Key-Out of the K3

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Key-Out of the K3

k0wa@swbell.net
I know that sequencing of Rigs and Amps has been an issue with many brands of radios.  As I am researching the features of the K3, I did not see any parameter in the documentation that would set a delay.  So, I went to the list archives (see I can look things up) and found this answer.

Eric Wrote last October....

"If a radio has proper Key-Out before RF sequencing, like the K3 and K2  
do, this is NOT necessary. We have no problem running with relay based  
amplifiers, including those with large, slow relays, like the SB-220 etc.

A few radios out there have a TX loop feature, but most others do not.  
Its not needed with the K3.

73, Eric   WA6HHQ"

>From what I gather from his response, is that the sequence is already built in the firmware of the K3 as well as the K2.  So the K3 will not "squirt-out" RF until the "relay circuit" is closed...or should I say the firmware makes sure the switching transistor is on before emitting RF.

Is that the case?  Therefore, no special parameter would be needed.  I would like a clarification of this feature from the users and what users have found in "real-life."

Lee Buller
K0WA
"It is DANGEROUS to read the manual before getting the rig."


 

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: Key-Out of the K3

Barry N1EU
Lee, it would help if you mentioned what amplifier YOU would be interfacing to the K3.  My experience with Brand X amplifier might have no bearing on you.

73,
Barry N1EU

Lee Buller wrote
Is that the case?  Therefore, no special parameter would be needed.  I would like a clarification of this feature from the users and what users have found in "real-life."
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Re: Key-Out of the K3

AD6XY
In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net
I do not think any of the replies so far have understood the question. How do you program the radio to a specified delay producing RF after the PTT signal. The minimum 10mS is far too fast for many applications, 50mS to 100ms is necessary.

Sequencing is absolutely essential for power amplifiers and especially pre-amplifiers and especially at VHF and above. The relays must have settled and achieved maximum isolation before any RF appears and this takes time. While many RF relays are quite fast, they are frequently not as fast as the front end is to fail.

Eric knows this and has built an adjustable delay capability into the radio, all that is needed is how to program the delay.

Mike



Lee Buller wrote
I know that sequencing of Rigs and Amps has been an issue with many brands of radios.  As I am researching the features of the K3, I did not see any parameter in the documentation that would set a delay.  So, I went to the list archives (see I can look things up) and found this answer.

Eric Wrote last October....

"If a radio has proper Key-Out before RF sequencing, like the K3 and K2  
do, this is NOT necessary. We have no problem running with relay based  
amplifiers, including those with large, slow relays, like the SB-220 etc.

A few radios out there have a TX loop feature, but most others do not.  
Its not needed with the K3.

73, Eric   WA6HHQ"

>From what I gather from his response, is that the sequence is already built in the firmware of the K3 as well as the K2.  So the K3 will not "squirt-out" RF until the "relay circuit" is closed...or should I say the firmware makes sure the switching transistor is on before emitting RF.

Is that the case?  Therefore, no special parameter would be needed.  I would like a clarification of this feature from the users and what users have found in "real-life."

Lee Buller
K0WA
"It is DANGEROUS to read the manual before getting the rig."


 

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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