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Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <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 09:38:19 -0400
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Funny you mention "cheap foot switch".....
I have a foot switch that HP once charged more for than the cost of the Argo V!
I use it for hands-free with a Heil headset.
...Yup, a footswitch!

.....Dave


On 8/8/2013 9:16 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
In that case, buy a cheap foot switch and key the amp with a foot switch.
Then you don't have to modify anything.

73
Rick, DJ0IP


-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave
Edwards
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 2:31 PM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

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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