[AMPS] Keying Alpha 78 w/Ten-Tec Paragon

[Michael Tope]

Was wondering what the proper configuration is for keying an Alpha 78A using a Ten-Tec
Paragon 585. The 585 provides a open collector TX output pin which is recommended for 
keying the Titan Linear, but requires a loop back to its companion TX enable input for proper 
operation. There is also a N.O. mechanical relay output with variable dropout delay which is tied 
directly to the CW key line. Would either of these two outputs be suitable for keying the Alpha 78?

According to the Paragon manual, in CW mode the Paragon provides for a 1 - 5 ms delay from key 
closure to RF envelope rise via a waveshaping circuit. The key closure signal is also routed thru the 
Paragon's microporcessor before its reaches the delay circuit which provides an additional but 
unspecified processing delay. Would the closure time of the Paragon's mechanical relay plus the delay 
time of the Alpha 78A be small enough to allow for proper sequencing? Or is the closure time of mechanical 
relay in the Paragon too slow to ensure that I am not hot switching the Alpha with this configuration? 

What if I want to run QSK? Does the Alpha provide a keying "loop" that is compatible with the 
Paragon's TX output/TX enable pins?

73 de Mike, W4EF..............


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