ELECRAFT SP3 User manual

E740273 Rev A, October 9, 2015, Copyright © 2015 Elecraft, Inc.
ELECRAFT SP3 Speaker
OWNER’S MANUAL
Introduction
The SP3 is a high-quality, front-facing speaker that complements Elecraft’s K-Line both aesthetically and
functionally. It can be used with any receiver capable of driving a 4-ohm load. The speaker is passive (non-
amplified), ensuring no susceptibility to RFI in the present of a transmitted signal. The SP3’s custom-built,
wide-range driver has excellent sensitivity and deep bass response.
The A/B switch on the front panel of the SP3 can be used to select one of two mono sources. Further, when used
in conjunction with a second SP3 this switch can be used to select one of two stereo sources. The Elecraft K3
and K3S transceivers take full advantage of this feature, since both provide rich binaural audio effects (AFX), as
well as user-adjustable left/right balance between main and sub receiver audio.
Rear-panel input jacks accept either mono or stereo cables, simplifying station wiring. An output jack is
provided for connection to a second SP3. When two SP3s are used, the A/B switch on the first unit controls
source selection for both.

2
Specifications
Dimensions (see Figure 1)
The tilt stand height matches the Elecraft K3 and K3S transceivers, the KPA500 Amplifier and the P3
Panadapter.
Allow an additional 2" (5 cm) space behind unit for rear panel connectors.
Figure 1. SP3 Speaker External Dimensions.
Weight: 4 lb, 12 oz ( 2.2 kg)
Speaker Size: 3” x 5” (77 x 127 mm)
Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms
Magnet Type: Neodymium
Power Handling Capability: 15 W
Frequency Response: 100-20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL

3
Setup
One cable is provided with your SP3 to connect it to either a K3S or K3 transceiver as described under
Monaural Setup with One SP3 below. The SP3 connectors accept standard two-circuit (stereo) audio cables with
3.5 mm male connectors.
Figure 2. Rear Panel Cabling.
Monaural Setup with One SP3
 Connect the SPKRS jack on the K3S or K3 rear panel to either the INPUT A or INPUT B jack on the
SP3 using the stereo cable provided.
 If you have a second K3S or K3, use a second stereo cable to connect it to the remaining input at the
SP3.
 Press the front panel switch in to select the audio at INPUT B or press and release it until the button is
out to select audio at INPUT A.
 If you want to listen to both the SP3 and headphones at the same time, be sure your K3S or K3
Configuration menu is set to CONFIG:SPKR+PHONE YES and CONFIG:SPKRS 2. This will allow you
to use stereo headphones for AFX (audio effects) and dual receive (if your K3S/K3 is equipped with the
optional sub receiver). Of course your speaker audio will continue to be monaural. You can add a
second SP3 as described below to obtain full stereo output.

4
Stereo Setup with Two SP3 Speakers
Set up the two SP3 speakers as shown in Figure 3:
Figure 3. Optional Two SP3 Setup.
 Connect the main SP3 to your K3 or K3S as described under Monaural Setup with One SP3 above.
 On the main SP3, plug an audio cable into the OUTPUT to 2nd SP3 jack. We recommend you use the
stereo cable supplied with the SP3 although a monaural cable will work (see Figure 4).
 Plug the other end into INPUT A or INPUT B on the second SP3.
 Set the front panel pushbutton switch on the 2nd SP3 to match the input connection you selected.
 Be sure your K3S or K3 Configuration menu is set to CONFIG:SPKRS 2. This will allow you to hear the
full stereo effect of AFX (audio effects) and dual receive (if your K3S/K3 is equipped with the optional
sub receiver).
You can connect another K3 or K3S to the unused input of the second SP3 for monaural
listening. Only audio connected to the main SP3 can be passed to the second SP3 for stereo
listening.
Figure 4. Optional Second SP3 Cable.

5
SP3 Schematic

6
Customer Service and Support
Technical Assistance
You can send e-mail to [email protected] and we will respond quickly - typically the same day Monday
through Friday. Telephone assistance is available from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time (weekdays only) at 831-
763-4211. Please use e-mail rather than calling when possible since this gives us a written record of the details
of your problem and allows us to handle a larger number of requests each day.
Repair / Alignment Service (We want to make sure everyone succeeds!)
If necessary, you may return your Elecraft product to us for repair or alignment. (Note: We offer unlimited email
and phone support to get your kit running, so please try that route first as we can usually help you find the
problem quickly.)
IMPORTANT: You must contact Elecraft before mailing your product to obtain authorization for the
return, what address to ship it to and current information on repair fees and turnaround times. (Frequently we
can determine the cause of your problem and save you the trouble of shipping it back to us.) Our repair location
is different from our factory location in Aptos. We will give you the address to ship your kit to at the time of
repair authorization. Packages shipped to Aptos without authorization will incur an additional shipping charge
for reshipment from Aptos to our repair depot.
Elecraft's 1-Year Limited Warranty
This warranty is effective as of the date of first consumer purchase (or if shipped from factory, date product is shipped
to customer). It covers both our kits and fully assembled products. For kits, before requesting warranty service, you
should fully complete the assembly, carefully following all instructions in the manual.
Who is covered: This warranty covers the original owner of the Elecraft product as disclosed to Elecraft at the time of
order. Elecraft products transferred by the purchaser to a third party, either by sale, gift or other method, who is not
disclosed to Elecraft at the time of original order, are not covered by this warranty. If the Elecraft product is being
bought indirectly for a third party, the third party's name and address must be provided to Elecraft at time of order to
insure warranty coverage.
What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, Elecraft will replace defective or missing parts free of
charge (post-paid). We will also correct any malfunction to kits or assembled units caused by defective parts and
materials. Purchaser pays inbound shipping to Elecraft for warranty repair, Elecraft will pay shipping to return the
repaired equipment to you by UPS ground service or equivalent to the continental USA and Canada. Alaska, Hawaii
and outside U.S. and Canada actual return shipping cost paid by owner.
What is not covered: This warranty does not cover correction of kit assembly errors. It also does not cover
misalignment; repair of damage caused by misuse, negligence, or builder modifications; or any performance
malfunctions involving non-Elecraft accessory equipment. The use of acid-core solder, water-soluble flux solder, or any
corrosive or conductive flux or solvent will void this warranty in its entirety. Also not covered is reimbursement for loss
of use, inconvenience, customer assembly or alignment time, or cost of unauthorized service.
Limitation of incidental or consequential damages: This warranty does not extend to non-Elecraft equipment or
components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer.
Elecraft will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to any
loss of business or profits.