[Elecraft] Linear operation with K2?

[Hank Kohl K8DD]

Don and Diana Cunningham wrote:

> Hank,
> I fail to see why he would have to worry about the Ameritron amps, 
> since they (Al-1200, AL-1500, AL-80B at least) only have 12 VDC on the 
> relay jack, and require sinking 100ma max.  The specs listed for the 
> K2 say 1A and 200V. Am I missing something??
> Thanks,
> Don, WB5HAK


The K2/100 can handle the voltage/current requirements ..... But he 
relay in the Ameritron amps is not the fastest relay to pick  --  it 
takes at least  50ms or more. 
During that time the K2/100 sees a high SWR during this time and shuts 
down the amp, so you start sending and the amp has no output - and you 
never know if you aren't watching the meters.  K6XX has a "relay 
accelerator" circuit on his web site that works great in speeding up the 
relay - my AL-1200 with this circuit built on a terminal strip has not 
failed since I put it in place.
Doesn't happen with other radios and the Ameritron amps .... Just the 
K2/100's.

73    Hank    K8DD