K3 and linear amp

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K3 and linear amp

Dave, G4AON
Todd

Beware the manual for the AL1200 doesn't appear to mention the change
over timing of it's relay, the K3 outputs RF approx 10 milli seconds
after the linear keying line goes low - measured on mine with a half
decent scope. There is currently no adjustable delay for that timing in
the K3 (although it has been mentioned as being on the "to do" list),
even my TS-480 has a choice of 10 mS or 25 mS - it only costs half the
price of a K3...

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
================

One question remains and it is probably ridiculously simple but I can
not see it. How do I get the K3 to trigger the relay in my Ameritron
AL 1200?. I see no connection for a cable to the amp nor nothing in
the config menu.

thanks in advance!

73
de
todd
WB2ZAB
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RE: K3 and linear amp

Roger Marrotte-2
I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I just
checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the AL-811H
takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.  I hope
there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will allow me to
adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with amps.  I have no
idea what an average switch over time is for amps in general.  Ameritron
sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5, that reduces the switching
time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3 firmware change would sure be
less expensive.

Roger, W1EM  

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave G4AON
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 10:45 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp

Todd

Beware the manual for the AL1200 doesn't appear to mention the change over
timing of it's relay, the K3 outputs RF approx 10 milli seconds after the
linear keying line goes low - measured on mine with a half decent scope.
There is currently no adjustable delay for that timing in the K3 (although
it has been mentioned as being on the "to do" list), even my TS-480 has a
choice of 10 mS or 25 mS - it only costs half the price of a K3...

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
================

One question remains and it is probably ridiculously simple but I can not
see it. How do I get the K3 to trigger the relay in my Ameritron AL 1200?. I
see no connection for a cable to the amp nor nothing in the config menu.

thanks in advance!

73
de
todd
WB2ZAB


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RE: K3 and linear amp

Chuck - AE4CW
I have the same issue with a slow switching linear and am thinking about putting a slow relay in the keying circuit which I need anyway to invert the keying signal.  
---
Chuck, AE4CW
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RE: K3 and linear amp

k0wa@swbell.net
In reply to this post by Roger Marrotte-2


Hold the phone.....

I am using my K3 with an AL80A...basic amp with the same relay as many of the other Amertrons use.  I have seen no issues at all.  Also, you might look at this little gimmick that might help you out here....  This is the URL

http://www.k6xx.com/radio/fastrely.html

Also, I think on W8JI's web site he has done some work with these types of relays and "bends" them be quicker.  If I remember right.

Now, I am going to install a Vacuum Relay in my amp....not because I am worried about the switching time...I had the loud CLUNK when the amp fires off.  I hate that!  I got a great deal on a Vacuum relay off of Ebay for 55 bucks (new) and then use a DPDT relay for the input and bias control.

Lee - K0WA





In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common Sense divine?
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Re: K3 and linear amp

gm3sek
In reply to this post by Roger Marrotte-2
Roger Marrotte wrote:

>I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I
>just checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
>AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.
>I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
>allow me to adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with
>amps.  I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in
>general.  Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5,
>that reduces the switching time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3
>firmware change would sure be less expensive.
>
That firmware change is surely needed, but there is another inexpensive
way which often works - speed up that open-frame relay.

The circuit shown in the link below uses the existing relay supply rail,
and it will shorten the switching time of most relays by about one-half.
The same circuit will also convert many older amplifiers to a modern
standards +12V, low-current switch interface.

http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#speedup


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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Re: K3 and linear amp

n6wg
In reply to this post by Roger Marrotte-2
Roger
Go to this site http://www.k6xx.com/radio/fastrely.pdf

K6XX has a need relay speed-up circuit that might be
applicable to the relay in your amp.  I suppose that it
requires the relay to be a 12v relay, though.  Don't
know what you actually have.

Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Marrotte" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Dave G4AON'" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 7:12 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp


> I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.
I just
> checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
AL-811H
> takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.  I
hope
> there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
allow me to
> adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with amps.  I
have no
> idea what an average switch over time is for amps in general.
Ameritron
> sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5, that reduces the
switching
> time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3 firmware change would
sure be

> less expensive.
>
> Roger, W1EM
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave G4AON
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 10:45 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp
>
> Todd
>
> Beware the manual for the AL1200 doesn't appear to mention the
change over
> timing of it's relay, the K3 outputs RF approx 10 milli seconds
after the
> linear keying line goes low - measured on mine with a half decent
scope.
> There is currently no adjustable delay for that timing in the K3
(although
> it has been mentioned as being on the "to do" list), even my TS-480
has a
> choice of 10 mS or 25 mS - it only costs half the price of a K3...
>
> 73 Dave, G4AON
> K3/100 #80
> ================
>
> One question remains and it is probably ridiculously simple but I
can not
> see it. How do I get the K3 to trigger the relay in my Ameritron AL
1200?. I
> see no connection for a cable to the amp nor nothing in the config
menu.

>
> thanks in advance!
>
> 73
> de
> todd
> WB2ZAB
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>
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Re: K3 and linear amp

Jan Erik Holm
In reply to this post by Chuck - AE4CW
Or rebuild the amp with faster relays like the Jennings RJ1A.

Jim SM2EKM
----------------------
AE4CW wrote:
> I have the same issue with a slow switching linear and am thinking about
> putting a slow relay in the keying circuit which I need anyway to invert the
> keying signal.  
>
>
> -----
> Chuck, AE4CW
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K2 and digital modes

Matt Patterson-9
Wondering if others are using their K2 on PSK31 and RTTY?  I made my
first PSK31 contact on the K2 last night and the guy said I had a nice
clean signal but I'm curious what settings on the K2 everyone else uses
when running these modes.  I'm afraid I may have my RF gain set to high
on the rig or my audio out set to high on the PC.  On my TS-2000 you
would increase the volume until the ALC meter just barely started
registering then you knew you were good to go. Is there something
similar I can do on the K2?

73 Matt
W5LL

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Re: K3 and linear amp

Buck - k4ia
In reply to this post by Dave, G4AON
I rely on my MicroHam Microkeyer to key the rig  and amp.  You can set the
delay in the MicroKeyer.

You can also  insert a half character space at the beginning of your CW
macros so there is a  slight delay between going into transmit mode and actually
transmitting.   In the N1MM contest software the appropriate character to insert
is the  ~

Buck
k4ia
K3 # 101

In a message dated 3/20/2008 11:59:20  A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes:
You can still use  the amp by manually activating the transmit switch on both
pieces of gear. I do  this with one old rig I have. Not the nicest solution
but it will work  By  the way I have the QSK add on switch and it works real
nice for QSK  CW


73 Doug K3DUG


K3 #????
-------------- Original  message ----------------------
From: "Roger Marrotte"  <[hidden email]>
> I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I  want to use my amp with a K3.  I
just
> checked the manual for my  AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the AL-811H
> takes approximately  15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.  I hope
> there's a  K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will allow me to
> adjust  the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with amps.  I have  
no

> idea what an average switch over time is for amps in general.   Ameritron
> sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5, that reduces  the switching
> time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3  firmware change would sure be
> less expensive.
>
> Roger,  W1EM  
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:  [hidden email]
>  [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave G4AON
> Sent:  Thursday, March 20, 2008 10:45 AM
> To: [hidden email]
>  Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp
>
> Todd
>
>  Beware the manual for the AL1200 doesn't appear to mention the change  over
> timing of it's relay, the K3 outputs RF approx 10 milli seconds  after the
> linear keying line goes low - measured on mine with a half  decent scope.
> There is currently no adjustable delay for that timing in  the K3 (although
> it has been mentioned as being on the "to do" list),  even my TS-480 has a
> choice of 10 mS or 25 mS - it only costs half the  price of a K3...
>
> 73 Dave, G4AON
> K3/100 #80
>  ================
>
> One question remains and it is probably  ridiculously simple but I can not
> see it. How do I get the K3 to trigger  the relay in my Ameritron AL 1200?.
I

> see no connection for a cable to  the amp nor nothing in the config menu.
>
> thanks in  advance!
>
> 73
> de
> todd
> WB2ZAB
>  
>
> _______________________________________________
>  Elecraft mailing list
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> You must  be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>  
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Fix the old amplifier......leave the K3 alone!

Fern Rivard
In reply to this post by gm3sek
Hi Ian and the group:

    I would suggest that you fix/modernize your old amplier and leave the K3 as is!  The problem is NOT with the K3 but rather your amplifier. Upgrade the darn linear with more modern faster switching relays and vacuum relays are not that expensive if you shop around for some good used ones.

    73 from Fern VE7GZ with a fine K3 transceiver






----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp


Roger Marrotte wrote:

>I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I
>just checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
>AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.
>I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
>allow me to adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with
>amps.  I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in
>general.  Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5,
>that reduces the switching time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3
>firmware change would sure be less expensive.
>
That firmware change is surely needed, but there is another inexpensive
way which often works - speed up that open-frame relay.

The circuit shown in the link below uses the existing relay supply rail,
and it will shorten the switching time of most relays by about one-half.
The same circuit will also convert many older amplifiers to a modern
standards +12V, low-current switch interface.

http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#speedup


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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Re: K2 and digital modes

Julian, G4ILO
In reply to this post by Matt Patterson-9
Matt Patterson-9 wrote
Wondering if others are using their K2 on PSK31 and RTTY?  I made my
first PSK31 contact on the K2 last night and the guy said I had a nice
clean signal but I'm curious what settings on the K2 everyone else uses
when running these modes.  I'm afraid I may have my RF gain set to high
on the rig or my audio out set to high on the PC.  On my TS-2000 you
would increase the volume until the ALC meter just barely started
registering then you knew you were good to go. Is there something
similar I can do on the K2?
See this article: http://www.g4ilo.com/k2psk31.html
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
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Re: K2 and digital modes

Simon (HB9DRV)
Julian suggests running a bar of ALC - I very strongly disagree. Never, ever
run any ALC with PSK as it degrades the quality of the signal and makes
decoding more difficult.

With digital modes *always* aim for a 100% linear signal. It's not the power
but the quality / purity that matters. What may look good on the other
station's waterfall is not always the best for decoding.

It's not just what you transmit but what you don't transmit that matters.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

--------------------------------------------------
From: "G4ILO" <[hidden email]>

> See this article: http://www.g4ilo.com/k2psk31.html
 

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Re: Fix the old amplifier......leave the K3 alone!

AD6XY
In reply to this post by Fern Rivard
This is a mots worrying post. I think it demonstrates considerable ignorance of the many and varied applications of the K3. There is so much more to life than HF.

How do you suggest we speed up a waveguide relay to 10mS?




Fern Rivard wrote
Hi Ian and the group:

    I would suggest that you fix/modernize your old amplier and leave the K3 as is!  The problem is NOT with the K3 but rather your amplifier. Upgrade the darn linear with more modern faster switching relays and vacuum relays are not that expensive if you shop around for some good used ones.

    73 from Fern VE7GZ with a fine K3 transceiver






----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <gm3sek@ifwtech.co.uk>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp


Roger Marrotte wrote:
>I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I
>just checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
>AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.
>I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
>allow me to adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with
>amps.  I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in
>general.  Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5,
>that reduces the switching time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3
>firmware change would sure be less expensive.
>
That firmware change is surely needed, but there is another inexpensive
way which often works - speed up that open-frame relay.

The circuit shown in the link below uses the existing relay supply rail,
and it will shorten the switching time of most relays by about one-half.
The same circuit will also convert many older amplifiers to a modern
standards +12V, low-current switch interface.

http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#speedup


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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Re: K2 and digital modes

Julian, G4ILO
In reply to this post by Simon (HB9DRV)
Simon Brown (HB9DRV) wrote
Julian suggests running a bar of ALC - I very strongly disagree. Never, ever
run any ALC with PSK as it degrades the quality of the signal and makes
decoding more difficult.

With digital modes *always* aim for a 100% linear signal. It's not the power
but the quality / purity that matters. What may look good on the other
station's waterfall is not always the best for decoding.

It's not just what you transmit but what you don't transmit that matters.
Simon, what you say may be true of most radios but WRONG about the K2. This Elecraft document http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/PSK31_KSB2_mods.htm describes a modification that was made to early K2s that was since I believe incorporated in production. It changes the way the ALC works in data modes. It specifically recommends setting the level to one bar of ALC. I have always operated my K2 like that and when I have monitored my signal on another radio the IMD is typically -32dB.
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
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Re: Fix the old amplifier......leave the K3 alone!

alsopb
In reply to this post by AD6XY
If I recall correctly earlier K3's failed the "AMTOR" -like mode turn
around time from rx to tx and back.
I believe that is about 15 ms.   This was apparently fixed.   The 10ms
delay between PTT and RF helps it meet this.

So if it is too slow, some group complains.  If it is too fast others
complain.   The need is apparently more than user dependent.  It can be
mode dependent.
 
There is an xmit inhibit pin (aux i/o 7)  that (at least in the
transverter mode) can inhibit RF until it is set high.   Those of you
into serious VHF/UHF/Microwaves probably already have some kind of
sequencer.  Using this pin with your sequencer can solve the "slow
waveguide" relay problem.  See Page 19 of manual.

Has anybody tried to use this pin yet?  Maybe it can also be used for HF
applications with some menu setting.

On the FT-1000MP many HF'ers used it's inhibit pin to avoid hot
switching of their amps.  Same idea here.

73 de Brian/K3KO

AD6XY - Mike wrote:

>This is a mots worrying post. I think it demonstrates considerable ignorance
>of the many and varied applications of the K3. There is so much more to life
>than HF.
>
>How do you suggest we speed up a waveguide relay to 10mS?
>
>
>
>
>
>Fern Rivard wrote:
>  
>
>>Hi Ian and the group:
>>
>>    I would suggest that you fix/modernize your old amplier and leave the
>>K3 as is!  The problem is NOT with the K3 but rather your amplifier.
>>Upgrade the darn linear with more modern faster switching relays and
>>vacuum relays are not that expensive if you shop around for some good used
>>ones.
>>
>>    73 from Fern VE7GZ with a fine K3 transceiver
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <[hidden email]>
>>To: <[hidden email]>
>>Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:31 AM
>>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp
>>
>>
>>Roger Marrotte wrote:
>>    
>>
>>>I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I
>>>just checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
>>>AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.
>>>I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
>>>allow me to adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with
>>>amps.  I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in
>>>general.  Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5,
>>>that reduces the switching time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3
>>>firmware change would sure be less expensive.
>>>
>>>      
>>>
>>That firmware change is surely needed, but there is another inexpensive
>>way which often works - speed up that open-frame relay.
>>
>>The circuit shown in the link below uses the existing relay supply rail,
>>and it will shorten the switching time of most relays by about one-half.
>>The same circuit will also convert many older amplifiers to a modern
>>standards +12V, low-current switch interface.
>>
>>http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#speedup
>>
>>
>>--
>>
>>73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
>>http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
>>_______________________________________________
>>Elecraft mailing list
>>Post to: [hidden email]
>>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>>
>>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>>
>>--
>>No virus found in this incoming message.
>>Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>>Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1331 - Release Date: 3/16/2008
>>10:34 AM
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
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>>
>>
>>    
>>
>
>  
>

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Re: Fix the old amplifier......leave the K3 alone!

alsopb
In reply to this post by AD6XY
Have you tried the inhibit pin (pin 7) of the accessory connector?  It will hold off rf output until set low.
Those serious VHF/UHF/Microwave ops already probably have sequencers.  This can just be a part of the sequencing.  See page 19 of the manual.

Early K3's apparently didn't meet the transmit/receive cycle time for various digital modes.  Too slow.  10ms helps it do so.  So the needed delay isn't just a HF/UHF/VHF/Microwave issue.  It is also a mode issue.

de K3KO    


AD6XY - Mike wrote
This is a mots worrying post. I think it demonstrates considerable ignorance of the many and varied applications of the K3. There is so much more to life than HF.

How do you suggest we speed up a waveguide relay to 10mS?




Fern Rivard wrote
Hi Ian and the group:

    I would suggest that you fix/modernize your old amplier and leave the K3 as is!  The problem is NOT with the K3 but rather your amplifier. Upgrade the darn linear with more modern faster switching relays and vacuum relays are not that expensive if you shop around for some good used ones.

    73 from Fern VE7GZ with a fine K3 transceiver






----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian White GM3SEK" <gm3sek@ifwtech.co.uk>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp


Roger Marrotte wrote:
>I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3.  I
>just checked the manual for my AL-811H and "The open frame relay in the
>AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states".  My K3 is on order.
>I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will
>allow me to adjust the change over timing.  I'm far from an expert with
>amps.  I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in
>general.  Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5,
>that reduces the switching time to 1ms.  It costs around $300.00.  A K3
>firmware change would sure be less expensive.
>
That firmware change is surely needed, but there is another inexpensive
way which often works - speed up that open-frame relay.

The circuit shown in the link below uses the existing relay supply rail,
and it will shorten the switching time of most relays by about one-half.
The same circuit will also convert many older amplifiers to a modern
standards +12V, low-current switch interface.

http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#speedup


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1331 - Release Date: 3/16/2008 10:34 AM


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Re: K2 and digital modes

WILLIS COOKE
In reply to this post by Simon (HB9DRV)

--- "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Julian suggests running a bar of ALC - I very
> strongly disagree. Never, ever
> run any ALC with PSK as it degrades the quality of
> the signal and makes
> decoding more difficult.
>
> With digital modes *always* aim for a 100% linear
> signal. It's not the power
> but the quality / purity that matters. What may look
> good on the other
> station's waterfall is not always the best for
> decoding.
>
> It's not just what you transmit but what you don't
> transmit that matters.
>
> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
>
Simon, does this apply to RTTY as well?  I have had
good results by keeping the power down with PSK-31,
but not such good results with RTTY.  Most of my RTTY
is in DX pileups and my results seem better if I run
the transceiver a bit harder and drive my amp to 300
watts or so, but my experience is very limited.  I am
using you DM 780 with an ACER Aspire 5610Z computer
running Vista.

Thanks for a very nice suite of programs.  



Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ
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Re: K2 and digital modes

Simon (HB9DRV)
Hi,

This applies to phase shift keying modes. RTTY seems to be OK with some
ALC - remember it's the peak power that matters, not the average.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

--------------------------------------------------
From: "WILLIS COOKE" <[hidden email]>

> Simon, does this apply to RTTY as well?  I have had
> good results by keeping the power down with PSK-31,
> but not such good results with RTTY.  Most of my RTTY
> is in DX pileups and my results seem better if I run
> the transceiver a bit harder and drive my amp to 300
> watts or so, but my experience is very limited.  I am
> using you DM 780 with an ACER Aspire 5610Z computer
> running Vista.
 

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Re: K2 and digital modes

Julian, G4ILO
In reply to this post by WILLIS COOKE
pappy_c wrote
Simon, does this apply to RTTY as well?  I have had
good results by keeping the power down with PSK-31,
but not such good results with RTTY.  Most of my RTTY
is in DX pileups and my results seem better if I run
the transceiver a bit harder and drive my amp to 300
watts or so, but my experience is very limited.  I am
using you DM 780 with an ACER Aspire 5610Z computer
running Vista.
RTTY, or any FSK mode (such as MFSK) does not need a linear PA at all. It is only where phase shift keying is used, which causes amplitude changes to take place, that linearity is important.

The reason you haven't had such good results with RTTY (and nor have I) is that RTTY is not so easy for the decoder to dig out of the noise (it occupying a wider bandwidth doesn't help, for a start.) Plus, many RTTY operators run very high power, wh=hile most PSK31 operators use less than 50W, often quite a lot less, so the RTTY stations may be loud with you, but you may not be loud with them.
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
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Re: K2 and digital modes

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Matt Patterson-9
Matt Patterson wrote:
> Wondering if others are using their K2 on PSK31 and RTTY?  I made my
> first PSK31 contact on the K2 last night and the guy said I had a nice
> clean signal but I'm curious what settings on the K2 everyone else uses
> when running these modes.  I'm afraid I may have my RF gain set to high
> on the rig or my audio out set to high on the PC.  On my TS-2000 you
> would increase the volume until the ALC meter just barely started
> registering then you knew you were good to go. Is there something
> similar I can do on the K2?

I began using my K2/100 for RTTY contesting some time ago, and it is
awesome!  There is a 4th bank of filter settings for RTTY ... you have
to enable them in the menu.  Then, when you cycle through the XFILs, you
get C, L, U, r.  I use a 400 Hz setting most, occasionally 200 Hz.

My setup is really minimalist.  Writelog+MMTTY.  Line Out goes to a mic
connector [tie both hot leads to the mic input pin].  Headphones Out
goes to Line In with an in-line phone jack bridged across for my
headphones.  Enable VOX in the menu to key the radio when you send the
AFSK tones.

I set my MARK frequency in MMTTY to 1200 Hz.  The standard 2125 Hz way
too high for me to hear.  I was limiting the power to about 50W, but I
finally velcro'd a muffin fan to the top of the KPA100 heat sink, and
everything stays cold even at 85W now.

I did finally put a 1:10 divider into the cable to Line In and covered
it with shrink tube since the K2 audio was a little hot for the Windows
Audio Mixer-thingy when I had the AF gain up where I could hear weak
signals, but it all worked without it too, just a little touchy setting
the sound card input level.

I can print signals I can't hear in the phones and can barely discern on
the MMTTY scope display.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party  4-5 Oct 08
- www.cqp.org
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