[UK-CONTEST] Don, Nick anyone other Quadra owner? Keying problem?

[Alex GM3ZBE]

Hi Don, Nick et al,

I'm sorry to trouble you again but I am having problems with this Quadra I
have just bought.

I just want to check something before I consider sending it back.

 

The first time I used it on CW in AFS I got reports of clicks and transients
around the signal.

I have checked my FT1000MKV and it is not down to the rig.

 

To run a test, I set it up on a dummy load and in a really minimalist
fashion, i.e. no control cables, alc cable, Winkey, band data cables or
anything.

I used a foot switch on the amp ptt, used mox on the rig and limited the rig
drive power manually.  I wanted to eliminate any possibility of "funnies"
due to RF feed back or computer/keying issues etc.

The problem only appears when sending CW in that I hear a relay clicking in
the PSU and peak power o/p level becomes erratic if I run it at more than
about 500 to 600W out.  Doesn't make any difference whether the LOW button
is in or out.  The o/p is fine if I just hold the manual key down, in fact
it can produce 1200W without any protests from the psu.  It is also OK on
SSB at the same level.  No relays dropping in and out in either case.

 

I get no error or warning messages at any time.

 

Can you tell me if you get any relay clicking from your PSU in CW, i.e. is
that normal?  (the relay is fairly quiet, it clicks in and out while sending
but it is not following the cw characters).

 

Alex, GM3ZBE ~~~~Kingdom of Fife~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Member of:
De Montfort University ARS,
Kingdom Amateur Radio Society (KARS)
GMDX Group, CDXC, G-qrp club (10455).
Previous callsigns G3ZBE, GM8BYG,
holder of GM4BRN club call. 
 
Remember..............It's only a hobby!
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