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Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying
From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2013 15:16:56 +0200
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
In that case, buy a cheap foot switch and key the amp with a foot switch.
Then you don't have to modify anything.

73
Rick, DJ0IP


-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave
Edwards
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 2:31 PM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Argo V amp keying

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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>
>
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