[TenTec] A real post and question

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

My quick and dirty solution is to use a 12V SPST reed relay obtained from 
"Radio Shack".   The N.O. contacts of the reed relay are wired to the keying 
circuit of the amp.  The coil is wired between the 12V AUX output of the 
radio and the Amp Key line on the AUX connector at the radio.

Yes, it likely adds 2 or 3 ms, but that seems to be no issue.

73
Bob, K4TAX




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick at DJ0IP.de>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2014 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] A real post and question


> John,
>
>
>
> A couple of questions:
>
> 1.  Do you plan to work CW or only SSB?
>
> 2.  If CW, will you use it with your Hercules or some other amplifier?
>
> 3.  If another amplifier, which make and model (due to relay switching
> timing)?
>
>
>
> There are several so called "soft key" solutions on the market.
>
> Some sell them, others (AD5X) suggest ways of home-brewing.
>
> Basically what these do is use a big hefty transistor to switch the amp.
>
> That way there is no danger of blowing the Eagle's internal open collector
> switching transistor.
>
>
>
> However unlike the Orion or Omni VII, the Eagle has no post-dit delay or
> "hang" delay.
>
> So if you try to key an Ameritron amp without the optional QSK switch, all
> hell breaks loose inside the amp.
>
> In that case it is best to buy the Model 318 Amp Keyer.
>
> But it uses a relay so it does add about 3ms delay to the switching time 
> of
> the amp.
>
> I threw that relay out and just used the built-in open collector 
> transistor
> of the 318 to switch Ameritron amp. but with the added advantage that I 
> got
> adjustable hang time.  Now it is nice and silent.
>
>
>
> However I doubt there is time enough to sort this before you operations 
> next
> week.
>
>
>
> If you're interested in my mods to the 318, it is on my web, here:
>
> http://www.dj0ip.de/downloads/
>
> (It is file no. 4 on that page.)
>
>
>
> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
>
> (Nr. Frankfurt am Main)
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of John 
> Farler
> Sent: Friday, July 25, 2014 5:10 PM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] A real post and question
>
>
>
> OK kids - (I used to be a school principal)  Let's quit the arguing about
> how many angels will fit on a pin, and make this the civil discourse it
> should be, especially with all the good tech's here.  John Henry has taken
> on the SW project, and I dont care too much about lab comparisons, which, 
> in
> my view, have Gone to an absurb level that will not probably be noiced on
> the air.
>
>
>
> My problem is that I will ACTUALLY BE OPERATING during the KY WEEK COMING 
> UP
> TUE AS A W1AW/4 CENTENNIAL STATION.   I have my regular station and SW 
> setup
> (Omn 6+ and Hercules II.)  I took the TT deal and got an Eagle, which just
> came in and  I haven't had a chance to even hook it up.  If I learn 
> enough,
> I'd like to get it on the air some.
>
>
>
> I know it will switch SOME linears through the accessory jack, but would
> like more isolation and more current head room on the switching lead,
> without losing the necessary delay.  I'm thinking the circuit might not be
> very complicated.  Question is: Has anyone made such a gadget, or should I
> just get the TT Accessory?
>
> Thanks,
>
> 73,
>
> John, K4AVX
>
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