[ELECRAFT LIST] Using Vintage Collins 30L-1 Linear Amplifier with K2 and/or K3.

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
2 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

[ELECRAFT LIST] Using Vintage Collins 30L-1 Linear Amplifier with K2 and/or K3.

Mister Mike
I have a Collins Radio 30L-1 Linear Amplifier.  I would like to use it with my Elecraft K2 as well as my K3.

I have performed a “soft keying” mod which involves modified the keying line in the 30L-1 by using a relay from -170 V 70mA (which was the original specifications) to -15V 1mA. This makes this popular vintage Collins 30L-1 linear amplifier usable with modern solid state radios without the possibility of damaging them.

I need to know if this amplifier, modified as described above, would be safe to use with my Elecraft K2 and/or K3.

73,

Michael, W1RC
Marblehead MA 01945
[hidden email]



______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: [ELECRAFT LIST] Using Vintage Collins 30L-1 Linear Amplifier with K2 and/or K3.

Vic Rosenthal
Michael,

The low power K2 does not have an amplifier keying output. It is easy to
create one, using the 8R line to operate a transistor switch. Such a
circuit is shown here

<https://www.mwrs.org.au/2014/04/20/elecraft-k2-amplifier-keying-circuit/>

and there are others. However, most are designed for a positive keying
voltage, not a negative one. You would have to modify it if you want to
key -15v.

The 100-watt K2 /does/ have an amp key output. But it is also designed
for positive voltages.

The K3 and K3S also have amp key circuits. Although they can handle
relatively high voltages and currents, they must be positive.

Many "soft-key" circuits do provide a positive keying voltage. Are you
sure yours doesn't? +15v at 1 ma would be easy for either the 100-watt
K2 or the K3/K3S to handle. Check it with your DVM.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
CWops #5
Formerly K2VCO
https://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 11/02/2021 17:32, Mister Mike wrote:
> I have a Collins Radio 30L-1 Linear Amplifier.  I would like to use
> it
with my Elecraft K2 as well as my K3.
>
> I have performed a “soft keying” mod which involves modified the
keying line in the 30L-1 by using a relay from -170 V 70mA (which was
the original specifications) to -15V 1mA. This makes this popular
vintage Collins 30L-1 linear amplifier usable with modern solid state
radios without the possibility of damaging them.
>
> I need to know if this amplifier, modified as described above, would
be safe to use with my Elecraft K2 and/or K3.
>
> 73,
>
> Michael, W1RC Marblehead MA 01945 [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]