Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

[Dave Edwards <kd2e@comcast.net>]

Guys.....

I had the original question on the Argo V amp keying.
I was able to acquire a Kenwood TL120 amp.
The amp supplies 100 (or so) watts with 10 watts drive.

I wanted to test it out.

I have an Elecraft K1, which is about 7 watts max.
I closed the key line of the amp, and got about 65 watts out with the 
Elecraft driving it.
I thought I would hook it up to the Argo V and make a few contacts.

I can wire a toggle switch to the amp key line, and manually switch 
it....just to make a few contacts, and warm up the old amp.
I am not a strong believer in modding equipment.
Whenever I read descriptions for used gear for sale, as soon as I get to 
the line "Someone has changed the ......"   I stop reading at that point 
and move on.
Down the road, I may be the owner of a KX3....that would work perfect 
with the amp.
....Or perhaps an Argo VI???????

.....Dave



On 8/8/2013 8:12 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
> Just remember, making changes of this magnitude might put one in the 
> position of a "very underpaid design Engineer".  In other words, "if 
> one THINKS they know what they are doing, best STOP and ask someone 
> that has done it before successfully".
> I agree with Rick, adding something like this might be fatal to the 
> radio.
> Now lets look at the issue a bit differently.  Why not use your keyer 
> with a suitable driver to key the amp and to key the radio. It works 
> this way for situations where one does not have QSK keying ability 
> when using the Centurion amp and some other radio that does not have 
> QSK capability.  The key is connected to the amp {not the radio}  and 
> the keying circuit in the amp then keys the radio upon key closure.  
> The AUX connector on the back of the ARGO V does have access to the 
> PTT for that reason.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
> To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:35 AM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
>
>
> > Guys, BE VERY CAREFUL about bringing the T-line out of the rig.
> >
> > SPECIFICALLY, DO NOT DO THAT!
> >
> > This is a signal which runs through many stages of the radio.
> > If anything unusual externally touches that line, lots of damage can 
> > occur.
> > You MUST buffer the line with a transistor before bringing it out.
> > Then the worst thing you will do is blow that transistor.
> >
> > Examples of what might happen:
> >
> > <> It gets inadvertently connected to an older amp which uses 120v for
> > keying its relay.  "GAME OVER"
> > <> It gets inadvertently connected to a newer amp which uses 12v for 
> > keying
> > its relay.  "Smoked Silicon"
> > <> It shorts to ground.  "If you're lucky, it just blows a fuse.  
> > Murphy?"
> > *** Buffer the signal before you bring it out of the rig! ***
> >
> > 73
> > Rick, DJ0IP
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mark 
> > N8COO
> > Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 12:48 AM
> > To: tentec@contesting.com
> > Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
> >
> > > Message: 12
> > > Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:06:53 -0400
> > > From: Dave Edwards <kd2e@comcast.net>
> > > To: tentec@contesting.com
> > > Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
> > > Message-ID: <5200E6DD.20002@comcast.net>
> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> > >
> > > Is that not the line already available on the accessory connector?
> > > (for keying the radio)
> > >
> > > ...Dave
> > Hi Dave,
> >
> > Sorry I did not specifically answer your original question. Please 
> > allow me
> > to try again:
> >
> > The PTT you mentioned earlier (on AUX 1) is to be able to place the 
> > rig into
> > transmit mode, when grounded -  like for a transmit foot switch, or a
> > typical soundcard interface that utilizes hard keying of the rig such as
> > through the computer's serial port.  The manual calls it "keyline input"
> > (page 6.)  It does not provide closure upon transmit.
> >
> > As shipped from the factory, the line ("T" line) is not available on 
> > the AUX
> > 1 connector, or any of the other connectors, nor is there a factory
> > installed provision for keying of an external amp through relay 
> > closure or
> > other means on the Argonaut V.
> >
> > The replies given for addition to your rig of a keying circuit for 
> > your amp
> > will do the job, but will involve some modification of the rig. You 
> > might
> > want to bring the "T" line out though the slot for the fan wires or
> > somewhere similar and mount the keying circuit externally, thus 
> > making it
> > easily reversible and no drilling any holes - if that is a concern.
> >
> > 73, Mark N8COO
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