Operation, Installing the p3svga option board – Elecraft P3SVGA User Manual

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Operation

The P3 must have firmware version 01.10 or later installed. See Firmware Upgrades in your P3 Owner’s Manual
for information on how to check and upgrade your firmware if needed.

Connections

Connect the P3 directly to a 10 to 15 VDC power source capable of providing at least 700 mA. Do not power it
from the

12VDC OUT

power connector on the K3. That output is limited to 500 mA. In some cases the P3 with

the SVGA option enabled will work but the P3 may shut down unexpectedly when the K3’s 500 mA resettable
fuse protecting the

12VDC OUT

opens.

Connect your SVGA monitor to the EXT. DISPLAY connector on the P3.

Display Setup

Tap MENU and then turn the

SELECT knob to SVGA menu. Tap the

SELECT knob enter the sub-menu.

Set Resolution

Turn the

SELECT knob to SVGA res then tap the

SELECT knob again. Turn the

SELECT knob to

select the desired resolution.

SVGA Fill

In spectrum display, this setting fills the space below the spectrum line or leaves it open as you see on the P3
display. It does not have any effect on the waterfall display or the spectrum displayed on the P3’s internal
screen. Turn the

SELECT knob to SVGA fill then tap the

SELECT knob to toggle the fill on or off.

Display On/Off

The external display is activated automatically when the P3 is turned on. You can turn the external display off
or on from the SVGA sub-menu. Turn the

SELECT knob to SVGA en and then tap the

SELECT knob

again to toggle between SVGA on and SVGA off.

Installing the P3SVGA Option Board

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage

We strongly recommend you take the following anti-static precautions (listed in order of importance) to avoid
trouble:

 Leave ESD-sensitive parts in their anti-static packaging until you install them. The packaging may be a

special plastic bag or the component’s leads may be inserted in conductive foam. Parts which are
especially ESD-sensitive are identified in the parts list and in the assembly procedures.

 Wear a conductive wrist strap with a series 1-megohm resistor. If you do not have a wrist strap, touch a

ground briefly before touching any sensitive parts to discharge your body. Do this frequently while you
are working. You can collect a destructive static charge on your body just sitting at the work bench. DO
NOT attach a ground directly to yourself as this poses a serious shock hazard.