question about SPE with Flex radio

ON5AM

Hi,
maybe the answer has already been given but I'm still going.
I have a flex 6300 and a SPE Expert 1.3k I think for all flex **** and amp SPE it's the same setting.
I learned that you should not connect the ALC of the flex because it's analog.
You have to set each band in LOW, MID and MAX power. It appears then "[PC = ****]" in the command. The question is how do you do with the Flex and the Expert?

Thank you for the answer

73

ON5AM

Ria

Once you have the CAT cable wired up, set the amplifier to FLEX mode. To set each power drive level use the arrow keys on the amp. 

You need to set it once per band and power level. 

For example, on 20 meters you have to do a separate drive setting for Low, Mid and Max. Then repeat for 40 meters. Then 80, 160, 30, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6

Dedicate some time for it. 

Once you do that, you are all set. 

Ria

Jim K4JAF

Exactly as Ria says, it is all spelled out in the amplifier manual.  

ON5AM

thanks Ria,

Thank you for these explanations. So I will adjust each band.
I guess I'll find how?
It's still strange for me

Larry Loen WO7R

Ria's instructions here straightened me out:

http://www.n2rj.com/2016/12/flex-radio-1108-beta-and-serial-port.html

The hard part for me was getting the Expert USB software to recognize my USB port.  Once I had that done, the rest was straightforward if you follow Ria's instructions for the cable.

As for "adjusting each band" you simply press the + and - keys on the  "Term 2K USB keypad" (the "full" software ) one.  The first time you touch one, it will  give you the "PC" display you already know about.  Then, as you touch + or -, it will change the drive power from the Flex.  I don't use the actual front panel much, but it should be about the same.

Because they communicate via the USB cable, the Expert Amp actually sets the power levels and as you hit + or -, you inform the Expert how to set the Flex.  It's a little trial and error, but it works.

Generally, the Expert Amp software acts exactly as the actual keypad does, so you can use either one.

Usually, I set the "Low" for about 100 to 200 watts.  I set the "mid" for the highest power I use for FT8 and the "high" for anywhere from a kilowatt to 1.3 kilowatts depending on the band.  My SWR isn't great on 15 meters, so I run that with a little less power; I get no warnings (the amp is very good about protecting itself), so it seems right.

ON5AM

Thank you for these explanations. I just found and made settings73

Gary Ashdown

For those who use a SPE amp on 6mtrs and run >1kw through their remote antenna switch system (AMB-02), please contact SPE. They have a modification for the remote antenna system to prevent a heating issue.

regards

Gary

VK8AW