[TenTec] Orion Relay Noise

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Fact:  Relays make a click upon being energized and to a lesser extent when 
de-energized. They are mechanical devices.

Now, the amount of noise is related largely to the design of the relay, its 
physical size and its mounting method.  Thus any rigid coupling to a board 
or metal support serves as a sound board hence making things louder.  Some 
have reported that lifting the relay from the mounting and supported it on 
flexible wires such as "solder wick" has reduced the noise.  Again, one must 
consider the physical support, its method, and any change in lead lengths 
for this to be effective.

The Omni VI Plus and the Paragon II have relays and they click.  Not 
considered a problem as the noise was no louder than the spinning hard drive 
in the computer.

My Omni VII and Centurion amp both have relays.  They click when energized 
and de-energized and that is frequent when operating QSK CW.  It is just 
fact of life and doesn't bother me at all as I use headphones when working 
CW.  As to SSB or other modes, a little click here and there is not a 
concern.  It you want a totally silent rig, then you want one that does not 
use relays.

73
Bob, K4TAX



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Huffman" <hjohnc at gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 9:35 AM
Subject: [TenTec] Orion Relay Noise


>I have a new (to me) Orion (Orion 1, Orion I, Orion Sr., etc.) that has
> a noisy T-R relay.  Ten Tec service said the rig was OK, but there is
> some normal clicking.
>
> Anyone found a way to quiet it down?
>
> 73 de K1ESE
> John
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