K2 - K60XV Transverter Keying Output Questions

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K2 - K60XV Transverter Keying Output Questions

Steve Kavanagh
I am part way through the build of my K60XV and am
trying to sort out how to interface it to my various
existing homebrew and non-Elecraft transverters.  A
couple of questions have arisen:

(1) I hope to use the transverter keyline output
(J2-pin 2 on the K60XV), but there is no connector (or
provision for one on the rear panel).  I have the
K160RX installed and would like to be able to use it
with either the QRP top cover or the KPA100 installed,
so I can't really use any of the existing holes.  I am
thinking of perhaps squeezing in a 3/32" jack just
above and to the left (as seen from the rear) of the
key jack.  Has anyone else come up with something
better ?

(2) There appears to be no specification given in the
K60XV manual for the maximum voltage and current that
can be keyed by Q3.  I can probably figure it out from
the 2N7000 data sheet, but I wonder if someone else
has already done this or has some experience, in
particular with transverters where the control input
is connected directly to relay coils (such as Down
East Microwave's transverters, for example) ?

73,
Steve VE3SMA


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Re: K2 - K60XV Transverter Keying Output Questions

Don Wilhelm-4
Steve,

There *is* room (but just barely) for an RCA jack just above the key
jack.  Take a look at where the jack is located in the photos of my K2
Fixed Audio Output article on my website http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com.  I
have since moved the fixed audio output to the microphone jack and now
have that same jack wired just for the keying output of the K60XV.

The 2N7000 data sheet should provide the information about the voltage
and current capacity, and then you will have to compare that to the
relay voltages and draw from your transverters.

73,
Don W3FPR

Steve Kavanagh wrote:

> I am part way through the build of my K60XV and am
> trying to sort out how to interface it to my various
> existing homebrew and non-Elecraft transverters.  A
> couple of questions have arisen:
>
> (1) I hope to use the transverter keyline output
> (J2-pin 2 on the K60XV), but there is no connector (or
> provision for one on the rear panel).  I have the
> K160RX installed and would like to be able to use it
> with either the QRP top cover or the KPA100 installed,
> so I can't really use any of the existing holes.  I am
> thinking of perhaps squeezing in a 3/32" jack just
> above and to the left (as seen from the rear) of the
> key jack.  Has anyone else come up with something
> better ?
>
> (2) There appears to be no specification given in the
> K60XV manual for the maximum voltage and current that
> can be keyed by Q3.  I can probably figure it out from
> the 2N7000 data sheet, but I wonder if someone else
> has already done this or has some experience, in
> particular with transverters where the control input
> is connected directly to relay coils (such as Down
> East Microwave's transverters, for example) ?
>
> 73,
> Steve VE3SMA
>
>  
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Re: K2 - K60XV Transverter Keying Output Questions

AD6XY
In reply to this post by Steve Kavanagh
You might consider the multiple IO control output which will allow you to control each transverter individually.

If not, how about using the transverter TX (or RX) RF output to carry both RF and control by imposing a DC voltage on it then and tapping it off in each transverter? This is easy, just use an RF choke at each end. A good enough RF choke is a 4.7K resistor and an RF bypass capacitor. The advantage is fewer cables and if you use the TX line, you can't TX accidentally without PTT control.

Regardless of what Q3 can or can not switch, it is always a good idea not to switch the RF relays directly with the rig. It is much better to include a switching transistor in the transverter and make the control signal low current so you can protect it and the rig with a series resistor. One day, by accident, you will connect the 12V supply directly to that line. The more sure you are you won't, the more likely you will.

Mike

Steve Kavanagh wrote
I am part way through the build of my K60XV and am
trying to sort out how to interface it to my various
existing homebrew and non-Elecraft transverters.  A
couple of questions have arisen:

(1) I hope to use the transverter keyline output
(J2-pin 2 on the K60XV), but there is no connector (or
provision for one on the rear panel).  I have the
K160RX installed and would like to be able to use it
with either the QRP top cover or the KPA100 installed,
so I can't really use any of the existing holes.  I am
thinking of perhaps squeezing in a 3/32" jack just
above and to the left (as seen from the rear) of the
key jack.  Has anyone else come up with something
better ?

(2) There appears to be no specification given in the
K60XV manual for the maximum voltage and current that
can be keyed by Q3.  I can probably figure it out from
the 2N7000 data sheet, but I wonder if someone else
has already done this or has some experience, in
particular with transverters where the control input
is connected directly to relay coils (such as Down
East Microwave's transverters, for example) ?

73,
Steve VE3SMA


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