[Elecraft] Using tube transmitter with K3/KX3/K2 as receiver?

[Don Wilhelm]

Eric,

Although I am not certain why you would want to do that, it can be done 
- Elecraft gear offers seamless transceive operation all by itself, so I 
do not understand the fascination with an external tube type 
transmitter.  OTOH, if you really want to do that --

Arrange for external antenna switching between the transmitter and the 
receiver (that is common with tube transmitters and is built into some 
transmitters).

Use the RX input for the receiver (you will require the options that 
make the Elecraft gear RX antenna capable).
The above takes care of the antenna switching.

Turn the power control on the Elecraft transceiver to zero (or use TX 
TEST), and connect a dummy load to the Elecraft transceiver regular ANT 
output jack.  That will protect the Elecraft transceiver PA transistors 
in case of any fault.

Now, key the Elecraft transceiver at the same time as the tube 
transceiver, and the Elecraft receiver will be muted. during transmit.

Additional requirements such as spotting the transmit frequency are not 
included in the above, but that is the essentials for protecting the 
Elecraft transceiver while allowing it to be used as a receiver with a 
tube transmitter.  There is likely enough leakage through the antenna 
relay (switch) to allow spotting, but that depends on your exact 
implementation.  To Spot, remove the keying from the Elecraft 
transceiver so it is not muted while keying the tube transmitter.  I 
don't particularly recommend that procedure since it adds to the number 
of "tuner-uppers" on the air, and may result in "sliding VFOs" as well 
which is another irritation to other operators.  It all depends on the 
capabilities of the tube transmitter being used.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/22/2014 10:59 PM, eric norris via Elecraft wrote:
> Has anyone figured out how to use a tube transmitter while using a modern Elecraft transceiver as the receiver safely?  Is it possible?
> Thanks and 73,
> Eric WD6DBM