[ARC5] ARC-5 Issues

[Neil]

> I like to homebrew small CW transmitters and I always include an "R75" for
> the purpose you stated and for some other practical reasons.  It is
> possible to limit the cathode rise to the level where it is not dangerous
> to touch the key terminals in a cathode keyed circuit.  The lower voltage
> is also easier on keyer output stages.  Finally, cathode keying usually
> results in key clicks unless you do some shaping.  The most common method
> for shaping a cathode keyed circuit is to use a capacitor or resistor-cap
> combo. The lower voltage rise limits the stored energy in the cap and
> reduces the tendency to spark.

Hi Dennis
Yes, I agree with all you've said, with the proviso that one should never
take the grounded end of the resistor or even the resistor itself for granted.
A little corrosion under the ground lug or a dry joint or even a resistor
that's gone open circuit might result in cathode and key contacts being at
high potential.

73 de Neil ZL1ANM