Expert Linears America EXPERT 1.3K-FA Quick Start Manual
EXPERT 1.3K-FA
1.3KW SOLID STATE FULLY AUTOMATIC LINEAR
AMPLIFIER
QUICK – START Guide
(June 2017)
SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
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This Guide written by:
Dr. Jeffrey A. Cantor, K1ZN
For
Expert Linears America LLC
Copyright Pending, 2017
SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
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Setting Up the SPE 1.3K-FA Amplifier
Rear Panel Connections
Connections to Get Started
o Connect your antenna(s) to one or more of the four SO-239 ANT connectors (# 1 on the Rear Panel).
o There is also a dedicated SO-239 available for SO2R (Single OP, 2 Rx’s) operating (#2).
o You may connect either one or two transceivers to the amplifier at INPUT 1 & 2 (#3 above).
o The SPE 1.3K-FA has four cooling fans on the rear. (#4). Another fan is inside.
o ALC, Relay and CAT control is provided for either 1 or 2 transceivers at #5 & #6 above.
- A dual RCA phono cable (provided) between the transceiver and the amplifier for relay must be connected at a
minimum; and an ALC connection is also highly recommended.
- CAT cable configuration for most transceivers is described in the SPE 1.3K-FA manual. Wiring from the CAT
connectors can include the ALC and RELAY control, can eliminate the need for the RCA phono cables.
o A good ground connection must be secured (#12 above). Braid or copper straps are best. Read other literature about
obtaining good grounds for RF, lightning and electrical safety. Lightning and RF grounds are important. Removing
Antennas from your amp when not is use can help. Also, using Coaxial Switches to route antennas to ground.
SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
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o The main power switch is located at position #10 above. It must be turned on first, prior to the Front Panel ON switch.
o Additional remote control and software updating can be done via the AUX, PORT and USB connections which are
discussed in the SPE 1.3K-FA Manual.
Front Panel Controls
o Pressing the ON button (#1 above) turns the unit on. However, note that the main ON/OFF switch, #11 on the Rear
Panel must first be set to ON.
o
Pressing the OFF button (#2 above) and holding it down for at least three seconds turns the unit off. This is the only
button requiring to be held for over three seconds.
Note the following:
- When OFF, only two direct connections are actuated:
- between INPUT 1 and ANT 1
- between INPUT 2 and SO2R
SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
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o Pressing the POWER button (#4 on Front Panel FP) switches the output power control level between “MAX/MID/
and LOW.“
o Pressing the OP button (#5 on FP) toggles back and forth between Standby and Operate.
Note the following:
- In STANDBY, all of the functions are activated (band change, antenna change, tuner control); but the
transmission is from the transceiver only (Barefoot).
- In OPERATE, all the functions are activated and the transmission is using the linear amplifier (QRO).
o Regulation of the exciter’s (transmitter) power can be automatically achieved through the ALC link. With the ALC
connected, the amplifier input power in OPERATE mode is automatically adjusted to the correct driving level for
the amplifier.
o In STANDBY, the exciter’s output will pass the output through the amplifier to the antenna that was selected.
The exciter’s power is set by its power output control. The exciter’s power output will be controlled by the
ampllifier’s ALC when the amplifier is in Operate. However, without the ALC connection, you have to manually
adjust the exciter power to correctly drive the amplifier in order to avoid damage. This is important as over
driving needs to be avoided at all times.
o
Pressing the SET button, only while in STANDBY, (#6 on FP) will activate the SET mode to program the
amplifier. This is described in this guide on page 8, and in detail on page 12, “Let’s Program the 1.3K-FA” section
of the SPE 1.3K-FA Operator Manual.
o
Pushing the INPUT button (#9 on the FP) allows selection of one of the two exciter inputs (SO-239) to the
amplifier. See Rear Panel diagram for Input 1 & Input 2. The CAT connectors will also control INPUT selection.
Keying on CAT 1 will activate INPUT 1. Keying on CAT 2 will switch the amplifier to INPUT 2.
SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
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o Pushing the BAND buttons switches bands manually (◄BAND (#10 on FP) downward in frequency/ BAND►
(#11 on FP) upward in frequency). The CAT interface setting, IN THE CAT MENU, MUST be set to “none” for this
button to actuate.
o
The ANT button (#12 on FP) switches the antennas that are programmed for a given band if multiple antennas
are programmed in the SET/ANTENNA menu.
o
Pushing the CAT button (#13 on FP) shows the current CAT interface setting. Pushing it twice shows the current
Software version. Updating the SW is not recommended unless recommended by your dealer or the factory.
o
Pushing TUNE button (#14 on FP) activates the automatic tuning process when the optional ATU is installed.
The YELLOW TUNE LED will come on, only in the STANDBY position and as long at there is NOT a “b” or “t”
next to the ANT number in the ANT box. EG: 1b or 1t will either “automatically bypass’ the ATU and not allow it
to be TUNED. Removal of the “b” or “t” is necessary in order for the ATU TUNE to function.
o
Pushing buttons (#15 – 18 on FP) (◄C C► ◄L L►) can be used for manual tuning when the optional ATU is
installed.
A Word about Antennas
High-power amplifiers require properly rated antennas, isolators, baluns, connectors, and feed line cables.
- A unique feature of this linear is that, it not only measures the SWR after the band pass filter matching, but
also the SWR of the system antenna and cable. This allows you to always evaluate your antenna system
despite the matching and the power applied, however:
o Without the ATU (option), always use antennas having SWR of 1.5:1 or less.
o With the ATU, the amplifier is able to overcome some mismatches of 3:1 SWR or more. As long as the ATU
matches the antenna to give a reading below 1.99:1 in the SWR box, the amplifier will operate. Between 1.7
and 1.99 the output of the amplifier is slightly lowered. At 2:1 the amplifier will switch out of Operate and exhibit
an alarm of High SWR.
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