[TenTec] Model 318 Amplifier Key Interface

[Ken Brown]

To really know whether you need external sequencing/delay equipment to 
run QSK with any particular amplifier and transceiver requires that you 
have accurate information about the timing that the equipment provides 
or requires. Many manufacturers do not provide these specifications, and 
many who do provide them are not real clear and specific about what they 
mean.

Reviews in QST that show key closure versus transmit power envelope (and 
key opening versus end of transmit power envelope) of transceivers can 
help to provide part of the needed information. Though these 
measurements are done on a specific unit, which is not necessarily 
identical to every unit of the same model that comes of the production line.

The only way to know for sure is to measure it yourself. There may be 
other ways, but I cannot think of a better way than with a good 
oscilloscope and the appropriate probes and power sampling goodies. If 
you do that, then you hope the timing is consistent.

Figuring out the capability of the amplifier may require getting inside 
of it while parts of the amplifier are disabled. Any attempt to try to 
find out how tight the timing can be for the amplifier, without some 
sort of test setup in which the amplifier is not quite fully 
functioning, is likely to cause the exact kinds of damage that this 
whole exercise and the use of sequencing/delay equipment is intended to 
prevent.

DE N6KB

Richards wrote:
> Thank you for the detailed explanation - that helps me a lot.
> 
> So... would I want one of these?   My Omni VII works seamlessly with a 
> QSK circuit on the Centurion... but the Kenwood 590 requires me to set a 
> delay in side the rig,... is this the same sort of delay, such that the 
> new 318 would be redundant?
> Or would it do something I cannot do now?
> 
> I mean... the fact it works with the 590... does that mean I need one, 
> or just that it would be OK to have and use one with the 590 ?
> 
> ==========================  James  =======================
> 
> On 2/1/2012 6:52 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
>> Here's you answer, James:
>>
>> YES it will work with your Kenwood TS-590.
>>
>>
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