K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

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K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Gary Smith-2
My newly acquired 30 year old amp comes with QSK. As there was a
different relay than came stock I have to assume the circuitry may
have been altered in the past. I have no way to know this.

After two weeks of normal amp behavior I found the T/R vacuum relay
had locked in the transmit position. A gentle tap on the NO terminal
released it and function is back to normal. Mostly normal as I do
find the ALC idiot light is no longer illuminating and the grid
metering response appears attenuated but the amplifier puts out full
power with absolutely no difficulty in that 35W drive gives 1500 out
to the LP-100A watt meter.

My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
first to avoid hot switching?

Thanks,

Gary
KA1J
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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Scott Manthe-2
Config menu item TX DLY, on page 61 of the K3 manual.

73,
Scott, N9AA


On 10/28/12 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:

> My newly acquired 30 year old amp comes with QSK. As there was a
> different relay than came stock I have to assume the circuitry may
> have been altered in the past. I have no way to know this.
>
> After two weeks of normal amp behavior I found the T/R vacuum relay
> had locked in the transmit position. A gentle tap on the NO terminal
> released it and function is back to normal. Mostly normal as I do
> find the ALC idiot light is no longer illuminating and the grid
> metering response appears attenuated but the amplifier puts out full
> power with absolutely no difficulty in that 35W drive gives 1500 out
> to the LP-100A watt meter.
>
> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
> first to avoid hot switching?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gary
> KA1J
> ______________________________________________________________
>
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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Gary Smith-2
Gary,

The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
the onset of RF.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
> first to avoid hot switching?
>
>

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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

alsopb
Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.  
The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.

It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.

73 de Brian/K3KO


On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Gary,
>
> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
> the onset of RF.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
>    
>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
>> first to avoid hot switching?
>>
>>
>>      
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> -----
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> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
>
>
>    

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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Gary Smith-2
My TX DLY setting is 015. If I've got it this high and I still had a
problem, this makes it difficult for me to know what to do; I use QSK
much more than any other mode/setting as I chase DX and do not want
to transmit while the DX station is replying to someone & hopefully
me. I can use semi but I miss a lot doing that.

I do need to try and spare the amp from damage, I'm going to replace
the Vacuum relay as now that it's stuck once, I expect it will happen
again only sooner.

Oy!

gary, KA1J

Now to go to the salt marsh and try to elevate my remote coax switch
& get it away from the Storm Surge that will surely swamp it during
Hurricane Sandy.


> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.  
> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
>
> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
>
> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > Gary,
> >
> > The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
> > the onset of RF.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
> >    
> >> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
> >> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
> >> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
> >> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
> >> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
> >> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
> >> first to avoid hot switching?
> >>
> >>
> >>      
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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 message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
> >
> >
> >    
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>



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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Gary Smith-2
It's an old Alpha of the 77DX/SX clan. Unfortunately there's nobody I
know of around here that knows these amps & it's too heavy to ship so
I'll have to do my best and amp repair/schematic wrangling is not my
strong point. There is a Kilovac relay in there and Alpha always used
jennings so someone has been into that section and I can't tell by
looking at it if modifications have been made other than to put in a
different relay. The HC-1 Kilovacs were as I recall a drop in part
for the Jennings RJ1A. It seemed to work fine at QSK but if the
sequencing is wrong it could hot switch. I'd love to have PIN diodes
if I had an ideal SWR, nothing like totally silent keying. Since they
do suffer the SWR gremlins, I have no wish for them in any amp.

Maybe I should move the K3 delay to 20ms for the time being.

Gary
KA1J

> Hi Gary,
>
> A vacuum relay you say?  They are supposed to be fast (like < 8 ms) but
> the old amp might delay its closure for some other reasons.   The
> ACOM-1000, ACOM-2000 and ALPHA 86 use a vacuum relay and do QSK.
> Guys curse ALPHA87A PIN diodes which at $80 each (multiple ones used)
> pop if too high an SWR is encountered.  They are a bear to physically
> get at.  So relays are good......
>
> What kind of 30 year old amp?
>
> Vacuum relays do indeed fail and contacts get sticky.  It might be a
> replacement is all you need.
>
> Hope you suffer no ill effects from Sandy.  It turned out to be a
> non-event here on the S side of the NC/VA border about 75 miles from the
> coast.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
>
> On 10/28/2012 21:19, Gary Smith wrote:
> > My TX DLY setting is 015. If I've got it this high and I still had a
> > problem, this makes it difficult for me to know what to do; I use QSK
> > much more than any other mode/setting as I chase DX and do not want
> > to transmit while the DX station is replying to someone & hopefully
> > me. I can use semi but I miss a lot doing that.
> >
> > I do need to try and spare the amp from damage, I'm going to replace
> > the Vacuum relay as now that it's stuck once, I expect it will happen
> > again only sooner.
> >
> > Oy!
> >
> > gary, KA1J
> >
> > Now to go to the salt marsh and try to elevate my remote coax switch
> > & get it away from the Storm Surge that will surely swamp it during
> > Hurricane Sandy.
> >
> >
> >> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
> >> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
> >>
> >> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
> >>
> >> 73 de Brian/K3KO
> >>
> >>
> >> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> >>> Gary,
> >>>
> >>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
> >>> the onset of RF.
> >>>
> >>> 73,
> >>> Don W3FPR
> >>>
> >>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
> >>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
> >>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
> >>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
> >>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
> >>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
> >>>> first to avoid hot switching?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>> 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 message.
> >>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> >>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >
> >
> > -----
> > No virus found in this message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
> >
> >
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
>
>



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Mel
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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Mel
Just a couple comments from one long in the tooth.  Vacuum relays will last forever if switch unloaded, that is no RF current flowing.  I have built many industrial power sources and never replaced a vacuum relay, UNLESS, the control sequence failed and allowed either power to be applied before the switch was closed or while the RF current was still flowing.  Answer, VERY careful sequence keying even in QSK will let the relays last forever.  While replacing the relay do a dry logic check of the keying sequence in time. Make sure you don't have a horse race to failure.   IMHO.  Cheers,
 
Mel, K6KBE

--- On Sun, 10/28/12, Gary Smith <[hidden email]> wrote:


From: Gary Smith <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay
To: [hidden email]
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012, 3:11 PM


It's an old Alpha of the 77DX/SX clan. Unfortunately there's nobody I
know of around here that knows these amps & it's too heavy to ship so
I'll have to do my best and amp repair/schematic wrangling is not my
strong point. There is a Kilovac relay in there and Alpha always used
jennings so someone has been into that section and I can't tell by
looking at it if modifications have been made other than to put in a
different relay. The HC-1 Kilovacs were as I recall a drop in part
for the Jennings RJ1A. It seemed to work fine at QSK but if the
sequencing is wrong it could hot switch. I'd love to have PIN diodes
if I had an ideal SWR, nothing like totally silent keying. Since they
do suffer the SWR gremlins, I have no wish for them in any amp.

Maybe I should move the K3 delay to 20ms for the time being.

Gary
KA1J

> Hi Gary,
>
> A vacuum relay you say?  They are supposed to be fast (like < 8 ms) but
> the old amp might delay its closure for some other reasons.   The
> ACOM-1000, ACOM-2000 and ALPHA 86 use a vacuum relay and do QSK.
> Guys curse ALPHA87A PIN diodes which at $80 each (multiple ones used)
> pop if too high an SWR is encountered.  They are a bear to physically
> get at.  So relays are good......
>
> What kind of 30 year old amp?
>
> Vacuum relays do indeed fail and contacts get sticky.  It might be a
> replacement is all you need.
>
> Hope you suffer no ill effects from Sandy.  It turned out to be a
> non-event here on the S side of the NC/VA border about 75 miles from the
> coast.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
>
> On 10/28/2012 21:19, Gary Smith wrote:
> > My TX DLY setting is 015. If I've got it this high and I still had a
> > problem, this makes it difficult for me to know what to do; I use QSK
> > much more than any other mode/setting as I chase DX and do not want
> > to transmit while the DX station is replying to someone & hopefully
> > me. I can use semi but I miss a lot doing that.
> >
> > I do need to try and spare the amp from damage, I'm going to replace
> > the Vacuum relay as now that it's stuck once, I expect it will happen
> > again only sooner.
> >
> > Oy!
> >
> > gary, KA1J
> >
> > Now to go to the salt marsh and try to elevate my remote coax switch
> > & get it away from the Storm Surge that will surely swamp it during
> > Hurricane Sandy.
> >
> >
> >> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
> >> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
> >>
> >> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
> >>
> >> 73 de Brian/K3KO
> >>
> >>
> >> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> >>> Gary,
> >>>
> >>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
> >>> the onset of RF.
> >>>
> >>> 73,
> >>> Don W3FPR
> >>>
> >>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
> >>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
> >>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
> >>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
> >>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
> >>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
> >>>> first to avoid hot switching?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>> 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 message.
> >>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> >>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >
> >
> > -----
> > No virus found in this message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
> >
> >
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
>
>



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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Igor Sokolov-2
In reply to this post by alsopb
I had similar problem.
The solution I use is the external TX delay circuit of 30 ms (adjustable)
that utilizes 1 FET transistor, capacitor and couple of resistors. It is
built into  connector body and plugs into ACC socket of K3. Now my T/R
relays in the amp are safe.

73, Igor UA9CDC

----- Original Message -----
From: "briana" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 4:01 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay


> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
>
> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
>
> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Gary,
>>
>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
>> the onset of RF.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
>>
>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
>>> first to avoid hot switching?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date: 10/28/12
>>
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 

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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

alsopb
Igor,

Just what does this delay?

Does it inhibit RF output from the K3 for 30 ms?  If so it may chop
parts of CW characters.

The formula T=1200/W gives the dot length for a given WPM (W)
At 40 wpm, one dot is 30 ms.

Does it delay return to RX?

73 de Brian/K3KO

n 10/29/2012 19:54, Igor Sokolov wrote:

> I had similar problem.
> The solution I use is the external TX delay circuit of 30 ms
> (adjustable) that utilizes 1 FET transistor, capacitor and couple of
> resistors. It is built into  connector body and plugs into ACC socket of
> K3. Now my T/R relays in the amp are safe.
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "briana" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 4:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay
>
>
>> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
>> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
>>
>> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
>>
>> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>>
>>
>> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Gary,
>>>
>>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
>>> the onset of RF.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
>>>
>>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
>>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
>>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
>>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
>>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
>>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
>>>> first to avoid hot switching?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>>>
>>> -----
>>> No virus found in this message.
>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date:
>>> 10/28/12
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Igor Sokolov-2

Brian,
Yes, it uses inhibit feature of K3. No delay on return to RX.
I always use PTT foot switch or  computer PTT (which has programmable delay)
so no issues with chopping part of CW character.

73, Igor UA9CDC


----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Alsop" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 2:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay


> Igor,
>
> Just what does this delay?
>
> Does it inhibit RF output from the K3 for 30 ms?  If so it may chop
> parts of CW characters.
>
> The formula T=1200/W gives the dot length for a given WPM (W)
> At 40 wpm, one dot is 30 ms.
>
> Does it delay return to RX?
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
> n 10/29/2012 19:54, Igor Sokolov wrote:
>> I had similar problem.
>> The solution I use is the external TX delay circuit of 30 ms
>> (adjustable) that utilizes 1 FET transistor, capacitor and couple of
>> resistors. It is built into  connector body and plugs into ACC socket of
>> K3. Now my T/R relays in the amp are safe.
>>
>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "briana" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 4:01 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay
>>
>>
>>> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
>>> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
>>>
>>> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
>>>
>>> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>>>
>>>
>>> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>>> Gary,
>>>>
>>>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
>>>> the onset of RF.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Don W3FPR
>>>>
>>>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
>>>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
>>>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
>>>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
>>>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
>>>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
>>>>> first to avoid hot switching?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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 message.
>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date:
>>>> 10/28/12
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>>
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>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>
>>
>> -----
>> No virus found in this message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5361 - Release Date: 10/29/12
>>
>>
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5361 - Release Date: 10/29/12
>
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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Vic Goncharsky
In reply to this post by alsopb
I never control linears from transceiver's PTT OUT. Once had this bad experience with Italian transistor VHF amp at UR7D contest station which we weren't able to control by open collector. The first DOT wasnt' there at all HI HI. 
Always using PTT control from the logging software TRLog, TR4W and properly chosen software TX delay.
No need for expensive sequencers HI.

 73 Vic US5WE/K1WE (UW5W in VHF contests) KN29AU
UARL VHF committee
Chairman, UARL Lvov Branch "LKK"
Moderator, UARL VHF portal http://www.vhfdx.at.ua 
DXCC card checker in Ukraine




________________________________
 From: Brian Alsop <[hidden email]>
To:
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 8:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay
 
Igor,

Just what does this delay?

Does it inhibit RF output from the K3 for 30 ms?  If so it may chop
parts of CW characters.

The formula T=1200/W gives the dot length for a given WPM (W)
At 40 wpm, one dot is 30 ms.

Does it delay return to RX?

73 de Brian/K3KO

n 10/29/2012 19:54, Igor Sokolov wrote:

> I had similar problem.
> The solution I use is the external TX delay circuit of 30 ms
> (adjustable) that utilizes 1 FET transistor, capacitor and couple of
> resistors. It is built into  connector body and plugs into ACC socket of
> K3. Now my T/R relays in the amp are safe.
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "briana" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 4:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and sticking amp T/R relay
>
>
>> Do this at the risk of QSD CW.  Higher settings (>10ms) cause this.
>> The bad keying is independent of internal or external keyer.
>>
>> It is a bug that has never been fixed in the K3.
>>
>> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>>
>>
>> On 10/28/2012 3:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Gary,
>>>
>>> The config menu TX DLY parameter will change the time from keydown to
>>> the onset of RF.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 10/28/2012 4:09 PM, Gary Smith wrote:
>>>
>>>> My question for here is; if the amp is not properly sequencing with
>>>> the K3, what setting can I change within the K3 to provide more time
>>>> for the amp's relays to close before the K3 transmits? I remember
>>>> there was a feature to allow ms changes for QSK in the K3. How do I
>>>> find that option? And should I decrease the MS time in the K3 or
>>>> increase it to let the perhaps relay in the amp have time to close
>>>> first to avoid hot switching?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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 message.
>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5359 - Release Date:
>>> 10/28/12
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5361 - Release Date: 10/29/12
>
>



-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5361 - Release Date: 10/29/12

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Re: K3 and sticking amp T/R relay

Vic Rosenthal
Unfortunately, this doesn't help when you are using a paddle or want QSK!

On 10/29/2012 10:48 PM, Vic Goncharsky wrote:

> I never control linears from transceiver's PTT OUT. Once had this bad experience with Italian transistor VHF amp at UR7D contest station which we weren't able to control by open collector. The first DOT wasnt' there at all HI HI.
> Always using PTT control from the logging software TRLog, TR4W and properly chosen software TX delay.
> No need for expensive sequencers HI.
>
>   73 Vic US5WE/K1WE (UW5W in VHF contests) KN29AU
> UARL VHF committee
> Chairman, UARL Lvov Branch "LKK"
> Moderator, UARL VHF portal http://www.vhfdx.at.ua
> DXCC card checker in Ukraine
>

--
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

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