[TenTec] Argo V amp keying

Thu Aug 8 09:38:19 EDT 2013

Funny you mention "cheap foot switch".....
I have a foot switch that HP once charged more for than the cost of the 
Argo V!
I use it for hands-free with a Heil headset.
...Yup, a footswitch!

.....Dave

On 8/8/2013 9:16 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> In that case, buy a cheap foot switch and key the amp with a foot switch.
> Then you don't have to modify anything.
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave
> Edwards
> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 2:31 PM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
>
> Guys.....
>
> I had the original question on the Argo V amp keying.
> I was able to acquire a Kenwood TL120 amp.
> The amp supplies 100 (or so) watts with 10 watts drive.
>
> I wanted to test it out.
>
> I have an Elecraft K1, which is about 7 watts max.
> I closed the key line of the amp, and got about 65 watts out with the
> Elecraft driving it.
> I thought I would hook it up to the Argo V and make a few contacts.
>
> I can wire a toggle switch to the amp key line, and manually switch
> it....just to make a few contacts, and warm up the old amp.
>
> I am not a strong believer in modding equipment.
> Whenever I read descriptions for used gear for sale, as soon as I get to
> the line "Someone has changed the ......"   I stop reading at that point
> and move on.
>
> Down the road, I may be the owner of a KX3....that would work perfect with
> the amp.
> ....Or perhaps an Argo VI???????
>
> .....Dave
>
>
>
> On 8/8/2013 8:12 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
>> Just remember, making changes of this magnitude might put one in the
>> position of a "very underpaid design Engineer".  In other words, "if
>> one THINKS they know what they are doing, best STOP and ask someone
>> that has done it before successfully".
>>
>> I agree with Rick, adding something like this might be fatal to the
>> radio.
>>
>> Now lets look at the issue a bit differently.  Why not use your keyer
>> with a suitable driver to key the amp and to key the radio. It works
>> this way for situations where one does not have QSK keying ability
>> when using the Centurion amp and some other radio that does not have
>> QSK capability.  The key is connected to the amp {not the radio}  and
>> the keying circuit in the amp then keys the radio upon key closure.
>> The AUX connector on the back of the ARGO V does have access to the
>> PTT for that reason.
>>
>>
>> 73
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick at DJ0IP.de>
>> To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec at contesting.com>
>> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:35 AM
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
>>
>>
>>> Guys, BE VERY CAREFUL about bringing the T-line out of the rig.
>>>
>>> SPECIFICALLY, DO NOT DO THAT!
>>>
>>> This is a signal which runs through many stages of the radio.
>>> If anything unusual externally touches that line, lots of damage can
>>> occur.
>>>
>>> You MUST buffer the line with a transistor before bringing it out.
>>> Then the worst thing you will do is blow that transistor.
>>>
>>> Examples of what might happen:
>>>
>>> <> It gets inadvertently connected to an older amp which uses 120v for
>>> keying its relay.  "GAME OVER"
>>> <> It gets inadvertently connected to a newer amp which uses 12v for
>>> keying
>>> its relay.  "Smoked Silicon"
>>> <> It shorts to ground.  "If you're lucky, it just blows a fuse.
>>> Murphy?"
>>>
>>> *** Buffer the signal before you bring it out of the rig! ***
>>>
>>> 73
>>> Rick, DJ0IP
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mark
>>> N8COO
>>> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:48 AM
>>> To: tentec at contesting.com
>>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
>>>
>>>> Message: 12
>>>> Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:06:53 -0400
>>>> From: Dave Edwards <kd2e at comcast.net>
>>>> To: tentec at contesting.com
>>>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
>>>> Message-ID: <5200E6DD.20002 at comcast.net>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>>>>
>>>> Is that not the line already available on the accessory connector?
>>>> (for keying the radio)
>>>>
>>>> ...Dave
>>>>
>>> Hi Dave,
>>>
>>> Sorry I did not specifically answer your original question. Please
>>> allow me
>>> to try again:
>>>
>>> The PTT you mentioned earlier (on AUX 1) is to be able to place the
>>> rig into
>>> transmit mode, when grounded -  like for a transmit foot switch, or a
>>> typical soundcard interface that utilizes hard keying of the rig such as
>>> through the computer's serial port.  The manual calls it "keyline input"
>>> (page 6.)  It does not provide closure upon transmit.
>>>
>>> As shipped from the factory, the line ("T" line) is not available on
>>> the AUX
>>> 1 connector, or any of the other connectors, nor is there a factory
>>> installed provision for keying of an external amp through relay
>>> closure or
>>> other means on the Argonaut V.
>>>
>>> The replies given for addition to your rig of a keying circuit for
>>> your amp
>>> will do the job, but will involve some modification of the rig. You
>>> might
>>> want to bring the "T" line out though the slot for the fan wires or
>>> somewhere similar and mount the keying circuit externally, thus
>>> making it
>>> easily reversible and no drilling any holes - if that is a concern.
>>>
>>> 73, Mark N8COO
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