With all due respect, you simply do not understand how this works. I'll
explain.
"Once the key is closed on the Orion, RF is produced." Bob, that simply is
not true. With the Ten-Tec Orion II, RF appears approximately 15 mS after
AMP KEY contacts close. That is more than enough time for the Alpha amp to
transition from "receive" to "transmit". The Alpha does not "hot switch".
Also, from Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ at Elecraft "The Elecraft K3 and the K2
assert the amp key-out line well in advance of RF coming from their SO-239
connector. Typically 10 to 20ms before RF, which is more than enough time
for the amplifier to transition its T/R relays or diodes to transmit mode
from standby. This is standard on most newer radios and eliminates any need
for a keying loop back from the amplifier."
My Orion II and Alpha 8100 work together just fine. QSK is no problem.
Marshall Stewart, KA5M
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Bob McGraw - K4TAX
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 4:31 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89
Someone needs to explain how the Alpha then is not "hot switched". Once the
key is closed on the Orion, RF is produced. At the same time the keying
relay is activated. There is time required for it to close even if only a
couple of milliseconds. If this relay then activates the Alpha changeover,
the Alpha relays are in transition with RF being produced from the Orion.
Sounds like a 100% chance of a case of hot switching to me. If the Alpha
uses some big FETs on the input and output switching, then maybe so, the
issue of hot switching is not such of concern. But FET's are fast when
compared to relay transitions.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Carroll" <w2wg@comcast.net>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 3:13 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89
> Steve-
>
> Yep. I forget the exact term in the QSK menu on the Orion but I set it
> for
> 0 msec--as fast as it can go. Just to be sure all is well, though, the
> first
> few times I would have the Orion set to as low a power output as possible
> and key it. If there is an issue the Alpha should trip. Run up the power
> a
> little and key again, etc. Once you gain confidence the timing is ok, you
> are set. I don't recall the circuitry in the 89, but in the 86--which I
> also use---there are some small hot switching lamps which serve as fuses,
> and they are supposed to go in time to protect the 86 if you do hot
> switch.
> The 89 probably has something similar. I have never had such a fault, but
> it would pay to creep up on things just in case something is amiss. Let
> us
> know how it works for you. I use QSK exclusively.
>
> 73
> Bob W2WG
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of W1dxh@aol.com
> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 6:22 AM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Alpha 89
>
> Thanks Bob for the note. When done this way it runs QSK? I will be running
> RTTY as well and just want to make sure that there are not any issues. I
> don't
> have the 89 yet but am looking into the possible purchase of one and just
> trying to cover all bases. Thanks again.
>
> 73's,
> Steve W1dxh
>
>
> In a message dated 4/13/2008 9:38:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> w2wg@comcast.net writes:
>
> I am running an Alpha 89 with an Orion 565. Don't use a keying loop
> with
> the amp. Just use the relay closure from the Orion to the keying (relay)
> input on the 89. This is what "Alpha" recommends.
>
> 73
> Bob W2WG
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of W1dxh@aol.com
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:23 PM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Alpha 89
>
> any one running the Alpha 89 with the Orion? Does it need any special
> cabling? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> 73's,
> Steve W1dxh
>
>
>
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