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Re: K3 TX delay choices

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Ralph Parker

Re: K3 TX delay choices

I don't use QSK - I don't like the noise between characters.
In casual DXing, I (almost) always use a footswitch to ensure the amp has
settled before any RF hits it. I always use an external keyer.
While contesting, I use N1MM to microHAM (Winkey) to K3.
I'm never sure whether to use the TX Delay available in the microHAM
software or in the K3 (or both). (Any hints, Joe?)

Years ago, using QSK with a 1kmp (adjustable TX delay) with an Ameritron
AL1200 (not a QSK amp), in a contest I would often get "UE7XF?".
Using 'break-in' + 'VOX' would get "VE7XF".

When I switched to a true QSK amp (Acom 1000), lead element elimination in
QSK was no longer a problem. I still didn't use it because of the noise,
but I was confident that the amp was happy.

Now, I mostly use the K3, and I have a choice of 3 amps (the above plus
KPA500), so solving the 'Where do I put the TX Delay' question would be a
help to put my mind at ease.

Ralph, VE7XF

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3 TX delay choices

Ralph,

If you are using PTT in all cases, then you do not have to worry about
the TX delay (set it to the default of 8 ms). Do NOT put the K3 into
VOX and all will be OK. If you do set the K3 to VOX, then you might be
in trouble because both "hit the key to transmit" and PTT will both be
capable of putting the K3 into transmit - as I indicated, turn off VOX
if you are using a footswitch - that will prevent you from initializing
TX with the key before you engage the footswitch.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/15/2012 3:25 PM, Ralph Parker wrote:

> I don't use QSK - I don't like the noise between characters.
> In casual DXing, I (almost) always use a footswitch to ensure the amp has
> settled before any RF hits it. I always use an external keyer.
> While contesting, I use N1MM to microHAM (Winkey) to K3.
> I'm never sure whether to use the TX Delay available in the microHAM
> software or in the K3 (or both). (Any hints, Joe?)
>
> Years ago, using QSK with a 1kmp (adjustable TX delay) with an Ameritron
> AL1200 (not a QSK amp), in a contest I would often get "UE7XF?".
> Using 'break-in' + 'VOX' would get "VE7XF".
>
> When I switched to a true QSK amp (Acom 1000), lead element elimination in
> QSK was no longer a problem. I still didn't use it because of the noise,
> but I was confident that the amp was happy.
>
> Now, I mostly use the K3, and I have a choice of 3 amps (the above plus
> KPA500), so solving the 'Where do I put the TX Delay' question would be a
> help to put my mind at ease.
>
> Ralph, VE7XF
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3 TX delay choices

In reply to this post by Ralph Parker

> Years ago, using QSK with a 1kmp (adjustable TX delay) with an
> Ameritron AL1200 (not a QSK amp), in a contest I would often get
> "UE7XF?". Using 'break-in' + 'VOX' would get "VE7XF".

That was typical with Yaesu FT-1000MP and MKV. If the PTT did not
close more than the "TX Delay" time before the key closed the first
element would be dropped entirely (not just clipped). Using break-in
+ VOX allowed the rig to switch before the PTT. Yaesu never did
"delay" the CW ...

> I'm never sure whether to use the TX Delay available in the microHAM
> software or in the K3 (or both). (Any hints, Joe?)

If you're using PTT switching or semi-break in (VOX), I'd set the
PTT Lead in microHAM Router to 25 ms (long enough for even the slow
relay in the AL-1200) and use the microHAM PA PTT output to key the
amplifier *before* the K3 and leave the K3 set for its normal 8 ms
TX Delay.

This probably means switching the PA PTT line when switching amplifiers
or adding diodes so the lines can be safely connected in parallel.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2/15/2012 3:25 PM, Ralph Parker wrote: