MP with QSK Amplifier (Was Re: [1000mp] Field band data jack)

[Dave Hawes]

Regarding using an MP, a Top Ten Devices band decoder, and a QSK 
amplifier:

If the cable you have from Top Ten to connect the decoder to the 
Field is marked "Y QSK", then there are no modifications required to 
the decoder at all.  Simply take a cable from the RCA jack on the 
rear of the decoder to the amplifier's relay control line, and you 
are done.

The "Y QSK" cable brings the amplifier switching signal from the MP 
into the decoder box.  Inside the decoder is the an NPN transistor 
that would normally CW key the transmitter.  (This is included as a 
convenience item, since for Kenwood radios, which don't have band 
data available, you have to connect the decoder to the computer LPT 
port.  It made sense to include a CW interface in the decoder for 
that reason.)  The "Y QSK" cable is wired to turn this transistor on 
all the time, and pass the MP's keying transistor collector through 
to the "Key" jack on the back of the decoder.

The normal precautions are in order.  The transistor in the MP is 
rated for 100mA, so you should check your amplifier's schematic to 
make sure that you don't exceed that.  The transistor in the decoder 
is slightly more capable than 100mA, but the transistors are in 
series,  so all the amplifier relay current goes through the one in 
the MP.

This has been tested with Alpha 87As and Acom 2000As, and works well. 

73 - Dave N3RD
Top Ten Devices



On 21 Mar 2004 at 22:44, Billy Cox wrote:

> >I have a Field that I want to connect to both a Top-Ten Devices band
> >decoder and an Alpha 99 amplifier. Currently, it is connected to the 
> >Top-Ten box and works fine.
> 
> FB!
> 
> >In order to add the Alpha 99 QSK, I have to use the same jack.
> 
> Yes ...
> 
> >#1- is the 8 pin jack a standard DIN connector?
> 
> No ... the pins are "262 degrees" ...
> 
> >#2 Does anyone know of a source for a M-F-F wye connector?
> >I'm hoping for yes to #2 because my bifocals and sausage fingers 
> >are entering that age when soldering this stuff becomes a chore. I'll
> >take the lazy man's way out and buy a cable if anyone knows where 
> >to get one. If not, I'll make one up, thus the question - is the 8 pin 
> >DIN standard?
> 
> Again NO to the 8 pin ... BUT ... I have some good news!  B-)
> 
> I use FT1000MPs here to AL1200/QSK amps, also driving
> the Top Ten Decoders from the BAND DATA JACK on the
> MPs ... for the QSK line to key the amps ... I "picked up" the
> BAND DATA QSK keying line from INSIDE the Top Ten Decoder 
> box ... and simply run a shielded line over to the AL1200 via the 
> phono jack on the back of the decoder box out the KEY jack.
> 
> Now, you do have to do some re-writing inside the decoder
> as to picking out the right pins and running a jumper over to 
> the KEY jack ... but it beats having to wire up a DIN plug or
> try and find a "Y" ...
> 
> And be sure and disconnect the other wiring presently on the
> KEY jack on the decoder ....
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> 73 Billy AA4NU
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