[Elecraft] K3 Drive Levels and the SPE 1.3K-FA

[dgb]

Yes, but, that also attenuates receive. I know, not much but I need 
every fraction of a db on 80 and 160 for those weak ATNO's. Yes I know I 
could switch one in/out but, remoting adds another can of worms, 
especially when remoting.

I received some excellent advice from Fabio IK6ZER on the SPE reflector 
and think that will alleviate any further LPA problems. We'll see, I get 
the K3 back today.

Email me off-list and I will share that.

73 Dwight NS9I

On 11/21/2019 9:47 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
> Why not add a 1 dB or 2 dB attenuator in line at the input of the 
> amp?   That would allow for a bit higher drive power from the K3S.   
> Three carbon resistors will make a nice Pi attenuator.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
> On 11/21/2019 9:42 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
>> I have operated RTTY with my K3S in the 11 watt range not knowing 
>> that this was bad for the LPAs. It would be nice if the Elecraft 
>> K3/K3S would allow the option to turn on the 100 watt power amp and a 
>> lower power setting.
>>
>> John KK9A
>>
>> dgb ns9i wrote:
>>
>> I run a lot of rtty and digital with my K3. I always set the amp to the
>> mid range getting 8-900w out. It takes only 8-11 w drive from the K3 to
>> accomplish that.
>>
>> Note: SPE recommends to run the amp in Mid Range for digital operation.
>> When I first got the amp I made the mistake of running it in the high
>> range and melted the copper heat sink, which was not considered a
>> warranty repair, and was an expensive lesson learned.
>>
>> Over the  course of the 3 yrs. that I've owned the amp,  I have blown 4
>> LPA's in the K3 running it at 8-11w. With latest repair the tech
>> informed me that the "LPA is not rated for continuous duty at upper
>> power levels (like the digital Modes)" They suggested running 13w vs 11w
>> so the LPA wouldn't be used. If I do that it over-drives the SPE in the
>> mid-range.
>>
>> What is my suggested recourse?
>>
>> thanks 73 Dwight NS9I
>>
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