[AMPS] Ameritron QSK-5

[Phil Clements]

> I am considering buying one of these.  Concerned my input
> amp,  mechanical relay is being "hot switched",  at least at
> key-up.  Have searched diligently for info,  but all Ameritron
> has posted is about the PC card version of this gadget,  not
> the stand alone version in which I am interested.

The QSK-5 contains the PC card version, with a power supply
and box to make it a "stand-alone" unit. They show several
options on how to hook it up to most any transceiver on the
market .I have used mine with the Yaesu FT-ONE and Icom
706 MK II. It works flawlessly.

> My only concern is the input T/R relay;  I believe the output
> vacuum relay in my amp is fast enough as I do not use "full
> QSK" timing,  that is switch the relays between every dit.
> My output relay is a Jennings R2B,  SPDT, 26 vdc unit.
> The Guardian input relay is not as fast,  so my concern.

You will love full QSK, Jim. You can hear the DX station
between dits. Saves lots of calling and QRM when trying for
a new country.
>
> I have already had to replace it once.

RF cannot flow from the transceiver until the relays in the
amp are in position. Your amp relays should last a long time.
There is a 3-second drop-out timer in the QSK-5, so your amp
only switches at the end of a transmission or long pause.
>
> Can I use the QSK-5 to only control this input,  or must it
> be set up to switch both amp input and output ports.  My
> concern about the unit also being in series with the output
> is that,  in a couple of places (but not in the Ameritron info
> I have found on the web)  it is said that you must fan cool
> the QSK-5 if you are going to use amateur legal output
> powers!

Internal relays bypass the QSK-5 when power has been turned off,
and everything operates normally as if it wasn't there. It also bypasses
if the key has not been closed in the last 3 seconds.

The need for the fan kit is a function of SWR. I bought it because
it gets very hot here in Texas.  The need for a fan kit is based on
RTTY or other steady-carrier modes that exceed 5 minutes on and
2 minutes off at RTTY power levels shown on  chart in the manual.
SWR affects the maximum power limit on each mode also. At a
SWR of 1:1, the maximum ratings are 2500 watts SSB, 2000 watts
CW, and 1500 watts RTTY. At a 3:1 SWR, the limits fall to 950, 750,
and 600 watts for SSB, CW, or RTTY.

I love my QSK-5. Because it is stand-alone, I will use it the rest
of my life with all future concoctions of amps I may come up with.
Enjoy!
Phil, K5PC




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