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Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
From: Dave Edwards <kd2e@comcast.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 08:31:03 -0400
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Guys.....

I had the original question on the Argo V amp keying.
I was able to acquire a Kenwood TL120 amp.
The amp supplies 100 (or so) watts with 10 watts drive.

I wanted to test it out.

I have an Elecraft K1, which is about 7 watts max.
I closed the key line of the amp, and got about 65 watts out with the Elecraft driving it.
I thought I would hook it up to the Argo V and make a few contacts.

I can wire a toggle switch to the amp key line, and manually switch it....just to make a few contacts, and warm up the old amp.
I am not a strong believer in modding equipment.
Whenever I read descriptions for used gear for sale, as soon as I get to the line "Someone has changed the ......" I stop reading at that point and move on.
Down the road, I may be the owner of a KX3....that would work perfect 
with the amp.
....Or perhaps an Argo VI???????

.....Dave



On 8/8/2013 8:12 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
Just remember, making changes of this magnitude might put one in the position of a "very underpaid design Engineer". In other words, "if one THINKS they know what they are doing, best STOP and ask someone that has done it before successfully".
I agree with Rick, adding something like this might be fatal to the 
radio.
Now lets look at the issue a bit differently.  Why not use your keyer 
with a suitable driver to key the amp and to key the radio. It works 
this way for situations where one does not have QSK keying ability 
when using the Centurion amp and some other radio that does not have 
QSK capability.  The key is connected to the amp {not the radio}  and 
the keying circuit in the amp then keys the radio upon key closure.  
The AUX connector on the back of the ARGO V does have access to the 
PTT for that reason.

73
Bob, K4TAX



----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:35 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying


Guys, BE VERY CAREFUL about bringing the T-line out of the rig.

SPECIFICALLY, DO NOT DO THAT!

This is a signal which runs through many stages of the radio.
If anything unusual externally touches that line, lots of damage can occur.
You MUST buffer the line with a transistor before bringing it out.
Then the worst thing you will do is blow that transistor.

Examples of what might happen:

<> It gets inadvertently connected to an older amp which uses 120v for
keying its relay.  "GAME OVER"
<> It gets inadvertently connected to a newer amp which uses 12v for keying
its relay.  "Smoked Silicon"
<> It shorts to ground. "If you're lucky, it just blows a fuse. Murphy?"
*** Buffer the signal before you bring it out of the rig! ***

73
Rick, DJ0IP

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mark N8COO
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:48 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

Message: 12
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:06:53 -0400
From: Dave Edwards <kd2e@comcast.net>
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
Message-ID: <5200E6DD.20002@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Is that not the line already available on the accessory connector?
(for keying the radio)

...Dave

Hi Dave,

Sorry I did not specifically answer your original question. Please allow me
to try again:

The PTT you mentioned earlier (on AUX 1) is to be able to place the rig into
transmit mode, when grounded -  like for a transmit foot switch, or a
typical soundcard interface that utilizes hard keying of the rig such as
through the computer's serial port.  The manual calls it "keyline input"
(page 6.)  It does not provide closure upon transmit.

As shipped from the factory, the line ("T" line) is not available on the AUX
1 connector, or any of the other connectors, nor is there a factory
installed provision for keying of an external amp through relay closure or
other means on the Argonaut V.

The replies given for addition to your rig of a keying circuit for your amp will do the job, but will involve some modification of the rig. You might
want to bring the "T" line out though the slot for the fan wires or
somewhere similar and mount the keying circuit externally, thus making it
easily reversible and no drilling any holes - if that is a concern.

73, Mark N8COO
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