gang,
the SB-200’s key line sits about MINUS 130 ish volts DC.
Mike, WB8VGE
SunLight Energy Systems
The Heathkit Shop
http://www.theheathkitshop.com/
J e e p
o|||||||o
A man with one clock knows what time it is. A man with two clocks is never sure.
> On Feb 25, 2020, at 2:12 PM, Ron Notarius W3WN via TenTec
> <tentec@contesting.com> wrote:
>
> Rich,
>
> I'm just getting a chance to view my email now, so I apologize if some of
> what I have to say seems redundant.
>
> The simple answer is, NO, this is NOT OK.
>
> A couple of quick answers off the top of my head...
>
> 1. Amplifier:
> Keep in mind that the SB-200, which is a great amp (I used to own one), was
> designed back in the days when every commercial transceiver had tube outputs,
> at appropriate voltages. If memory serves, the keying line was either 90 or
> 100 V -- which the Eagle will NOT be able to handle (without modification),
> which means you likely WOULD cause damage to the rig.
>
> When I owned that amp, I had a Kenwood TS-140S. I rigged up an external
> relay -- the rig tripped the relay, the relay tripped the amp -- as a buffer.
> At the VERY least, you'll need to do the same. There are also some
> commercial interface solutions for the same purpose. I'm SURE MFJ has one
> (don't they always seem to have one of everything?) but check around. There
> are a few small companies that make excellent interfaces at very reasonable
> prices.
>
> 2. Antenna tuner... and SWR meter if it's external
>
> Make sure that the tuner can handle 600 W or more output power. The smaller
> tuners (rated 100 - 200 W) will arc or burn up with the output power of the
> amp. Same for an external SWR bridge. And... if your coax to the antenna is
> RG-58 or RG-8X, you may run some risks there too, in terms of power rating.
> I'm not sure about RG-58; I have run 600 W through RG-8X for short runs, but
> it gets warm (I believe 600 W or so is the maximum rating), and it is NOT
> recommended. RG-8 / RG-213 or equivalent should be used. You want your
> power to go to the antenna, NOT to heat the coax!
>
> 3. Antenna
>
> What antenna? Same thing as above... is it rated for 600 W? Most commercial
> verticals are, but if it's a wire antenna... better check.
>
> Also, you didn't mention this, but... you do have a dummy load for tuning the
> amp? If not, you will need one.
>
> I hope this doesn't come across as negative. That's a great amp, and it's a
> big step up in terms of power output. I had a lot of fun with mine, back in
> the day. Just make sure you don't accidentally blow up the rig, or portion
> thereof... or cause yourself other headaches down the road.
>
> And don't let this discourage you. You might have to do a few upgrades in
> the shack, but it will be worth it!
>
> (Now if I can just get a 220 V line into the shack...)
>
> 73, ron w3wn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Richard Wagner via TenTec <tentec@contesting.com>
> To: tentec <tentec@contesting.com>
> Cc: Richard Wagner <richardmccay@icloud.com>
> Sent: Tue, Feb 25, 2020 9:14 am
> Subject: [TenTec] Eagle & Heath SB-200 Amp
>
> I’ve never dealt with an Amplifier before. A friend gave me a Heath SB-200.
> It appears I have to make a connection between the AMP KEY terminal of the
> ACC-1 accessory connector and the AMP KEY Socket of the amp. A plug for the
> socket and short jumper wire were included with my Eagle. This appears to be
> all that is needed. I’ll connect from the Eagle to the Amp then through my
> Antenna Tuner to the Antenna. Does this seem OK?
>
> Rich Wagner
> K4MZE
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