[TenTec] RE : Keying Amp with my new Omni VI+

[Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX]

I respectfully disagree with the concept of using the RELAY OUT to key any 
external amp in CW mode.  Without delay, when the key is closed the OMNI 
will produce RF.  Simultaneously, the internal relay closes.  If this relay 
is used to key the external amp then the external amp changeover relay must 
close and settle. This applies drive to the amp.  As the OMNI is producing 
RF, hot switching is a very very good likelihood.

If the QRO amp is QSK capable, then proper connection, and this means the 
amp must tell the OMNI when to produce RF and only then will this allow for 
safe switching.

I know it's your amp, and your roll of the dice.  I wouldn't do it with the 
RELAY OUT control method.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "knesbittnucleuscom" <knesbitt at nucleus.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:29 PM
Subject: [TenTec] RE : Keying Amp with my new Omni VI+


> Assuming the QRO amp is QSK capable will this permit the safe use of the 
> RELAY OUT on the OMNI in "semi break-in" mode (i.e: slow QSK). Theres no 
> way I'm going to want to mess with manual PTT in a cw exchange.
>
> Kirb,&nbsp; VE6IV
>
>
>
>>------- Original Message -------
>>From : Robert &amp; Linda McGraw K4TAX[mailto:RMcGraw at Blomand.Net]
>>Sent : 6/6/2005 9:00:36 PM
>>To : tentec at contesting.com
>>Cc :
>>Subject : RE : [TenTec] Keying Amp with my new Omni VI+
>>
>>One point often missed or not understood is the QSK keying process when
>>using an amplifier. In the case of the Paragon series and the Omni series
>>the relay in the transceiver shouldn't be used to key the amp. Tentec uses
>>a "loop through" sequenced process for the QSK event timing.
>>
>>I'll try to explain:
>>When the key is connected to the transceiver KEY jack on the rear and the
>>key is closed (line goes low) here's what happens. At this point the
>>transceiver RF section is not activated. The control signal goes to the TX
>>OUT jack (line goes low) which is connected to the KEY IN on the amp. This
>>line low keys the amp. The transceiver is still not activated. Once the
>>amp QSK circuit is activated the input and output relays have switched and
>>they have settled, then a signal is sent out of the KEY OUT jack (line 
>>goes
>>low) of the amp. This signal goes to the TX ENable jack on the 
>>transceiver.
>>This is the point that the transceiver is activated and produces RF to 
>>drive
>>the amp. This sequence thus prevents hot switching within the amp.
>>
>>If you elect to use the RELAY OUT on the transceiver to key the amp, you
>>have no way to prevent "hot switching" within the amp. The jumper is in
>>place between TX OUT and TX EN on the back of the transceiver. There is no
>>delay to allow the amp relay(s) to switch and settle. If your amp isn't a
>>QSK capable amp, then you're on your own. My suggestion is to use manual
>>PTT and not try to use QSK operation.
>>
>>73
>>Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
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