[Elecraft] K3 and Centurion connection?

[Jim Brown]

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36:58 -0500, H. Cary III wrote:

>Yes, RF from K3 goes to RF In, that I know; the question is does 
>the Key Out go to the PTT/VOX or Key In. I'm thinking PTT/VOX but I 
>don't want to assume and screw this up! 

PTT/VOX is the connection you want. 

The KEY IN is needed when using a rig that doesn't have built-in 
circuitry that delays the RF signal 8-13 msec so that the T-R relay 
in the power amp can pull in before there is RF on the relay 
contacts. The K3 DOES have that delay circuitry, and the delay is 
adjustable from a menu setting. I'm using the default of 8 msec for 
my Ten Tec Titan amps, and they're happy. They have built-in 
circuitry that prevents them from transmitting if there is RF before 
the relay has pulled in. I suspect that the Centurion does too. 

For rigs without that delay circuitry, you use PTT/VOX for SSB, but 
for CW, you connect your keyer to key the amp, and the amp "KEY 
OUT" to the key input of the rig. The amp provides the delay. 

73,

Jim K9YC