[Elecraft] Question K3 ALC w/SPE Expert 1.3K-FA amp

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

FCC rules specifically prohibit an easily removed or bypassed input pad for 
exceeding the 15 dB gain limit.

Eric
elecraft.com

On 4/2/2015 10:30 PM, Igor Sokolov wrote:
> Joe,
> As I was told, they ship it with the pad at the input to meet FCC requirement 
> of  max 15db gain. But the pad can be easily bypassed. Just wonder, what is 
> the reason for such a requirement?
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <lists at subich.com>
> To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Friday, April 03, 2015 7:48 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question K3 ALC w/SPE Expert 1.3K-FA amp
>
>
>>
>>> This is because the software in the amp automatically reduces the
>>> power in the rig to the best output level for the amp (on the amp
>>> LOW=500W out= 3W drive, MID= 1000W out= 6W drive, HIGH = 1500W out =
>>> 9W drive). It works flawlessly. Actually, I could leave the power on
>>> the Pro III untouched, and the amp reduces the power accordingly.
>>
>> Is SPE shipping amplifiers that violate type acceptance or did you
>> modify that amplifier?  Any commercial amplifier sold in the US can
>> have a maximum gain of 15 dB.  Your Expert 1.3K-FA shows 22 dB -
>> nearly 6 dB above the limit.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>   ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 2015-04-02 10:34 PM, AB2E Darrell wrote:
>>> Hello all,
>>>         I am the proud new owner of a new K3. I am also the proud new owner 
>>> of an SPE Expert 1.3K-FA solid state amp, and I have a question for the 
>>> group regarding interfacing the K3 to the amp.
>>>
>>> My current setup is using my Icom 756 Pro III with the SPE Expert 1.3K-FA. 
>>> The recommended setup for Icom was to connect both the Relay and ALC cables 
>>> between the rig and amp. This is because the software in the amp 
>>> automatically reduces the power in the rig to the best output level for the 
>>> amp (on the amp LOW=500W out= 3W drive, MID= 1000W out= 6W drive, HIGH = 
>>> 1500W out = 9W drive). It works flawlessly. Actually, I could leave the 
>>> power on the Pro III untouched, and the amp reduces the power accordingly.
>>>
>>> My question for the group is, is there a way to allow the K3's output to be 
>>> controlled by the amp? I see the note on p27 about not using an amp to 
>>> control the K3's output, but wonder if there is a safe way to do it. For 
>>> instance, could the K3 be set to say 15W out on all bands via the menu, then 
>>> allow the amp to control the output via ALC for optimum drive?
>>>
>>> Any info and comments appreciated.
>>> 73 Darrell AB2E
>>>
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>
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