[Elecraft] K3 integration with SPE Expert 2K-FA

[Rick Tavan]

I've not used the SPE amps. Basic interfacing should be like any
third-party amplifier. For full integration, a la KPA500, check the manual
to see if it will decode band data or do RF-sensed band switching. If not,
you'll have to switch amplifier bands manually. Maybe another responder
will know.

You ask about SO2R and on that I do have some feedback on the SPE amps and
it's important. I looked into SPE's claim to support SO2R with a single
amp, something I've always fancied but never achieved. IMHO, the
implementation is brain dead. The amps have two rig connection, six antenna
connections, and a Rig 1/2 toggle input, which looks great on first glance.
But the switching connects the non-transmit rig to a special, dedicated,
receive-only antenna port labeled, ingenuously, "SO2R!" That means you
can't receive on any antenna that is ever to be used to transmit. You
effectively need a separate antenna for all reception on whichever radio is
not transmitting and if it's not an all-band antenna, you need external
switching among multiple, dedicated, receive antennas. Example: six
monoband antennas connected to Ports 1-6 on the amp. You can transmit on
Rig 1 or Rig 2 and the amp will automatically select the band-appropriate
antenna and connect it to the transmitting rig. But it simultaneously and
irrevocably connects the OTHER rig to the separate "SO2R" antenna port.
Maybe you want to do all such receiving on an all-band vertical?

I couldn't believe this when I read it so I called the importer and they
confirmed that cockamamie design. Of course, TWO Expert amps will work fine
in SO2R like any other amps, one connected to each rig. Use external
antenna switching via something like a Six Pak connected to the two amps'
ANT1 connectors. Pity, all that internal switching going unused.

GL & 73,

/Rick N6XI

On Wed, Dec 23, 2015 at 3:18 PM, Bill OMara via Elecraft <
elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> I looking for input on how well the K3 will integrate with the SPE expert
> 2K-FA?  I currently have the K3 integrated with the KPA-500 and the KAT-500
> and I'm very happy with how they work together but I'm not happy with the
> limited 500W output of the KPA-500.
>
>
>
> So, I looking to understand how the K3 will integrate with the 2K-FA in a
> single station set-up and in a SO2R set-up with two K3?
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
>
>
> 73 Bill  W4RM
>
>
>
> Please use W4RM at AOL.COM <mailto:W4RM at AOL.COM>  as my primary account
>
>
>
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-- 

Rick Tavan
Truckee, CA