[Amps] Amp keying issue

[jpescatore at aol.com]

Setup: TS-850 to ALS-600 amp, with amp key line going through MFJ 998 antenna tuner. MM3 keyer and contest logging CW send. Using the 850 REMOTE DIN relay output to key the amp.



Issue: Occasional ALS-600 relay hang on CW. Sometimes after I stop sending the RX sensitivity is reduced and I have to cycle the ALS-600 operate/standby switch to get full RX sensivity back. Never happens on SSB where I use a foot switch connected to mic input PTT. The "occasional" part seems to be SWR-related - mostly happens when SWR has creeped up to 1.5 range and I haven't retuned.




There shouldn't be any voltage/level problem between the 850/998 and amp, so I'm thinking this is a timing issue, especially since footswitch use eliminates problem. However, I don't seem to get reports of missing the first part of the CW character - am I wrong in assuming timing, not levels? Ameritron sells a keying line interface box, but it just doesn't seem like I need that.




There seem to be expensive solutions to the timing problem (QSK, SO2R type boxes), medium solutions (sequencers) and cheap solutions (use PTT lead time function in keyer and contest software) - and I'm leaning towards the cheap end. If the 850 had a PTT lead variable, even easier - but no.




But since the ALS-600 does not have a key out line, I can't just key the amp directly and have that key the 850, I will essentially just have the keyer and PC and 850 key lines in parallel to the ALS-600. Seems like I can just put
 some diodes inline with the keying lines to isolate any voltages and do it this way - am I missing something? 




Thanks, John K3TN