Ouch.. that could blow the pin diodes or protection circuits in my internal Ameritron PIN5 QSK switch if the amp were in the "Operate" mode and RF were applied from the rig without the KEY line activated. It is imperative that the KEY line be actuated before RF hits the amplifier input to avoid damage to the pin diode switch. With Ameritron amps with an internal pin diode switch, the wiring is such that the only time the amplifier is actually bypassed is when the OPERATE switch is in STANDBY. Otherwise the path is to the amplifier input AND the pin diode switch. In this mode, the KEY line only goes to the pin diode switch, not the main OPERATE relay which would otherwise bypass the amp. I normally don't put the amp in the "Operate" mode until after the antenna is tuned using the normal K3 "TUNE" mode while the amp is bypassed. If I forget to tune the antenna first and operate the amp I get a huge reflected power (seen on the tuner bridge) but nothing catastrophic for a short operation of my AL-1200. If the KEY OUT is to be optionally disabled during K3 TUNE, it MUST be a menu selected option or it will result in damaged equipment.
Bill Johnson wrote: > I would like the key out not to switch on the amp when tuning the antenna > with a remote tuner without turning on the amp. That way when I operate the > amp is loading into a tuned circuit via the K3 tuning mechanism. I have the > ALS 600S > > > 73, > > Bill > K9YEQ > K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods > > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] 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
