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K3 Amplifier Keying

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Phil LaMarche-2

K3 Amplifier Keying

My K3 will be keying 3 amplifiers....144...50 and HF. I have two amp keyers
that can be used or just one. Should I find an RCA cable with 3 females and
one mail or does anyone have a better suggestion.

Thanks

Phil

Philip LaMarche
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
<http://www.instantgourmetspices.com/> www.instantgourmetspices.com

www.w9dvm.com <http://www.w9dvm.com/>
800-395-7795 pin 02
727-944-3226
FAX 727-937-8834
NASFT 30210

K3 #1605

CCA 98 00827
CRA 1701

W9DVM

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P.B. Christensen

Re: K3 Amplifier Keying

Phil,

You may want to isolate all three key lines using one of the many keying
buffers available. At an absolute minimum, consider using three steering
diodes if only using a splitting RCA jumper cable from the K3 to the amps,
using one diode (e.g., 1N4007 or if necessary, a Schottky type) for each amp
key line from the K3 with all the cathodes combined together and pointing
back to the K3 amp key line.

The ne-plus-ultra solution for selecting one of three amps from one of three
rigs may be available in the very near future from W8ZR...

http://www.w8zr.com/homebrew/StationPro.htm

Paul, W9AC

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:28 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying

> My K3 will be keying 3 amplifiers....144...50 and HF. I have two amp
> keyers
> that can be used or just one. Should I find an RCA cable with 3 females
> and
> one mail or does anyone have a better suggestion.
>
> Thanks
>
> Phil
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> <http://www.instantgourmetspices.com/> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>
> www.w9dvm.com <http://www.w9dvm.com/>
> 800-395-7795 pin 02
> 727-944-3226
> FAX 727-937-8834
> NASFT 30210
>
> K3 #1605
>
> CCA 98 00827
> CRA 1701
>
> W9DVM
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3 Amplifier Keying

In reply to this post by Phil LaMarche-2

Phil,

While it is likely the K3 KEYOUT can handle that with no problem, I
would not try to just 'tie them together'.
Reason, the open circuit voltage for each amp may be different, and that
will cause current to flow from one amp to another.
I would suggest using either a switch (hard to remember to change it) or
make up a "multi-keying" circuit that is driven by the K3 and provides 3
isolated keying outputs. An inversion stage with a pullup resistor on
the input followed by 3 HEXFETs (like the IRF830 or IRL620), each
driving a separate amplifier would provide all the isolation needed,
along with plenty of resurve current handling capacity for most any
amplifier which uses a positive keying voltage. One could also drive
such a circuit from the KEYOUT-LP from the ACC connector (max of 10ma
current sink) and use the K3 KEYOUT to key yet another amplifier.

73,
Don W3FPR

Phil LaMarche wrote:

> My K3 will be keying 3 amplifiers....144...50 and HF. I have two amp keyers
> that can be used or just one. Should I find an RCA cable with 3 females and
> one mail or does anyone have a better suggestion.
>
> Thanks
>
> Phil
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> <http://www.instantgourmetspices.com/> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>
> www.w9dvm.com <http://www.w9dvm.com/>
> 800-395-7795 pin 02
> 727-944-3226
> FAX 727-937-8834
> NASFT 30210
>
> K3 #1605
>
> CCA 98 00827
> CRA 1701
>
> W9DVM
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.716 / Virus Database: 270.14.110/2568 - Release Date: 12/16/09 03:02:00
>
>

Phil LaMarche-2

Re: K3 Amplifier Keying

In reply to this post by P.B. Christensen

Wow! Not being an engineer, I didn't think it would be so difficult. Many
replies, thank you. Is something commercially availiable for a non techie
like me?

Phil

Philip LaMarche
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
www.instantgourmetspices.com

www.w9dvm.com
800-395-7795 pin 02
727-944-3226
FAX 727-937-8834
NASFT 30210

K3 #1605

CCA 98 00827
CRA 1701

W9DVM

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:50 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying

Phil,

You may want to isolate all three key lines using one of the many keying
buffers available. At an absolute minimum, consider using three steering
diodes if only using a splitting RCA jumper cable from the K3 to the amps,
using one diode (e.g., 1N4007 or if necessary, a Schottky type) for each amp
key line from the K3 with all the cathodes combined together and pointing
back to the K3 amp key line.

The ne-plus-ultra solution for selecting one of three amps from one of three
rigs may be available in the very near future from W8ZR...

http://www.w8zr.com/homebrew/StationPro.htm

Paul, W9AC

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:28 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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

P.B. Christensen

Re: K3 Amplifier Keying

Phil,

The closest you're going to get to plug-'n'-play amplifier isolation is by
purchasing a commercial keying buffer, one for each amp and split the K3 key
line three ways to the input of one of these devices. The output from each
device would go to its own amp. For three devices that's USD $90-$180
depending on the model + the cost of cables.

http://www.theheathkitshop.com/page13/page13.html

http://www.radiobooks.com/products/svkr.htm

http://www.ameritron.com/Product.php?productid=ARB-704

By contrast, three silicon diodes can be purchased with pocket change and
can be easily inserted into RCA plugs with just a bit of soldering
necessary.

Paul, W9AC

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Paul Christensen'" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:58 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying

>
> Wow! Not being an engineer, I didn't think it would be so difficult.
> Many
> replies, thank you. Is something commercially availiable for a non techie
> like me?
>
> Phil
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>
> www.w9dvm.com
> 800-395-7795 pin 02
> 727-944-3226
> FAX 727-937-8834
> NASFT 30210
>
> K3 #1605
>
> CCA 98 00827
> CRA 1701
>
> W9DVM
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:50 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying
>
> Phil,
>
> You may want to isolate all three key lines using one of the many keying
> buffers available. At an absolute minimum, consider using three steering
> diodes if only using a splitting RCA jumper cable from the K3 to the amps,
> using one diode (e.g., 1N4007 or if necessary, a Schottky type) for each
> amp
> key line from the K3 with all the cathodes combined together and pointing
> back to the K3 amp key line.
>
> The ne-plus-ultra solution for selecting one of three amps from one of
> three
> rigs may be available in the very near future from W8ZR...
>
> http://www.w8zr.com/homebrew/StationPro.htm
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:28 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying
>
>
>> My K3 will be keying 3 amplifiers....144...50 and HF. I have two amp
>> keyers
>> that can be used or just one. Should I find an RCA cable with 3 females
>> and
>> one mail or does anyone have a better suggestion.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Phil
>>
>>
>> Philip LaMarche
>> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
>> <http://www.instantgourmetspices.com/> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>>
>> www.w9dvm.com <http://www.w9dvm.com/>
>> 800-395-7795 pin 02
>> 727-944-3226
>> FAX 727-937-8834
>> NASFT 30210
>>
>> K3 #1605
>>
>> CCA 98 00827
>> CRA 1701
>>
>> W9DVM
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>

Jed Petrovich

Re: K3 Amplifier Keying

Phil:

Here is a kit to consider... it's easy to assemble.

http://www.hamgadgets.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=75

Jed
AD7KG

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 3:24 PM, Paul Christensen <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Phil,
>
> The closest you're going to get to plug-'n'-play amplifier isolation is by
> purchasing a commercial keying buffer, one for each amp and split the K3
> key
> line three ways to the input of one of these devices. The output from each
> device would go to its own amp. For three devices that's USD $90-$180
> depending on the model + the cost of cables.
>
> http://www.theheathkitshop.com/page13/page13.html
>
> http://www.radiobooks.com/products/svkr.htm
>
> http://www.ameritron.com/Product.php?productid=ARB-704
>
> By contrast, three silicon diodes can be purchased with pocket change and
> can be easily inserted into RCA plugs with just a bit of soldering
> necessary.
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
> To: "'Paul Christensen'" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:58 PM
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying
>
>
> >
> > Wow! Not being an engineer, I didn't think it would be so difficult.
> > Many
> > replies, thank you. Is something commercially availiable for a non
> techie
> > like me?
> >
> > Phil
> >
> >
> > Philip LaMarche
> > LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> > www.instantgourmetspices.com
> >
> > www.w9dvm.com
> > 800-395-7795 pin 02
> > 727-944-3226
> > FAX 727-937-8834
> > NASFT 30210
> >
> > K3 #1605
> >
> > CCA 98 00827
> > CRA 1701
> >
> > W9DVM
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email]
> > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:50 PM
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying
> >
> > Phil,
> >
> > You may want to isolate all three key lines using one of the many keying
> > buffers available. At an absolute minimum, consider using three steering
> > diodes if only using a splitting RCA jumper cable from the K3 to the
> amps,
> > using one diode (e.g., 1N4007 or if necessary, a Schottky type) for each
> > amp
> > key line from the K3 with all the cathodes combined together and pointing
> > back to the K3 amp key line.
> >
> > The ne-plus-ultra solution for selecting one of three amps from one of
> > three
> > rigs may be available in the very near future from W8ZR...
> >
> > http://www.w8zr.com/homebrew/StationPro.htm
> >
> > Paul, W9AC
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Phil LaMarche" <[hidden email]>
> > To: <[hidden email]>
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:28 PM
> > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Amplifier Keying
> >
> >
> >> My K3 will be keying 3 amplifiers....144...50 and HF. I have two amp
> >> keyers
> >> that can be used or just one. Should I find an RCA cable with 3 females
> >> and
> >> one mail or does anyone have a better suggestion.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> Phil
> >>
> >>
> >> Philip LaMarche
> >> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> >> <http://www.instantgourmetspices.com/> www.instantgourmetspices.com
> >>
> >> www.w9dvm.com <http://www.w9dvm.com/>
> >> 800-395-7795 pin 02
> >> 727-944-3226
> >> FAX 727-937-8834
> >> NASFT 30210
> >>
> >> K3 #1605
> >>
> >> CCA 98 00827
> >> CRA 1701
> >>
> >> W9DVM
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >>
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> >
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>