[Elecraft] K3 Key Out line

[Don Wilhelm]

Phil,

There is no direct relationship between the KEYOUT line and the T/R 
switch in the K3.  The T/R switch is fully electronic, no relays to 
clack and clatter.

The KEYOUT line goes to ground before the onset of RF - and the delay 
can be adjusted in the menu.  It is normally used for keying an 
amplifier.  There is also a Keyout-LP line on the ACC connector that 
operates at the same time, but the current capability is only 10 ma.
Yes, KEYOUT can handle up to 200 volts open circuit voltage and 5 amps 
of closed (keydown) current.

73,
Don W3FPR

Phil Hystad wrote:
> I noticed from the documentation that the K3 Key out line can handle up to 200 VDC and 5 amps.  I assume this means that when the key out is closed that it can handle 5 amps of current.
>
> So, I am curious, what kind of switch mechanism is used for TR switching.  Is this an actual relay or is it some kind of transistor switch.  I am guessing transistor based switch but this is where I started wondering about the 200 VDC and 5 amp capability thing.
>
> Or, am I totally off base.  I am willing to be off base without shame because I really do not know a lot of details of how these things are actually done.
>
> Oh, two more minor decisions on configuration to make and then I order my K3, probably just after Christmas sometime.
>
> phil, K7PEH
>   
>