Johnny, It's definitely not "silk smooth." I am using a K3 with the SPE 1K-FA. Overall, I'm happy with the performance of the SPE amp with some changes. However, if you value QSK, be aware that QSK was not fixed until Rev 4 was released at the beginning of this year. Older SPE amps require a new F/W chip and a hardware PCB change. Still, the operation of the relays is extremely loud -- too noisy IMHO for enjoyable QSK. Older SPE amps will hot-switch, even at low keying speed.
It's possible to handshake the SPE amp and the K3 together to avoid hot-switching, but be prepared for CW timing problems that must be corrected with an external keyer. I devised my own silent, high-power QSK system using an Ameritron QSK-5 and a homebrew optically-coupled interface. A schematic can be seen on my QRZ.com page. http://www.qrz.com/db/W9AC Also, be prepared to see output power swing 10% based on the PA deck temperature. This is a problem I've seen with most solid-state amps, even amps that include temperature compensation circuitry. Finally, the rotational fans go through several steps as PA deck temperature changes, the last of which produces noise at a level that competes with an aircaft jet engine. The state-of-the art in PA deck cooling has a long way to go in order to match the best VT amps. Despite these issues, the SPE amp has been reliable and it takes quite a bit of mis-use to put it into a fault condition. 1KW is easily attained on all bands. Paul W9AC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Johnny Siu" <[email protected]> To: "Elecraft" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 9:58 AM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: SPE expert 1k-fa Hello Group, While KPA500+KAT500 are in the production plan, do any of you use SPE expert 1k-fa with your K3? How is the integration? Is it silk smooth? I am thinking whether I should get the SPE or wait for the KPA500+KAT500 which have been talking about for some years. Price of SPE here is US$3,800 so I am also thinking of the price differential with KPA500+KAT500. cheers, Johnny VR2XMC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
