[AMPS] Ten Tec Corsair QSK and the 87A

[Jim Reid]

Hi All,

My new-to-me Corsair II is going to be my CW rig;
I bought it because of the PTO's (lack of phase
locked loops,  synthesizer,  etc) and the legendary
Ten Tec QSK feature.

However, my linear is the 87A.  The Corsair provides
a key input socket and a key out socket.  I have learned
that,  with a complete Tec Tec station,  the CW key or
keyer,  is connector to a key input terminal on the
Ten Tec linear,  and a phono type jumper cable goes
from a key out terminal on the linear to the key in
socket on the Corsair,  or whatever Ten Tec
rig is being used.

Now my question.  The Alpha manual has a bit to say that the
87A has QSK capability,  but no where can I find how it is
to be used.  I believe that ETO actually does the same as
Ten Tec,  as there is a Relay Input terminal on the back of
the 87A,  and on the block diagram within the manual,
this is also called a Key In terminal!  There is also a Key
Out terminal on the back of the Alpha,  but this is said to
be for use with "exciters having poor T/R sequencing";
and not a word about use in QSK keying back to the
exciter!!  Then goes on to say to contact ETO customer
service for specific advice.

The block diagram within the 87A manual seems to show this
"relay" operation to be all microprocessor controlled,  no actual
mechanical relay is shown here.  But,  within what is called
a Simplified Schematic, and actual mechanical relay, DPDT,
at both input and output of the Alpha is shown with the microprocessor
seemingly controlling/driving the relay coil.

Don't know if this is real;  and if so,  is it truly fast QSK at QRS?
Ten Tec claims the Corsair response in 30 msec;  a 30  wpm
dit is 40 msec long,  so the Corsair is clearly QSK capable,
unsure about the 87A now.

I am not going to do any hook up between the 87A and the
Corsair until I know what I am doing,  hi.  So for now,  will
not bother with QSK,  but would sure like to know exactly
what to do to effect same.

BTW,  I asked  these questions on the Ten Tec reflector,  got only
one answer,  which told me how to do it with a Ten Tec
linear,  some help.

73,  Jim, KH7M
On the Garden Island of Kauai


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