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

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I learned my lesson running 12 to 15 watts or so having to replace the KPA3A twice.  I now run 20 to 25 watts driving my KPA500 to rated output.  Be it CW, SSB or digital modes.  Otherwise it is 100 watts when not running the KPA500.  Running conservative power doesn't get it. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 21, 2019, at 9:15 PM, Dennis Ashworth <dennisashworth49 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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