Topband: TX relays

[Carl]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Brown" <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2014 3:37 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: TX relays


> On Thu,10/9/2014 11:18 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:
>> I know you want one-part-number-fits-all answers, but I do not think that 
>> is possible.
>
> That's your assumption, but certainly not mine. What I think most of us 
> would appreciate are known good products for specific (or define ranges 
> of) applications.
>
> Your observations about quality decline with outsourcing is certainly 
> appreciated. Indeed, that is part of the experience we ought to be 
> sharing.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC




> On Thu,10/9/2014 11:18 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:
>> I know you want one-part-number-fits-all answers, but I do not think that 
>> is possible.
>
> That's your assumption, but certainly not mine. What I think most of us 
> would appreciate are known good products for specific (or define ranges 
> of) applications.
>
> Your observations about quality decline with outsourcing is certainly 
> appreciated. Indeed, that is part of the experience we ought to be 
> sharing.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> _________________


Nor mine either.

When Tom doesnt want to divulge anything interesting he resorts to insults 
and a lot of dancing around the subject.

Is the RCS-8V any better than the RCS 4, 10 and 12 which all use the rugged 
DPDT relay used in the Senior Ameritron amps. Board layout has improved for 
increased isolation and the relays are easily replace if needed.

The RCS-8V uses a so called custom relay which costs $33.80 each for 
replacement while the RCS-4 relay is $6.64.
OTOH there is only a $10 difference between both end products.

For HF to 6M the RCS-4 has 3 relays and rated at 2500W continuous average 
power.

The RCS-8V has 5 relays and is supposedly good for 5KW to 30 mHz but only 1 
KW at 150 mHz. A full set of replacement relays cost as much as the complete 
product!

Does anybody smell a scam here?

Im not grumpy Tom, just frustrated with getting a straight answer out of you 
instead of hiding behind what ever nonsense verbiage you like to throw out 
such as:

"For example, the
RCS8V uses a custom tooled relay that has a double make double break
contact, or form X contact. It isn't under a part number at Mouser"

Translation:  it is configured as a transfer relay ( the form X contact (it 
should read configuration)) with each leg in parallel due to a shorting bar 
between them explained as a long winded elaboration "double make double 
break contact or form X contact ". It isn't under a part number at Mouser.

There is nothing earth shattering about a transfer relay Tom, they have been 
around possibly since relays were invented. I use an ancient 4 port Dow Key 
on my 1500W 2M amp. A Transco transfer relay is used on the 222 mHz 1500W 
amp and another on the 400W for 432.
I use a transfer switch on my house generator.

Most HF amps use a different form of transfer relay which is simply a 
standard DPDT wired for the transfer function.
No magic there either.

The RCS-8V relay can be duplicated at home from a standard DPDT with decent 
performance to 6M

Bifurcated contact simply means twin contact, aka parallel.

Here is an excellent tutorial on relay terminology
http://www.relaymaster.com/Glossary.aspx

BTW, some states have passed laws against companies that refuse to release 
service information to independent shops.
Its time you and DXE as well as a few others are included if it doesnt 
become voluntary.

Carl
KM1H