Bob-
The 86 and 89 are PIN switched--no relay. You COULD get into trouble if
the
transceiver put out RF before sending the keying signal that causes the
PINs
to switch. The PINS switch very quickly. It's been a long time since I
looked at the pretty detailed description in the original 86
documentation,
but the purpose of the grain of wheat bulbs is to blow before damage can
occur to the very expensive and hard to find PINs.
73
Bob W2WG
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Bob McGraw - K4TAX
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 5:31 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89
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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