INTERCONNECTION WITH THE TRANSCEIVER ................13 USE OF THE LINEAR AMPLIFIER ....................... 14 SO2R (Single Operator Two Radio ) ..................... 15 Band-Pass Filters Set “SPE BPF1” ....................16 QSK (Full Break-In) Operation ....................... 18 Tunable Antenna Control......................18 Setting Up a Single Antenna for Reception ..................20 Two Possible Sets of Antennas ......................
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 14.1 Icom CI-V Interface ........................48 14.2 RS232 Interface ..........................49 14.3 5V TTL Kenwood Interface ......................49 14.4 5V TTL Yaesu Interface ......................50 USE OF THE USB / RS232 PORTS ....................51 15.1 Remote Control ........................... 52 15.2...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Congratulations for choosing the SPE EXPERT 1.5K-FA solid state linear amplifier. It is small, powerful, covers all the amateurs bands from 1.8 to 54 MHz including WARCs and, where permitted, is able to work on 5 MHz (60 m.) and 70 MHz (4 m.), completely automatically and remotable.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA WARNING! Before using the linear amplifier, compare the value of voltage of the local mains supply network with the value required by the amplifier. WARNING! DO NOT turn ON the linear amplifier unless it has been properly grounded through the GND conductor of the mains cord.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA If you do not use the linear amplifier for long time, set the back main switch [I/O] to the OFF position [O]. Information for Users on Collection and Disposal of Old Equipment and used Batteries. These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used electrical and electronic products and batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA UNPACKING Remove the packing and carefully check the contents. Please look closely for the plastic pouch containing cables, fuses and connectors inside the box for your linear amplifier. If you find any damage or if there are any parts missing, contact your distributor/dealer immediately.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA PANEL DESCRIPTION Front Panel 1) ON turns on unit. 2) OFF turns off unit when held down for three seconds. 3) DISPLAY toggles between display pages. 4) POWER switches output power from “MAX / MID / LOW“.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Rear Panel 1) ANT connectors for four available antennas. 2) SO2R connector for SO2R operations. 3) INPUT connectors to connect two exciters. 4) FANS 5) IN 1 ALC, RELAY, CAT connectors for exciter 1. 6) IN 2 ALC, RELAY, CAT connectors for exciter 2.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA GENERAL INFORMATION (Read the specific chapters for more details). Power supply The amplifier uses a switching power supply that will automatically adapt to any voltage that is between 100 and 255 Vac. The main switch [I/O] is located on the rear panel.
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All modern transceivers have CAT control. In older models, often the analog or digital information is sent for changing bands. The SPE Expert 1.5K-FA, thanks to an efficient frequency counter, constantly monitors and verifies data coming from the transceiver.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA INTERCONNECTION WITH THE TRANSCEIVER The diagram shows the connections with one transceiver only. To connect the second transceiver, repeat the same connections using the port “IN 2“. For the ALC and RELAY connections, use the shielded cable (supplied) with phono RCA connectors.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA USE OF THE LINEAR AMPLIFIER Block diagram. The position of the contacts, as shown in the diagram, is the situation of the linear amplifier in the OFF state. The linear amplifier can be used in the following way:...
RTX1 and RTX2.. A careful design is needed to avoid such a harmful situation which could be devastating for the receivers. This possibility is available with the optional external unit "SPE SO2R1" according to the following diagram. Pag. 15 of 88...
In this case the amplifier is connected to a single transceiver (INPUT 1 or INPUT 2). "SPE BPF1 automatically selects the filter on the band to be used in the input where the transceiver is connected, while the other unrelated input is left unused.
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EXPERT 1.5K-FA 2) Contest SO2R. In this case the amplifier is connected to two transceivers and two "SPE BPF1" in order to automatically select the right filters in the output of both the transceivers. These features can be possible, as well, with the simultaneous use of the unit "SPE SO2R1, (use the AUX port with a Y cable).
- Simplification of wiring, such as the complication of adding additional wiring to the CAT connector is not necessary now. - Compatibility with all types of CAT: The Expert 1.5K-FA converts the CAT protocol, so two different transceivers (CATs) can be used simultaneously with the same controller.
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The link is configurable for any position (ANT 1,2,3,4) you want use. If you have several tunable antennas (up to 4) with their controllers, the optional unit "SPE CBU1" is needed according to the following diagram: Pag. 19 of 88...
In some cases it may be necessary to transmit with an antenna and receive with a more appropriate one. A unique feature allows the Expert 1.5K-FA to set a receiving antenna and to control its automatic switching after a transmission starts.
Can also be used on 5 MHz and 70 MHz Where permitted, the Expert 1.5K-FA can provide the full power on 5 MHz (60 m.) and 300 W, with about 10 W input, on 70 MHz (4 m.).
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA EXTERNAL GROUND CONNECTION WARNING! Before connecting an external ground as described below, check with a qualified electrician that your national wiring codes permit such a connection. To reduce TVI, BCI and other RF problems it is best to connect the amplifier to a good RF ground.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA ANTENNA Because this is a high-power amplifier, it is necessary to use properly rated antennas, connectors and feed line cables. Take special care with antennas using baluns and traps, because balun and/or trap warming can occur during periods of high-power transmission and a high SWR most likely will result.
POWER SUPPLY (PSU) The power supply of the SPE Expert 1.5K-FA, unique in its category, is switching with a PFC (Power Factor Correction) that allows a drastic reduction of the harmonic components in the mains in accordance with IEC555-2, that consists of two sources.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA TUNER (ATU) The amplifier has an automatic tuner that handles load mismatches up to 3:1 VSWR (2.5:1 for 6 m). The amplifier contains a look-up table with all the permitted bands. For tuner management, antenna data and other working data are stored.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Note: The tuner, like all analog circuits, introduces a loss (0.8 dB max.) that may vary with tuning conditions. The power meter of the amplifier does not show this loss as the power is measured at the tuner input where the load resistance is always constant (50 ohm).
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA PROTECTIONS / ALARMS The SPE EXPERT 1.5K-FA has a sophisticated protection system that constantly monitors and controls the amplifier’s most important parameters. The main parameters are: Temperature of the heatsink: max. / min. voltage on the PA; max. PA current; SWR;...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA PROGRAMMING The three keys: [SET], [◄▲] and [▼►], allow programming the amplifier. They can be used in the following way: [SET] Use it to open a menu page, to validate choices and to exit from a menu page.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA working either in the “OPERATE” or in the “STANDBY” mode and there is no transmission in progress. If you want to bypass the Tuner on a certain band and for a certain antenna, just press the [TUNE] key and you will see a "b" next to the box.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA tuning is very unlikely. Set your exciter to transmit a continuous RTTY or CW signal. Then press the [◄ L], [L ►], [◄ C], [C ►] keys until you obtain the minimum SWR. The operating frequency and the sub-band are also shown on the Display.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA INITIAL OPERATION OF THE AMPLIFIER Before turning ON the amplifier, read this manual with care. The following preliminary operations are necessary: 1) Be sure that the mains voltage is within the proper range of the amplifier’s power supply requirements.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Similarly, if “BAND DATA“ is connected, check that the amplifier follows band changes of the transceiver. If it does not do so, then verify that your programming (or your link) has been correctly made. c) Use of the Automatic Tuner (Internal ATU) To complete the programming it is necessary to match the antennas to the amplifier by operating the “TUNE“...
ALC and CAT links are highly recommended to be used. If ALC is not used, SPE reminds you that it is better to lose a fraction of dB in transmitted power, by slightly reducing the driving power, than to over drive the amplifier and have a poor quality transmission.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA monitor your transmission closely to check that the “MIC GAIN” setting is correct. Note: If you choose to set the output power of the amplifier by varying the output power of the transceiver, the ALC connection may not be needed.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA CONNECTIONS 12.1 CAT Connector The pin outs are shown in the schematic below. The connections are the same for our 1K-FA, 1.3K-FA and 2K-FA amplifiers. pin n. pin name Description RX 232 Used on KENWOOD and YAESU transceivers for the link with a TX 232 RS-232 connection.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 12.2 Icom CAT CI–V Interface RX TTL RADIO CONNECTOR DB15 M This interface is standard for all the Icom models equipped with CAT. The cable always Term_1.5Kinates into a 3.5 mm. mono plug. It is possible to use a stereo plug according to the figure above.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 12.3 Kenwood CAT RS232 Interface RX 232 TX 232 RX 232 (RXD) (TXD) TX 232 RADIO CONNECTOR DB15 M The Radio connector could be DB-9 or DB-25 male connector or female connector (read the specific manual). In the manual, also verify if the RTS–CTS link is necessary.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 12.4 Yaesu CAT RS232 Interface RX 232 TX 232 TX 232 (RXD) (TXD) RX 232 RADIO CONNECTOR DB15 M The radio connector may be a DB-9 or DB-25 male connector or female connector (read the specific manual). Verify from the manual if the RTS–CTS link is necessary.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA BAND DATA Interface BAND A BAND A BAND B BAND B BAND C BAND C BAND D BAND D RADIO CONNECTOR DB15 M Using Band Data, instead of CAT, use the four digital signals (Band A, Band B, Band C, Band D) from the transceiver.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA ALC with Flex-Radio. Since all Flex-Radio equipments has no an analog ALC input, the maximum power limits for the transceiver must be programmed in order to avoid the EXPERT’s overdrive protection system intervention. These settings have to be done while in OPERATE Mode according to the following.
A special link is not necessary as the internal amplifier frequency counter will measure the input frequency and will control the amplifier. Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of hardware interfacing. Pag. 41 of 88...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA OTHER CONNECTIONS On the CAT connector, in addition to the CAT signals, the ALC and RELAY signals are repeated. REMOTE ON, /TX–INH, TX–INH are also available. If you use this connector to connect the ALC and RELAY lines, the separate phono cables are not recommended.
All modern transceivers have a delay before the transmission to allow the linear to stabilize their relays avoiding damage to the contacts as a result of "Hot Switching". The Expert 1.5K-FA has a settling time of less than 6 msec compatible with all modern transceivers (see the manual of the transceiver).
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA /TX-INH Link Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of hardware interfacing. Pag. 44 of 88...
INPUT 2 0 = TX state 1 = RX state + 12 Vcc OUT + 12 VDC 0.2 A max. Each output is an open collector. Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of hardware interfaces. Pag. 45 of 88...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 13.5 PORT Connector This connector provides: a) Data about the ANT port in use (each output is open collector). b) RS 232 port for connection to a controller of a tunable antenna. c) RS 232 port for remoting use (as an alternative of USB port).
If the transceiver is controlled with a PC using the CAT utility, the link with the amplifier can be made as described in the following paragraphs. Note: BEWARE, SPE assures only the direct connection between the Linear and the transceiver.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 14.4 5V TTL Yaesu Interface YAESU RADIO CONNECTOR RX TTL TX TTL TTL INTERFACE DB15 M Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of hardware interfaces. Pag. 50 of 88...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA USE OF THE USB / RS232 PORTS Through the USB / RS232 ports on the rear panel it is possible to interface the amplifier with a PC. Two features are possible: a) To remote the linear.
This software allows the same operation as when standing in front of the amplifier. See “Appendix 1” on this manual. 15.2 Download The sophisticated design of the Expert 1.5K-FA allows you to download any new versions of Software from the following site: www.linear-amplifier.com Please follow the easy and intuitive steps on “Appendix 1”.
EXPERT 1.5K-FA MAINTENANCE The Expert 1.5K-FA linear amplifier does not need internal maintenance because it has a cover without ventilation holes. Since HV tubes are not used, the natural attraction to dust is eliminated. Therefore the user only needs to periodically check and clean the air filter on the front panel.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA CHARACTERISTICS / SPECIFICATIONS - The smallest in its class: Built-in Power supply and Automatic Antenna Tuner.. Dimension: L 28, H 12, P 38 cm (11.02” W,. 4.72” H, 14.96” D) (connectors included). Approx. weight about 9,5 Kg (20.9 lbs).
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA - Very clean and low distortion output: Spurious emissions FCC compliant. 3rd order distortion (two tone test) from -30 to -35 dB typ. - Input 50 ohm always perfectly matched: The same protection is realized in two different ways: ·...
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA DIAGNOSTICS. During normal operation, this sophisticated monitoring system continuously monitors several measurements directly acquired from internal test-points. When a dangerous situation occurs, a “serious” alarm message is raised and the amplifier is switched from OPERATE to STANDBY.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA APPENDIX 1 - REMOTE CONTROL Overview: With reference to that described in Section 15. “USE OF THE USB / RS 232 PORTS”, this appendix contains the following sections: SW installation Term_1.5K_USB.exe usage Term_1.5K_232.exe usage Firmware update The host PC must have a minimum of a correctly installed Windows XP operating system, or a newer release of Microsoft’s operating system such as Windows Vista,...
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The default destination folder is good for this use, so complete this operation by using the E xtract key as shown in the picture above. This step reveals a new uncompressed folder, having the same name of the original compressed one contained in the installation package.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Once opened, the C:tmp\Term_1.5K_Package_1_0 folder will show the following contents: Where: FT_232_RL is a folder containing the USB drivers and an automatic installation program, which must be run just once to prepare the operating environment which sorts out everything needed, such as the USB drivers and their support files on the Windows host system.
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The next step is to connect the PC and the EXPERT 1.5K-FA by using the equipped USB cable and waiting for the identification of the newly created USB connection.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The USB port installation and its setting is now complete. Now that this fundamental step has been successfully completed, the application Term_1.5K_USB.exe remote control application can be launched. this purpose back-step starting uncompressed folder Term_1.5K_Package_1_0 must be performed and double-click on the application...
This is the main window of Term_1.5K_USB.exe application. It is a realistic reproduction of the EXPERT 1.5K-FA LCD display, and it is also equipped with a pop-up virtual keypad having almost the same look and feel as the real keypad placed on the front panel of the linear amplifier.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The V iew menu also contains five items related to the application window size presets which can be either selected by the menu itself or by their equivalent [F1 … F5] shortcut keys. Feel free to test all the V iew menu options in order to find an optimal and comfortable vision of the display main window.
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Similarly, all the other virtual keypad keys perform the same actions as their equivalent mechanical keys forming the real front panel keyboard of the EXPERT 1.5K-FA. The V iew menu is also equipped with the useful H ome… and P ark… items which have been specially designed to allow an automatic repositioning of the application along the PC desktop area.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The B asic keypad... item in V iew menu allows you to set to a reduced-size keypad, having fewer keys than the complete keypad, which could be useful when no setting actions are required on the linear amplifier.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA (*) Please bear in mind that the [OF F] command as accessed from the virtual keypad or by shortcut key, that it always asks for a confirmation, to its amplifier shutdown operation, by showing the dialog form below:...
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This special setting, based upon an easy “self-learning” procedure, must be performed once, however only after having put the Expert 1.5K-FA into an OFF-LINE state. Then, select File/Co nfigure USB connection... from the main menu as shown in the picture below: Pag.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA A dialog window will pop up: Press the A cquire ID string key, marked in the picture above, in order to start the ID string characters acquisition process across the USB data-link. This is a guided self-learning procedure.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The following pop-up notification message will be displayed when a successful connection via USB occurs: The picture above shows the acquisition report of a device that its ID String Property is A400F1MZ. As explained earlier, this parameter is unique to any given specific chip, so it doesn’t allow duplicates among other components from the same manufacture.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA Once the user validates the data acquisition, by pressing the OK key as marked in the picture above, the Term_1.5K_USB.exe internal database will be properly updated and as confirmation, the application status bar will be updated, as shown in the following picture: When the above described steps are completed, Term_1.5K_USB,exe will only be able...
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA If, for whatever reason, all the selective addressing capabilities are no longer needed, to open a connection to an EXPERT linear thru its USB link, they can be temporarily disabled. The next operation is quite easy to perform.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 20.3 Term_1.5K_232.exe usage To start running the Term_1.5K_232.exe application, it is necessary to go back into the Term_1.5K_Package_1_0 uncompressed folder and select the related filename as shown in the picture below: A suggestion is to create a link to the application and place it on the Windows desktop.
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The above menu item makes it possible to access the following dialog box, which allows a direct setting of the desired COMx serial port for connecting to the EXPERT 1.5K-FA. If the number of an unused COM is unknown, proceed as the following page.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA With all your serial resources properly connected, proceed to the Control Panel >>> Hardware and Sound >>> Device Manager and choose a serial COM listed in the hardware configuration that is not used by other applications.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA In that case, use the detached COM port ID to properly set the Virtual Com Port dialog box, as shown in the picture below, and then reconnect the serial adapter so that it can be accessed by the application...
The reason for this is because it is a permanent setting, which is stored into a private data-base system, and will be recalled by the application whenever needed. On the EXPERT 1.5K-FA side, the baud-rate is automatically synchronized by the data- pattern being sent to it by Term_1.5K_232.exe upon any query to the linear.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA With this new software release, the [ON ] and [OF F] keys are fully enabled and work the same way as they work on the USB version of the application. However, there is a small technical detail to take into account about the [ON ] key's behaviour.
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA A note about the DTR-link behaviour. Even thought this circuit seems to work correctly when driven by software, it could cause unexpected switching-on of a connected linear amplifier having its rear panel's mains-switch enabled, when the linked PC re-boots or when an external serial device (e.g.
Switch the linear on leaving it set to the STANDBY mode during the firmware updating. Under these conditions the F ile\Firmware u pdate menu item becomes active and, after being selected, it sets the EXPERT 1.5K-FA into its firmware update mode (FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE).
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA After then a dialog box pops-up, and the user has selected a proper firmware package, that data will be sent to the linear amplifier to update all its embedded functions Observe the example in the picture below where a firmware package file named 1.5k_01_01_17_A.pk3 has been selected:...
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA The main steps of firmware update procedure are below: 1. Checking and validation of updating firmware package 2. A physical data transmission of the new firmware from the PC to the linear amplifier Pag. 82 of 88...
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User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA 3. A final validation for the completed firmware update And as the last action, after a successful firmware update, the linear amplifier performs a general auto-restart operation. Then after, full control of the updated device is restored to both local and remote operations.
User manual EXPERT 1.5K-FA GENERAL RESTORE A System General Restore can be performed by pressing the [INPUT] and the [OFF] keys together for at least one second. This operation is only possible from the linear amplifier front-panel physical keyboard. The linear amplifier will switch off with a self-explaining system message.
In order to not invalidate the warranty service, the original Purchaser must complete the warranty registration card, and send it to SPE no more than 30 days from the date of purchase. Unless otherwise agreed, the products will be delivered ex-works from the factory of the seller.
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2. Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation, user’s manual non-observance. 3. Carelessness, accidental or intentional damage. SPE warrants aforesaid items only, and the Purchaser shall have no remedy and no claim for incidental or consequential damages. It is mandatory, when sending SPE equipment to be repaired, to enclose: Invoice of the original purchase.
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