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

[Dennis Ashworth]

Makes you wonder how K3/10 users fair running high duty cycle modes at full output. I’ve replaced two sets of LPF drivers running 10W WSJT on my K3/100. No more! Now I advance the power until the amplifier engages (~12W). Hopefully this reduces driver dissipation.

Dennis, K7FL 


> On Nov 21, 2019, at 5:15 PM, dgb <ns9i at bayland.net> wrote:
> 
> Thanks for the good info Keith - I quit using 12w yrs ago as one E'craft tech told me after the 1st one blew.
> 
> Also heard from another that I could turn the fans on all the time which should help as normally they are only on when you go to 13w and up.
> 
> Will play with them - t u 73 Dwight NS9I
> 
>>> On 11/21/2019 4:04 PM, Keith Trinity WE6R wrote:
>> You can play with the Config Menu watt meter calibration high and low numbers to get the switch-over point different.
>> IE where the Low power amp (LPA) switches to 100 amp (KPA3). This happens at 12W "indicated".
>> The two Calibration numbers are for all bands!
>> So; Go into config menu WMTR LP (below 12W) or HP (above 12W). (note 6 meters switches at 8W)!
>> Make a note of both numbers so you can put them back!
>> Extreme numbers to get the KPA3 to click in at lower actual power levels would be to set both for 180 (max).
>> You will have to use an external watt-meter to see what is going on as the K3 internal watt-meter readout is all out of calibration now!!
>> I just played with a radio and it switches over at about 7 watts with both numbers at 180
>> Have fun!
>> Keith WE6R
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