[Elecraft] K3 feature request

[Mike Cox]

Ouch.. that could blow the pin diodes or protection circuits in my 
internal Ameritron PIN5 QSK switch if the amp were in the "Operate" mode 
and RF were applied from the rig without the KEY line activated. It is 
imperative that the KEY line be actuated before RF hits the amplifier 
input to avoid damage to the pin diode switch. With Ameritron amps with 
an internal pin diode switch, the wiring is such that the only time the 
amplifier is actually bypassed is when the OPERATE switch is in STANDBY. 
Otherwise the path is to the amplifier input AND the pin diode switch. 
In this mode, the KEY line only goes to the pin diode switch, not the 
main OPERATE relay which would otherwise bypass the amp. I normally 
don't put the amp in the "Operate" mode until after the antenna is tuned 
using the normal K3 "TUNE" mode while the amp is bypassed. If I forget 
to tune the antenna first and operate the amp I get a huge reflected 
power (seen on the tuner bridge) but nothing catastrophic for a short 
operation of my AL-1200. If the KEY OUT is to be optionally disabled 
during K3 TUNE, it MUST be a menu selected option or it will result in 
damaged equipment.


Bill Johnson wrote:
> I would like the key out not to switch on the amp when tuning the antenna
> with a remote tuner without turning on the amp.  That way when I operate the
> amp is loading into a tuned circuit via the K3 tuning mechanism.  I have the
> ALS 600S
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bill
> K9YEQ
> K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods
>
>   
>