of the side panel to be sure there is a thin ring of bare metal around the ACC1 PC and ACC1 XVCR connector openings as shown in Figure 36. When the side panel is mounted, nuts on the connectors will press against the bare metal to properly ground the connector.
- Page 50 Mount the right side on the front panel assembly using two 4-40 1/4” (6.4mm) flat head screws just as you did the left side panel, but no connectors are mounted on this end. The one hole allows access to a connector inside the PX3.
- Page 51 Locate the two tilt legs and four rubber feet. Mount one rubber foot on each tilt leg as shown in Figure 40. The feet are held in place by friction. Be sure the feet are worked all the way onto each foot as shown. Figure 40.
- Page 52 Install the remaining two feet on the rear panel as shown in Figure 43. If the threaded holes have paint in them, clear the paint by running one of the 4-40 thumb screws through the holes first. Note that the remaining four holes are for future use.
- Page 53 Always loosen the rear thumb screws completely before adjusting the tilt feet. Failing to do may cause a thumbscrew to tighten as you move the foot, making it very hard to loosen later. Figure 45. Assembling the Enclosure. That completes the assembly of your PX3 Panadapter kit.
- Page 54 Servicing the PX3 CAUTION: The PC Boards inside the PX3 are ESD-sensitive. Wear an ESD-safe wrist strap or touch a metallic ground regularly at any time while working inside the PX3. See Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage on page 38 for more information.
- Page 55 Replacing the LCD Remove the front panel board with the LCD display from the PX3 front panel. Place the board on your work table with the top of the board nearest you. Arrange a book or other object about level with the key matrix against the bottom of the front panel board to support the LCD when you free it from the key matrix (see Figure 46).
- Page 56 2 kHz minimum, 200 kHz maximum Resolution Bandwidth: Span / 450, 8 Hz minimum Power Requirements: 9 to 16 VDC. Approximately 195 mA at 13.8 VDC (max. screen brightness) Weight: 12.7 oz (360 grams) Size: See Figure 48 below. Figure 48. PX3 Dimensions.
- Page 57 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...
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