Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89

["Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw@Blomand.net>]

Someone needs to explain how the Alpha then is not "hot switched".  Once the 
key is closed on the Orion, RF is produced. At the same time the keying 
relay is activated.  There is time required for it to close even if only a 
couple of milliseconds.  If this relay then activates the Alpha changeover, 
the Alpha relays are in transition with RF being produced from the Orion. 
Sounds like a 100% chance of a case of hot switching to me.  If the Alpha 
uses some big FETs on the input and output switching, then maybe so, the 
issue of hot switching is not such of concern.  But FET's are fast when 
compared to relay transitions.
73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Carroll" <w2wg@comcast.net>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 3:13 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89


> Steve-
>
> Yep.  I forget the exact term in the QSK menu on the Orion but I set it 
> for
> 0 msec--as fast as it can go. Just to be sure all is well, though, the 
> first
> few times I would have the Orion set to as low a power output as possible
> and key it.  If there is an issue the Alpha should trip.  Run up the power 
> a
> little and key again, etc.  Once you gain confidence the timing is ok, you
> are set.  I don't recall the circuitry in the 89, but in the 86--which I
> also use---there are some small hot switching lamps which serve as fuses,
> and they are supposed to go in time to protect the 86 if you do hot 
> switch.
> The 89 probably has something similar.  I have never had such a fault, but
> it would pay to creep up on things just in case something is amiss.  Let 
> us
> know how it works for you.  I use QSK exclusively.
>
> 73
> Bob  W2WG
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of W1dxh@aol.com
> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 6:22 AM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89
>
> Thanks Bob for the note. When done this way it runs QSK? I will be running
> RTTY as well and just want to make sure that there are not any issues. I
> don't
> have the 89 yet but am looking into the possible purchase of one and just
> trying  to cover all bases. Thanks again.
>
> 73's,
> Steve W1dxh
>
>
> In a message dated 4/13/2008 9:38:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> w2wg@comcast.net writes:
>
> I am  running an Alpha 89 with an Orion 565.  Don't use a keying loop 
> with
> the amp.  Just use the relay closure from the Orion to the keying  (relay)
> input on the 89.  This is what "Alpha"  recommends.
>
> 73
> Bob W2WG
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:  tentec-bounces@contesting.com 
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On  Behalf Of W1dxh@aol.com
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:23 PM
> To:  tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Alpha 89
>
> any one running the  Alpha 89 with the Orion? Does it need any special
> cabling? Any info  would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> 73's,
> Steve  W1dxh
>
>
>
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