[Amps] Relays

[Kim Elmore]

All this talk about relays and QSK has me wondering why aren't PIN 
diodes used more commonly? Then I began to read about some of the 
atrocious swtiching that goes on with some rigs.

I have an AL-80A with the integral PIN-5 QSK switch. I've only ever 
used the amp with my Kenwood TS-930S and my TenTec Orion II,  both 
without problems. The switch unit itself does have some low-current 
incandescent lamps in the switch to act as fuses in case the timing 
is not correct, but these have never given me any trouble. So, I must 
conclude that the timing has always been appropriate.

But, this does lead to a question: are PIN diodes avoided simply 
because using them is far more complex than relays, or is there some 
other reason they aren't often used?

Kim N5OP