[TowerTalk] Amplifier Interface

[Tom Rauch]

I missed the question, but if someone e-mails me I'll try to help.

Measuring dc steady-state voltages and currents won't tell you 
much about life of any relay contact or switch in almost any 
application, because virtually all damage is on contact closure and 
opening. It's the arcing and sparking when the contacts close and 
open that mostly eat up switches and relays. 

You would have to use a triggered scope and a current probe as 
well as have detailed relay or switch contact ratings to conclude 
anything with measurements.
 
> Find the operating manual for your radio (TS950).
> 
> Determine the maximum allowable voltage on the amplifier key line.
> 
> Determine the maximum allowable current in the amplifier key line.
> 
> Measure the open circuit voltage from you amplifier relay line.
> 
> Measure the closed circuit current from your amplifier relay line
> (place milliameter between the relay line and ground).
> 
> Compare the numbers.  If any of the measured numbers
> exceed the maximum rated numbers for the radio,
> then you need an external relay.
> 
> For future reference, the AMPS reflector 
> is also carried on contesting.com
> 
> Tom  N4KG
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, 7 Nov 2001 "Kevin Hemsley" <kev@ida.net> writes:
> > 
> > I'm looking to use a Kenwood TS-950SDX to excite an Ameritron AL-80B
> > and/or a Kenwood TL-922 amplifier.  Is an external relay, such as
> > the Ameritron ARB-702K a good idea, or unnecessary for the 950SDX? 
> > Any wisdom on this would be greatly appreciated.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> >                 Kevin.
> > ------------------------------------------------------
> > Kevin Hemsley
> > kev@ida.net
> > KB7TYA
> 
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73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 

List Sponsored by AN Wireless:  AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
Trylon Titan towers, coax, hardline and more. Also check out our self
supporting towers up to 100 feet for under $1500!!  http://www.anwireless.com

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