[TenTec] Ten-Tec amplifier vacuum relay noise

[Jim Brown K9YC]

The voltage difference is simply a different coil -- higher voltage, less 
current. I agree the mounting method contributes to the noise. But it 
doesn't bother me -- I wear headphones. :)

Note that a company called Gigavac makes and sells their own versions of 
these relays to hams at a nice discount. google to find them. I've bought 
several for Titans and Herc II, and installed several. None have been 
installed long enough to be considered a test of reliability, but none 
have failed yet either. I work 99% CW (except SSB for some contests) and 
ALWAYS QSK. I'll typically do >500 Q's in a contest weekend. 

73, 

Jim K9YC



On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:11:25 -1000, Ken Brown wrote:

>I have a Titan 425 and a Hercules II 420 amplifier. The vacuum relays in 
>the two amplifiers appear to be the same model. The vacuum relay in the 
>425 makes much more noise. I know it uses a higher voltage to actuate it 
>that the 420 does, 20 V versus 13 V. That may be part of the difference 
>in noise. I am wondering if differences in the mounting of the relays 
>and the stiffness of the wires connected to the relay is also an 
>important factor in the amount of noise radiated (acoustically) from the 
>relay. I am considering replacing the grommets that the relay board is 
>mounted with, and adding short lengths or braid in the connections to 
>the relay (not stiffened by being totally soaked full of solder) to help 
>isolate the relay vibration from the rest of the chassis.

>Anyone out there tried any of this already? I'd be interested to hear 
>about your successes and/or failures.

>DE N6KB

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