[AMPS] Problem with Ameritron AL-82

[Bert Barry]

Michael Tope wrote:

> In my case, I think the problem may be hot switching as Tom described since
> the symptoms are very consistent and on several occasions I did notice the
> FT-1000D's SWR meter spiking on the initial key closure (it only did this once
> or twice out of many tries). If hot switching is a problem, does anyone know a
> way to speed up the FT-1000D relay closure relative the onset of the
> transceiver's RF envelope?
>

Mike,  I'd be willing to bet that the problem is not the FT-1000 relay switching
speed, but rather a high resistance contact somewhere between the relay and the
amplifier, slowing down the response of the amplifier's TR switch.  I will bet on
the relay pins where they are soldered into the PC board, or as Tom suggested, the
relay switch.  Try measuring the resistance at the phono plug with an ohmmeter while
jiggling the phono plug. If it's ever more than an ohm or so, that's your problem.
Also, don't overlook the phono plug and jack themselves, as was pointed out in
another post.

Good luck.

Bert,  VE3QAA


> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Rauch" <w8ji@contesting.com>
> To: "Michael Tope" <W4EF@dellroy.com>; <kimba@sprint.ca>
> Cc: "AMPS" <amps@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 8:38 AM
> Subject: Re: [AMPS] Problem with Ameritron AL-82
>
> >
> > > I had exactly the same problem with my Alpha 87 driven by an FT-1000D.
> > >  The problem was not the amplifier - it was a fault in the wiring to
> > > the "tx-gnd" phono jack on the back of the FT-1000. Fortunately, at
> > > least in my case, the problem was NOT in the FT-1000 tx-gnd relay,
> > > which would have been a pig to replace.
> >
> > This makes me wonder.
> >
> > My FT1000D has dropped the switch lead a three times now, and
> > while it was on the way out it did something similar to what Mike
> > described except on many occasions it would NEVER close the
> > amp relay.
> >
> > The first time I just barely touched the relay switch near the jack
> > and it cured the problem. The second time (about a year later) I
> > resoldered the connections on the switch, and it was OK for a
> > week.
> >
> > The third time I cleaned the switch contacts, and it has been OK
> > for almost a year now.
> >
> > I wonder if the switches aren't the problem, since mine would
> > straighten out just by touching it or anything around it??
> > 73, Tom W8JI
> > W8JI@contesting.com
> >
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