Which Amp ?

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
22 messages Options
12
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Which Amp ?

Bob DeHaney
 I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My K3 at 10
Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
for about $35.00 here.  

Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
products.

Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Paul Baldock
One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I
owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB gain.

FCC 97.317 reads:
(2) Not be capable of amplifying the input
<https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=2&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF
power (driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as
the ratio of the input
<https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=3&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF
power to the output
<https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=4&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF
power of the amplifier where both power measurements are expressed in
peak envelope power or mean power.

OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but imporingt and/or
selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US rep.

- Paul  KW7Y

  At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:

>  I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My K3 at 10
>Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
>SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
>includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
>for about $35.00 here.
>
>Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
>freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
>tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
>products.
>
>Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Paul Baldock
In reply to this post by Bob DeHaney
One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I
owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB gain.

FCC 97.317 reads:
(2) Not be capable of amplifying the input RF power (driving signal)
by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the ratio of the input RF
power to the output RF power of the amplifier where both power
measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or mean power.

OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but importing and/or
selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US rep.

- Paul  KW7Y

  At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:

>  I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My K3 at 10
>Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
>SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
>includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
>for about $35.00 here.
>
>Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
>freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
>tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
>products.
>
>Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Roger D Johnson
In reply to this post by Bob DeHaney
I'm using the SPE 1.3K-FA at present but have a KPA-1500 on order. I like the idea
of automatically reducing the power out of the K3 to a preset value when the
KPA-1500
is turned on. I also like the idea of having a bit more "headroom". The 1.3K has a
1db compression point of about 1300 watts although it will put out 1500 if it's
pushed.

If anyone is interested in a lightly used 1.3K let me know. It doesn't have a built
in tuner but does have the newer more powerful transistor final. A good boost in
power over a KPA-500 at half the cost of a KPA-1500.

73, Roger N1RJ


______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Oliver Dröse
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
Bob is in Germany and Igor in Russia. They do not have the stupid FCC limits. ;-)

73, Olli - DH8BQA



> Am 24.07.2018 um 17:09 schrieb Paul Baldock <[hidden email]>:
>
> One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB gain.
>
> FCC 97.317 reads:
> (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=2&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power (driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the ratio of the input <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=3&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power to the output <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=4&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power of the amplifier where both power measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or mean power.
>
> OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but imporingt and/or selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US rep.
>
> - Paul  KW7Y
>
> At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>> I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>> including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My K3 at 10
>> Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
>> SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
>> includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
>> for about $35.00 here.
>>
>> Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
>> freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
>> tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
>> products.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Wes Stewart-2
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
Good grief.  The man said, "here in Germany."

On 7/24/2018 8:14 AM, Paul Baldock wrote:

> One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I owned for a
> very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB gain.
>
> FCC 97.317 reads:
> (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input RF power (driving signal) by more
> than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the ratio of the input RF power to the
> output RF power of the amplifier where both power measurements are expressed
> in peak envelope power or mean power.
>
> OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but importing and/or selling an
> illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US rep.
>
> - Paul  KW7Y
>
>  At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>>  I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>> including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift. My K3 at 10
>> Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
>> SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
>> includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
>> for about $35.00 here.
>>
>> Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
>> freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
>> tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
>> products.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Kjeld Holm
In reply to this post by Oliver Dröse
To the best of my knowledge tube amps require less airflow to keep cool.
Therefor less fan noise is to be expected.

I have had an Expert 1k-fa for a period - running 200W RTTY gave me headache
from the fan noise. Now I am running ACOM 2000A 500W without problems.

Vy 73 de OZ1CCM, Kjeld

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Paul Baldock
In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2
You are quite correct, I missed the German part of the call.
I apologize for assuming he was in the US. Same
answer though, in the USA the 23dB gain SPE amps are illegal.

- Paul KW7Y

At 10:03 AM 7/24/2018, Wes Stewart wrote:
>Good grief.  The man said, "here in Germany."

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Vic Rosenthal
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
The manual for the SPE 1.3K found on the Expert Linears website
indicates that gain is 14.5 dB, and the documentation states that it is
FCC approved.

It is possible that there is an internal attenuator that may be disabled
for amplifiers sold in countries that do not have a gain limit.

The comment about the US importer is unfair.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 24/07/2018 18:14, Paul Baldock wrote:

> One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I
> owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB
> gain.
>
> FCC 97.317 reads: (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input RF power
> (driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the
> ratio of the input RF power to the output RF power of the amplifier
> where both power measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or
> mean power.
>
> OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but importing and/or
> selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US
> rep.
>
> - Paul  KW7Y
>
> At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>> I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>> including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My
>> K3 at 10 Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I
>> have a K3, P3 with SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple
>> cable and coax.  SPE even includes the connector for making your
>> own cable or the cable can be bought for about $35.00 here.
>>
>> Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by
>> horrendous freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one
>> is imported. That tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold
>> in Germany, not just USA products.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Doug Turnbull
Dear OMs,
    I have both Acom 2000A and SPE Expert 2K-FA amps.    The advantage of
the SPE is that it is instant on, operates on six meters, has multiple
antenna inputs and does not generate as much heat in the shack.   Its
disadvantages are audible noise which for me is horrific and also I am
getting RF noise on six and ten meters which does not show up on the lower
bands.   Literally I see the S meter go up an S unit in noise when I push
the operate button.   The Acom 2000A is a valve amp and is quiet operating
without electrical noise.   It is more tolerant of higher SWR antennas such
as the SteppIR trombone on 30M - the SPE can generate hash on thirty meters
annoying other hams if I am not careful.   Generally, I prefer to use the
Acom 2000A but for HF DX I sometimes use the SPE Expert 2k just to avoid a
2.5 minute warm up.

     I am beginning to think that the new Elecraft KPA 1500 may be added to
the shack to replace the SPE amp.   I suspect the Elecraft amp is also quite
noisy compared to the Acom 2000A which uses valves.

                73 Doug EI2CN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Victor Rosenthal
Sent: 24 July 2018 19:11
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Amp ?

The manual for the SPE 1.3K found on the Expert Linears website
indicates that gain is 14.5 dB, and the documentation states that it is
FCC approved.

It is possible that there is an internal attenuator that may be disabled
for amplifiers sold in countries that do not have a gain limit.

The comment about the US importer is unfair.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 24/07/2018 18:14, Paul Baldock wrote:

> One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I
> owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB
> gain.
>
> FCC 97.317 reads: (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input RF power
> (driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the
> ratio of the input RF power to the output RF power of the amplifier
> where both power measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or
> mean power.
>
> OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but importing and/or
> selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US
> rep.
>
> - Paul  KW7Y
>
> At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>> I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>> including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My
>> K3 at 10 Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I
>> have a K3, P3 with SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple
>> cable and coax.  SPE even includes the connector for making your
>> own cable or the cable can be bought for about $35.00 here.
>>
>> Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by
>> horrendous freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one
>> is imported. That tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold
>> in Germany, not just USA products.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Paul Baldock
In reply to this post by Vic Rosenthal
I know SPE have an FCC report saying they meet the 15dB spec, but
that was certainly is not what SPE USA sent me.

When I received my 1.5K it was 21dB gain. I polled a few of the other
new owners and they all reported around 21dB gain. Some 1.3K owners
also reported the same high gain. To be honest most of the users that
contacted me were happy with the higher gain as they were using them
with QRP rigs like the KX3.

I wanted a 15dB amp so that I could easily switch between the amp
and  my ACOM 2000 with a true 14.5dB gain

The SPE manuals are specific in saying use ALC to control the power.
At that time  I was following the  SPE1.5K reflector, and many users
were doing what they were told, that is  turn the rig up to 200W and
let it fly. So many would not notice the drive power. Would you do
that? Certainly not me?

Fortunately SPE USA took my 1.5K back for a full refund, and I
ordered the KPA1500.

- Paul KW7Y



At 12:10 PM 7/24/2018, Victor Rosenthal wrote:

>The manual for the SPE 1.3K found on the Expert Linears website
>indicates that gain is 14.5 dB, and the documentation states that it is
>FCC approved.
>
>It is possible that there is an internal attenuator that may be disabled
>for amplifiers sold in countries that do not have a gain limit.
>
>The comment about the US importer is unfair.
>
>73,
>Victor, 4X6GP
>Rehovot, Israel
>Formerly K2VCO
>CWops no. 5
>http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
>
>On 24/07/2018 18:14, Paul Baldock wrote:
>>One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I
>>owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB
>>gain.
>>FCC 97.317 reads: (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input RF power
>>(driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the
>>ratio of the input RF power to the output RF power of the amplifier
>>where both power measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or
>>mean power.
>>OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but importing and/or
>>selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US
>>rep.
>>- Paul  KW7Y
>>At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>>>I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>>>including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My
>>>K3 at 10 Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I
>>>have a K3, P3 with SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple
>>>cable and coax.  SPE even includes the connector for making your
>>>own cable or the cable can be bought for about $35.00 here.
>>>Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by
>>>horrendous freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one
>>>is imported. That tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold
>>>in Germany, not just USA products.
>>>Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Joe Subich, W4TV-4
In reply to this post by Oliver Dröse

On the other hand, the SPE is no cleaner in Germany or Russia than it is
in the US.  SPE is one of the dirtiest amateur amplifiers ever submitted
for FCC approval and the IMD tests were only performed at about 50% of
maximum output power.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2018-07-24 12:51 PM, Oliver Dröse wrote:
> Bob is in Germany and Igor in Russia. They do not have the stupid FCC limits. ;-)
>
> 73, Olli - DH8BQA
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Roger D Johnson
I have the report. 3rd order IMD ranges from approx 31 to 35db at 1000 watts
output. Not terrible but not spectacular either. I really wish they had tested
it at rated power (1300 watts). I might be very different at that point!

73, Roger


On 7/24/2018 4:03 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> On the other hand, the SPE is no cleaner in Germany or Russia than it is
> in the US.  SPE is one of the dirtiest amateur amplifiers ever submitted
> for FCC approval and the IMD tests were only performed at about 50% of
> maximum output power.
>
> 73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2018-07-24 12:51 PM, Oliver Dröse wrote:
>> Bob is in Germany and Igor in Russia. They do not have the stupid FCC limits. ;-)
>>
>> 73, Olli - DH8BQA
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

W8JH
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
Paul,

Your statement is completely incorrect and unfair.  I quote:
"importing and/or selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot
about the US rep."  The flaw in your logic is simply that they are not
importing illegal amps.  This also may be news to you but US hams ARE
allowed to use an amp with more than 15db gain.

FWIW as the amps are imported they are NOT capable of greater than 15db gain
and are completely legal.  

The amps CAN BE modified after import to provide greater gain.  The US rep
and his wife are nice people an do not deserve that comment.  Should you
ever go to the Dayton Hamvention stop by and talk with them as I do each
year.  I have no affiliation with them.  I sincerely hope your accusation
presented as fact is just due to ignorance of the facts and I hope to help
here.

Also note that it is a not so well kept secret that the Elecraft KPA-500 can
also be modified to provide much greater than 15db gain as well.  That does
not make Elecraft criminals either and I would also dispute any claim to the
contrary in their defense also.

I greatly enjoy my 10W K3s and KX3 when I use them with either my
KPA-500/KAT-500 or my SPE-1.3Kfa.  I also use them in a legal and
responsible fashion to keep a clean signal on the air.  Others should feel
free to do the same whether they operate under antiquated FCC regs or happen
to live in any other country.  For non US hams I can only imagine how you
must view this tempest in a teapot we live with.

73,

Joe, W8JH



-----
73,

Joe, W8JH
K3 1713, KPA 132, KX3 7498
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
73,

Joe, W8JH

K3s, KPA 500, KAT 500 and  KX3 happy user.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Igor Sokolov-2
In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4
Joe,

I do not know where the info about SPE being dirty comes from. If it is
that bad, then why FCC had approved it?

If it is that bad, how do I manage  to use it with two radio on the same
band and spacing of 3-5 kHz using two antennas separated 200 meters?

Last year we had 2 combo of K3 and SPE 1.3 running in Field day contest.
Both amps where fed from the same generator and we could easily run SSB
and CW on the same band when antennas were separated less then 200
meters. May be other amps are even cleaner but what SPE does is more
then enough to me.

After all, IMD of 1.3K-FA measured by ARRL (Third-order intermodulation
distortion (IMD): 3rd/5th/7th/9th (14 MHz, 1300 W PEP):   
–31/–39/–57/–55 dB.)  is quite on par with IMD of K3 itself (Third-order
intermodulation distortion (IMD) 3rd/5th/7th/9th order (worst case
band):    HF, –29/–43/–46/–51 dB PEP; ) and pretty close to KPA 500
(Third order intermodulation distortion (IMD): 3rd/5th/7th/9th:
34/53/46/54 dB below    PEP (14 MHz, 500 W PEP output).


73, Igor UA9CDC


25.07.2018 1:03, Joe Subich, W4TV пишет:

>
> On the other hand, the SPE is no cleaner in Germany or Russia than it is
> in the US.  SPE is one of the dirtiest amateur amplifiers ever submitted
> for FCC approval and the IMD tests were only performed at about 50% of
> maximum output power.
>
> 73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2018-07-24 12:51 PM, Oliver Dröse wrote:
>> Bob is in Germany and Igor in Russia. They do not have the stupid FCC
>> limits. ;-)
>>
>> 73, Olli - DH8BQA
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Paul Baldock
In reply to this post by W8JH
At 03:19 PM 7/24/2018, W8JH wrote:


>FWIW as the amps are imported they are NOT capable of greater than 15db gain
>and are completely legal.

Well, FWIW I purchased a brand new SPE 1.5K amp from Bob the importer
and distributor. The gain was measured to be around 21dB. As it did
not meet the published spec which I requested, Bob agreed to take it
back for a full refund including shipping. I didn't say he wasn't a nice guy.

And now, enough about SPE on the Elecraft reflector.

- Paul KW7Y

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Don Wilhelm
In reply to this post by W8JH
OK, I will get a bit into this fray before it is closed.

My understanding --

Any *manufactured* amplifier that is sold in the US (by a manufacturer
or distributor) must have 15dB or less gain.
Also there must not be a simple way to modify it to a greater gain.
That is the way I read the FCC rules.

BUT any amateur may build an amplifier with greater gain for himself,
and can sell the same at a hamfest or other flea markets without
restriction.  But he cannot be a manufacturer or distribute multiple
amplifiers of that type.

So it is perfectly legal to sell an individual amplifier with greater
than 15dB gain - it is NOT legal to do so on a commercial basis.

So, if the stock SPE amplifiers being sold in the US have greater than
15dB of gain as they come from the manufacturer or distributor, they are
not legal for sale in the US.
Other countries do not have similar restrictions.

I will not post further on this topic.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/24/2018 6:19 PM, W8JH wrote:

> Paul,
>
> Your statement is completely incorrect and unfair.  I quote:
> "importing and/or selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot
> about the US rep."  The flaw in your logic is simply that they are not
> importing illegal amps.  This also may be news to you but US hams ARE
> allowed to use an amp with more than 15db gain.
>
> FWIW as the amps are imported they are NOT capable of greater than 15db gain
> and are completely legal.
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
On 7/24/2018 12:43 PM, Paul Baldock wrote:
> The SPE manuals are specific in saying use ALC to control the power.

In general, doing that is a recipe for high IMD, which means splatter
and clicks.

ALC is fine as "belt and suspenders" protection for the amplifier's
output stage. There are also issues with poorly designed rigs that
produce overshoots at the beginning of TX when run below max output.
W8JI has good info about this on his website. AFAIK, Elecraft rigs do
not have a serious problem with this, although I do see a few dB when
changing power on my K3.

73, Jim K9YC

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Rick Reynolds
I appreciate all of the input on the amps. Lots of good info and more info
to think about. All of those mentioned are good products and since I have
elecraft products now that adds to my decision. Again, thanks to everyone
and I would like to close this thread. Lots of sub topics that people can
open under those topics.

73's Rick NJ5W

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 7/24/2018 12:43 PM, Paul Baldock wrote:
>
>> The SPE manuals are specific in saying use ALC to control the power.
>>
>
> In general, doing that is a recipe for high IMD, which means splatter and
> clicks.
>
> ALC is fine as "belt and suspenders" protection for the amplifier's output
> stage. There are also issues with poorly designed rigs that produce
> overshoots at the beginning of TX when run below max output. W8JI has good
> info about this on his website. AFAIK, Elecraft rigs do not have a serious
> problem with this, although I do see a few dB when changing power on my K3.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Which Amp ?

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Paul Baldock
Good for Hong Kong, we don’t have such FCC requirements.

73 Johnny VR2XMC

從我的 iPhone 傳送

> Paul Baldock <[hidden email]> 於 2018年7月24日 23:09 寫道:
>
> One point to note is that your SPE1.3K and the SPE1.5K amplifier I owned for a very brief period are illegal 1300W/10W = 130 = 21dB gain.
>
> FCC 97.317 reads:
> (2) Not be capable of amplifying the input <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=2&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power (driving signal) by more than 15 dB gain. Gain is defined as the ratio of the input <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=3&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power to the output <https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=a6aa6634efb5c06c4db995672c0530c6&term_occur=4&term_src=Title:47:Chapter:I:Subchapter:D:Part:97:Subpart:D:97.317>RF power of the amplifier where both power measurements are expressed in peak envelope power or mean power.
>
> OK, so you like the extra gain for the amp, but imporingt and/or selling an illegal amp is illegal. That tells you a lot about the US rep.
>
> - Paul  KW7Y
>
> At 07:50 AM 7/24/2018, Bob DeHaney wrote:
>> I'm like Igor, the SPE 1.3K fulfills my needs and it's one package
>> including P/S and ATU that I as a 78-year-old can easily lift.  My K3 at 10
>> Watts out drives it to full output!!  That's gain!!  I have a K3, P3 with
>> SVGA and the integration with the K3 is a simple cable and coax.  SPE even
>> includes the connector for making your own cable or the cable can be bought
>> for about $35.00 here.
>>
>> Unfortunately, the KPA1500 is handicapped here in Germany by horrendous
>> freight charges and 19%!! Value Added Tax on top if one is imported.  That
>> tax by the way, is on virtually everything sold in Germany, not just USA
>> products.
>>
>> Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD/WU5T
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
12