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Summary of Contents for SPE EXPERT 2K-FA
- Page 1 EXPERT 2K-FA 2KW SOLID STATE FULLY AUTOMATIC LINEAR AMPLIFIER USER’S MANUAL Rev. 2.0...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
INTERCONNECTION WITH THE TRANSCEIVER ..............12 USE OF THE LINEAR AMPLIFIER ....................13 SO2R (Single Operator Two Radio ) .................... 14 BAND-PASS FILTERS SET “SPE BPF1” ..................15 QSK (FULL BREAK-IN) OPERATION................... 17 REMOTABLE TUNER, UNIT “SPE RAT1”..................17 TUNEABLE ANTENNA CONTROL..................... 17 SETTING UP A SINGLE ANTENNA FOR RECEPTION .............. - Page 3 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 14.3 5V TTL KENWOOD INTERFACE ....................47 14.4 5V TTL YAESU INTERFACE ......................48 USB / RS 232 PORTS USAGE .......................48 15.1 REMOTE CONTROL ........................49 15.2 DOWNLOAD...........................49 MAINTENANCE ..........................50 CHARACTERISTICS / SPECIFICATIONS..................51 DIAGNOSTICS..........................53 TABLE ............................54 APPENDIX 1 “TERM 2K SHORT GUIDE” ..................55 20.1...
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Page 4: Important
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA Congratulations for choosing the SPE EXPERT 2K-FA solid state linear amplifier: It is small and powerful, it covers all the amateurs bands from 1.8 to 54 MHz WARC included, completely automatically and remotable. All operating conditions (frequency, antenna, tuner etc.) are controlled from your transceiver. - Page 5 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA correct mains plug for your local electricity network, with the earth pin connected to that conductor. Do not disconnect this under any circumstances, or there is a risk of severe or fatal electric shock. WARNING! DO NOT use an extension cord with the AC power cable, as if it is not correctly rated there is a risk of fire or electric shock.
- Page 6 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 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.
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Page 7: Unpacking
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA UNPACKING Remove the packing and carefully check the contents. If you find any damage or if there are any parts missing, contact your retailer immediately. Keep the shipping cartons for future transportation if required. Accessories included in the carton a) Transport carry bag. -
Page 8: Panel Description
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA PANEL DESCRIPTION Front Panel 1) ON 2) OFF 3) DISPLAY switches between display pages. 4) POWER switches output power from “MAX / MID / LOW“. 5) OPERATE switches between Standby / Operate. 6) SET used to program the amplifier. -
Page 9: Rear Panel
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 1.2 Rear Panel 1) ANT connectors for six possible 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. -
Page 10: General Information
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA GENERAL INFORMATION (Read the specific chapters for more details). Power supply The linear uses a switching power supply with a continuous input between 190 and 255 Vac. The main switch [I/O] is located on the rear panel. In the [O] position all the internal... - Page 11 Most modern transceivers have CAT control. In old models often, analog or digital information are sent for changing band. The SPE Expert 2K-FA, thanks to an efficient frequency counter, constantly controls and verifies data coming from the transceiver.
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Page 12: Interconnection With The Transceiver
User manual EXPERT 2K-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, RELAY connections, use the shielded cable (supplied) with phono RCA connectors. -
Page 13: Use Of The Linear Amplifier
User manual EXPERT 2K-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 OFF state. The linear amplifier can be used in the following ways:... -
Page 14: So2R (Single Operator Two Radio )
A careful design is needed to avoid such a danger which could be devastating for the receivers. This possibility is available with the optional external unit "SPE SO2R1" according to the following diagram. Pag. 14 of 14 Issue 2 – May 2011... -
Page 15: Band-Pass Filters Set "Spe Bpf1
In this case the amplifier is connected to a single transceiver (INPUT 1 / 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 unused. - Page 16 In this case the amplifier is connected to two transceivers. "SPE BPF1" automatically selects the right filters and the right inputs as well. These features can be possible also with the simultaneous use of the unit "SPE SO2R1, (use the AUX port with a Y cable).
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Page 17: Qsk (Full Break-In) Operation
- Simplification of wiring, the difficulty of adding an additional wiring to CAT input is removed. - Compatibility with all types of CAT, the Expert 2K-FA converts the CAT protocol, so two different transceivers (CATs) can be used simultaneously with the same controller. - Page 18 All of the automatic features of the linear are retained even in the most complex configurations, antennas of all kinds can be connected to the connectors "ANT", the Expert 2K-FA will choose the antennas according to the set-up and will manage them according to their characteristics.
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Page 19: Setting Up A Single Antenna For Reception
In some cases it may be appropriate to transmit with an antenna and receive with a more appropriate one. A unique feature allows the Expert 2K-FA to set a receiving antenna and to provide an its automatic switching after transmission. -
Page 20: External Ground Connection
User manual EXPERT 2K-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 sometimes helpful to connect the amplifier to a good RF ground. -
Page 21: Antenna
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA ANTENNA Because this is a high-power amplifier, it is necessary to use correctly-rated antennas, connectors and feed line cables. Take special care with antennas using baluns, traps, because balun / trap warming can occur during periods of high-power transmission and a high SWR can result. -
Page 22: Power Supply (Psu)
POWER SUPPLY (PSU) The power supply of the SPE Expert 2K-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, it consists of two separate elements. -
Page 23: Tuner (Atu)
User manual EXPERT 2K-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. - Page 24 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA Note: ATTENTION: When the amplifier is either in “STANDBY” or “OPERATE” mode, always disable the automatic tuner in your transceiver. Note: ATTENTION: As two different tables are used for INPUT1 and INPUT2, it is necessary to program separate matching, for the same antenna, depending on the used input.
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Page 25: Protections / Alarms
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA PROTECTIONS / ALARMS The SPE EXPERT 2K-FA has a sophisticated protection system that constantly monitors and controls the amplifier’s most important parameters. These parameters are: Temperature of the heatsink; max. / min. voltage on the PA; max. PA current; SWR;... -
Page 26: Programming
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 10. PROGRAMMING The three keys: [SET], [◄▲] and [▼►], are underlined with an orange line and permit programming the amplifier. They can be used in the following way: [SET] Use it to open the menu page, to validate the choices and to exit from the menu page. - Page 27 Select the brand or function, for the proper link see "CAT CONNECTIONS" on this manual. - SPE No further programming is necessary, everything is already programmed for the SPE transceivers. - ICOM Set the “CI-V“ protocol, you also need to choose the baud rate which is usually 9600.
- Page 28 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA c) MANUAL TUNE Allows you to tune the amplifier manually, however achieving a better setting than that obtained by automatic tuning is very unlikely. Set your exciter to transmit a continuous RTTY or CW signal. Press the [◄ L], [L ►], [◄ C], [C ►] keys until you obtain the minimum SWR.
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Page 29: Initial Operation Of The Amplifier
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA The PSU is always ON so that it can’t affect the first symbol of a transmission (e.g. CW, RTTY). 11. 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 amplifier is correctly set for the local mains voltage supply. -
Page 30: Operating
ALC and CAT links are highly recommended. 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 drive power, than to over-drive the amplifier and have a poor quality transmission. -
Page 31: Setting Drive Levels
Then, speaking into the microphone normally, set the” MIC GAIN” of the transceiver until the peak output power, on speech peaks, as shown on the amplifier display, is no more than 1 KW or 500W. SPE suggests you monitor your transmission to check that the “MIC GAIN” setting is correct. -
Page 32: Connections
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 12. CONNECTIONS 12.1 CAT Connector In this diagram the rear panel CAT connector and pin-outs are shown. If you have already used our 1K-FA amplifier you will note the connections are the same. pin n. pin name... -
Page 33: Spe
For connections to the Radio connector, refer to the transceiver operating manual. 12.2 SPE In the case of SPE transceivers, it isn’t necessary to make a cable because it is supplied with the transceiver. 12.3 ICOM CAT CI–V Interface... -
Page 34: Kenwood
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 12.4 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. - Page 35 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA The connector is described in the specific manual. Verify if the RTS–CTS link is necessary. Pag. 35 of 35 Issue 2 – May 2011...
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Page 36: Yaesu
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 12.5 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. -
Page 37: Band Data Interface
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA BAND DATA Interface BAND A BAND A BAND B BAND B BAND C BAND C BAND D BAND D RADIO CONNECTO DB15 M Without the CAT, the band is commanded by four digital signals (Band A, Band B, Band C, Band D). - Page 38 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA ALC with FLEX-RADIO. Since this equipment 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.
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Page 39: Transceivers Of Other Brands
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 HW interface. Pag. 39 of 39 Issue 2 – May 2011... -
Page 40: Other Connections
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 13. OTHER CONNECTIONS On the 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, separate phono cables are not necessary, or it may be possible to turn the amplifier on / off by turning on / off the transceiver (REMOTE ON). -
Page 41: Connections / Tx-Inh, Tx-Inh
All modern transceivers have a delay before the transmission to allow the linear to stabilize their relays avoiding damage to them and possible effects of "Hot Switching". The Expert 2K-FA has a settling time of only 6.5 msec. compatible with all modern transceivers (see the manual of the transceiver). -
Page 42: Aux Connector
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA /TX-INH Link Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of HW interface. 13.4 AUX Connector This connector provides data on the bandwidth currently used in the two INPUT, indicating which input is connected to the antenna ANT 1/2/3/4/5/6 and which is... -
Page 43: Port Connector
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA Each output is open collector Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of HW interface. 13.5 PORT Connector This connector provides: a) Data about the ANT port in use (each output is open collector). - Page 44 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA When connecting to a control box of a tuneable antenna a suitable cable should be wired. SteppIR cable Ultrabeam cable Note: WARNING, these types of antennas, sometimes need several seconds to be brought to resonance.. Transmitting with high power while the antenna elements are still moving may cause damage to the antenna and the linear.
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Page 45: Transceiver Controlled With A Pc
GND / 5 5 / GND Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of HW interface. 14. TRANSCEIVER CONTROLLED WITH A PC 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. -
Page 46: Icom Ci-V Interface
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 14.1 ICOM CI-V INTERFACE ICOM DB15 F RADIO LINEAR CONNECTOR CI-V INTERFACE CT 17 The plug from the amplifier has to be connected to a CI–V port of the CT17 or similar device. The transceiver has to be connected to another CI–V port. -
Page 47: Rs232 Interface
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 14.2 RS232 INTERFACE KENWOOD OR YAESU RADIO CONNECTOR RS232 RX 232 TX 232 RS232 PC CONNECTOR DB15 M 14.3 5V TTL KENWOOD INTERFACE KENWOOD RADIO CONNECTOR RX TTL TX TTL KEN TTL TTL INTERFACE DB15 M... -
Page 48: Ttl Yaesu Interface
TTL INTERFACE DB15 M Note: WARNING, SPE is not responsible for any failure resulting from misuse of HW interface. USB / RS 232 PORTS USAGE Through the USB / RS232 ports on the rear panel it is possible to interface the amplifier with a PC. -
Page 49: Remote Control
This software allows the same operation as when standing in front of the amplifier. 15.2 DOWNLOAD. The Expert 2K-FA allows you to download any new versions of SW (firmware) from the site www.linear-amplifier.com The software version is identified as DD_MM_YY_L.pk1, where (DD_MM_YY) represents the date of issuance and (L) is a progressive letter. -
Page 50: Maintenance
SW “Term_2K” (see Appendix 1 on this manual). 16. MAINTENANCE The Expert 2K-FA linear amplifier doesn’t need internal maintenance because it has a cover without ventilation holes. No tube-type EHT is used so the high voltages present in tube amplifiers, which sometimes attract dirt, are not present. -
Page 51: Characteristics / Specifications
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 17. CHARACTERISTICS / SPECIFICATIONS - The smallest in its class. Built-in Power supply and Automatic Antenna Tuner.. Dimension: L 38, H 18.3, P 43 cm (14.96” W, 7.20” H,16.93” D) (connettors included). Weight: approx: 25 Kg.(55lbs). - Page 52 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA Spurious emissions less than -60 dB ( 50 MHz –65 dB ). 3rd order distortion (two tone test) 36 dB typ. - Input 50 ohm always perfectly matched SWR less than 1.2:1. - Fully protected Temperature, Over-Voltage, Over-Current, SWR, Reflected Power, Max RF Tuner Voltage, Over-Drive, Open/Short Output.
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Page 53: Diagnostics
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA DIAGNOSTICS. During normal working, the system performs a continuous monitoring of some measurements directly acquired from certain internal test-points. When a dangerous situation is going to happen, a “serious” alarm message is raised and the amplifier is switched from OPERATE to STANDBY. -
Page 54: Table
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 19. TABLE BAND TABLE, SUB-BAND, CENTRAL FREQUENCY SUB-BAND [ 0] 1785 [ 1] 1795 [ 2] 1805 [ 3] 1815 [ 4] 1825 [ 5] 1835 [ 6] 1845 [ 7] 1855 [ 8] 1865 [ 9] 1875... -
Page 55: Appendix 1 "Term 2K Short Guide
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 20. Appendix 1 “Term_2K_Short_Guide” Overview With reference to what described at Section 15. “USB / RS 232 PORTS usage”, this appendix contains the following sections: SW installation Term_2K_USB.exe usage Term_2K_232.exe usage Firmware update The host PC must have a correctly installed Windows XP or a further release of Microsoft’s operating system (Windows Vista, Windows 7);... - Page 56 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA The proposed destination folder is good for our purpose, so let’s close this operation by using the Extract key marked in the picture above. This final result will be a new uncompressed folder having the same name of the compressed one belonging to the original installation package.
- Page 57 USB drivers. Term_2K_232.exe is the remote control application especially designed to establish a connection using the special RS-232 serial port available on the EXPERT 2K-FA Second Series rear panel (that hardware is not available on First Series units).
- Page 58 CDM20600.exe Windows application marked in the picture below: This application has the purpose of properly installing the USB drivers. So, without making any physical link between the EXPERT 2K-FA and the PC, let’s double-click, using the mouse left-button, over the “red ball” icon of CDM20600.exe application and wait for its preparatory job completed.
- Page 59 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA The next step is to connect the PC and the EXPERT 2K-FA using the equipped USB cable and wait the recognition of the new USB connection. After then a notification windows will pop-up, as shown in the picture below.
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Page 60: Term_2K_Usb.exe Usage
This is the main window of Term_2K_USB.exe application. It is a realistic hardcopy of the EXPERT 2K-FA LCD display, and it is also equipped with a pop-up virtual keypad having almost the same look and feel as the real one placed on the EXPERT 2K-FA front panel. - Page 61 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA View 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 View menu options in order to find an optimal ad comfortable vision of the display main window.
- Page 62 Term_2K_USB.exe, an immediate update on the current display contents would result. In case the EXPERT 2K-FA were switched off, it would be turned on by using [ON] virtual key on the application keypad. The same way, all the other virtual keypad keys perform the same actions as their equivalent mechanical keys forming the real front panel keyboard of the EXPERT 2K- View menu is also equipped with the useful Home…...
- Page 63 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA Note: despite the keypad types (Full and Basic) are certainly useful since they both can be directly accessed using the mouse pointer, it is helpful to know that all the operations allowed using the virtual keys can be also performed using short commands directly typed on the PC keyboard.
- Page 64 Preliminary programming for “ID string property” within Term_2K_USB.exe . This special setting, based upon an easy “self-learning” procedure, must be performed once and with the EXPERT 2K-FA having previously put OFF-LINE. Select File/Configure USB connection... from the main menu as shown in the picture below: Pag.
- Page 65 In case more than one USB chip are linked to the system (directly or indirectly thru an external USB hub…) the following notification pop-up window will be shown: In such a case the user is invited to disconnect all the devices but his EXPERT 2K-FA and retry again using the acquisition procedure above described.
- Page 66 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA In case of a successful acquisition process, the following pop-up notification message would be raised instead: The picture above shows the acquisition report of a device whose ID String Property is A700embB. As explained earlier, this parameter is unique to any specific chip, so it doesn’t allow duplicates.
- Page 67 A last note. If, for whatever reason, all the selective addressing capabilities are no longer needed to open a connection to an EXPERT 2K-FA thru its USB link, they can be temporarily disabled. This operation is quite easy to perform.
- Page 68 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA This new setting will be notified in the application status bar with the “Not enabled” attribute following the USB_ID: label, as shown below Pag. 68 of 68 Issue 2 – May 2011...
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Page 69: Term_2K_232.Exe Usage
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 20.3 Term_2K_232.exe usage To start running Term_2K_232.exe application it is necessary to step back into the Term_2K_Package_2_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 to place it over the Windows desktop. - Page 70 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA After then select File/Virtual Com Port setting. The above mentioned menu item makes it possible to access the following dialog box, which allows a direct setting of the desired COMx serial port for connecting the EXPERT 2K-FA.
- Page 71 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA To check a COM port identifier related to any given adapter, disconnect it and detect which COM item disappears from the proposed list after that configuration change. In case use that COM identifier to properly set the Virtual Com Port dialog box shown in the picture above..
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Page 72: Firmware Update
Switch the linear on, and keep it set to STANDBY mode during the firmware update job. Under these conditions the File\Firmware update menu item is active and, upon its selection it sets the EXPERT 2K-FA to its firmware update mode (FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE). - Page 73 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA After a necessary confirmation by the user for validating the procedure, the EXPERT 2K-FA switches its display off and the overall control for updating actions gets transferred to Term_2K_USB.exe application The main steps of firmware update procedure are the following ones: 1.
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Page 74: General Restore
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA 3. A final validation for the completed firmware update As a very last action after a successful firmware update, the linear amplifier performs a general auto-restart operation and, after then, a full control of the updated device is given back for both local and remote operations. -
Page 75: Warranty Terms
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. - Page 76 The warranty does not apply either if the certificate of the first purchase (invoice) is missing, the s/n is undecipherable/falsified or to any defect that SPE determines is due 1. Improper maintenance or repair by persons not authorised by SPE to carry out such work, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the quality and specifications of the original parts.
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Page 77: Repair Form
User manual EXPERT 2K-FA REPAIR FORM MODEL ..... SERIAL NUMBER ....DATE .... - Page 78 User manual EXPERT 2K-FA s.r.l. Via di Monteverde, 33 00152 Rome (Italy) Tel. +390658209429 Fax. +390658209647 E-mail: info@linear-amplifier.com Website: http://www.linear-amplifier.com Pag. 78 of 78 Issue 2 – May 2011...
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Questions and answers
cant setup expert 2kfa with yaesu ft991a
To set up the SPE Expert 2K-FA with the Yaesu FT-991A:
1. Connect RF Cable: Use a coaxial cable to connect the RF output of the FT-991A to the RF input of the SPE Expert 2K-FA.
2. Connect Relay Line: Connect the PTT (Push-To-Talk) relay output from the FT-991A to the RELAY input on the amplifier to allow transmit control.
3. CAT Interface (Optional): For frequency tracking, connect the CAT port of the FT-991A to the CAT input of the amplifier. Use the correct cable and settings (baud rate, etc.).
4. Set COM Port: On a connected PC, run the Term_2K_232.exe application from the Term_2K_Package_2_0 folder to configure the virtual COM port used for amplifier communication.
5. Initial Programming: Power on the amplifier and follow the initial programming steps, including setting band data, drive levels, and antenna configuration.
6. Antenna Connection: Connect your antenna to the amplifier’s antenna output.
7. Grounding: Connect the amplifier to a proper external ground for safety and performance.
8. Power Supply: Ensure a suitable power supply is used per the amplifier's specifications.
This setup allows full automatic operation, including band switching and protection features.
This answer is automatically generated