[TenTec] A test of Orion's external CW keying

[K3BU at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/26/04 10:07:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, shristov at ptt.yu 
writes:

>>* S meter has indicated the power as either 0, 15 or 60 W,
  although the scope reading did not change at all between
  those three indications.<<

Thanks Sinisa for elaborate test and results. Quite a variations. I found 
that delays in keying within the radio, plus delays in the contesting software 
messes up coordination when sending with a paddle, especially at the higher 
speeds. Ear - hand coordination is messed up and keying with it. That's why PTT 
control minimizes those delays and allows more precise control of keying and 
there are no delays in terminating the transmission.

I wonder about your S (power) meter readings. I have found discrepancy on my 
Orion between power setting and meter reading. Seems that real output power 
corresponds to the encoder setting in the menu. Orion meter reading is off. 

Did you have a closer look at the leading edge of the first dit and see if 
there is high power spike. Some of the radios have high power spike which trips 
modern amplifiers (even at reduced power settings) and damages the tubes. It 
is caused mostly by the TX ALC circuits. Some times there is needed for high 
speed storage scope to catch the spike. 

Yuri, K3BU, VE3BMV