Connecting the K3 to a PW-1

[WA8EBM]

Hi,
I have been using my K3 and PW-1 together.  
I use a Microham Band Decoder as the interface for automatic band switching and also switch bands on my SteppIR.
With the latest firmware upgrades I only need to set the K3 for a little over 20 watts to get a KW out of the PW-1 on SSB.
I use an Array Solutions PowerMaster wattmeter which I have programmed to shut down the keying line to the PW-1
if I exceed 1100 watts output.
Without a negative ALC protection voltage for the K3, which as we know requires the oddball positive voltage, you
have to make sure to be watchful of your drive power.
I have had correspondence with ICOM tech support ref overdiriving the PW-1 should I accidentally pump 100 watts
into it. They said it should not damage it but recommend using ALC and keeping drive levels to enable 1000 watts output.
Being adventurous I pumped 100 watts into the PW-1, for a short duration, and got over 1400 watts output on the
wattmeter.  There was no damage and the cooling fans kicked in quickly.
Feel free to contact me off group if you plan on using them together with a band decoder and I will fill you in
on my settings and the quirks.
               73's  Mike WA8EBM
 

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[Jerry Flanders]

 From what I can determine, both the Icom PW-1 and the Yaesu Quadra
(which I have) BOTH utilize the ALC circuit to protect the amp in
oddball situations such as an antenna
disconnect/intermittent/whatever. If you are going to run without the
ALC, you are putting your expensive finals at risk.

Wayne, we need your recommendations for a circuit to fix this please
please please.

Having actually blown up the output circuit of an amp when the
antenna coax connector was intermittent (I was not using ALC then), I
am gunshy about protective circuits.

Jerry W4UK

At 04:46 AM 5/6/2008, Mike Penkas wrote:

>Hi,
>I have been using my K3 and PW-1 together.
>I use a Microham Band Decoder as the interface for automatic band
>switching and also switch bands on my SteppIR.
>With the latest firmware upgrades I only need to set the K3 for a
>little over 20 watts to get a KW out of the PW-1 on SSB.
>I use an Array Solutions PowerMaster wattmeter which I have
>programmed to shut down the keying line to the PW-1
>if I exceed 1100 watts output.
>Without a negative ALC protection voltage for the K3, which as we
>know requires the oddball positive voltage, you
>have to make sure to be watchful of your drive power.
>I have had correspondence with ICOM tech support ref overdiriving
>the PW-1 should I accidentally pump 100 watts
>into it. They said it should not damage it but recommend using ALC
>and keeping drive levels to enable 1000 watts output.
>Being adventurous I pumped 100 watts into the PW-1, for a short
>duration, and got over 1400 watts output on the
>wattmeter.  There was no damage and the cooling fans kicked in quickly.
>Feel free to contact me off group if you plan on using them together
>with a band decoder and I will fill you in
>on my settings and the quirks.
>                73's  Mike WA8EBM
>

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