[Elecraft] oscarvais at speedy.com.ar

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

You are correct, peak currents are difficult for the average amateur to 
measure.  So perhaps a "rule of thumb" might be that the steady-state 
current should be no higher than 500 ma. would be good for the K3 - I 
doubt that peak currents would exceed 5 A if there is only 500 ma 
steady-state.  I realize that is a dangerous statement, because 
exceptions could occur, and I have no proof that a 10x safety factor is 
a good one.

For the understanding of all (I know Tom understands this) - the peaks 
(both voltage and current) are important for solid state devices - many 
will be damaged if the peak values are exceeded even for an instant.  In 
the days of vacuum tubes we did not worry as much about it because they 
could come through such peaks unscathed - solid state devices are not as 
forgiving.  As we used to say "the transistor will protect the fuse" - 
think about that - it is often fact.

73,
Don W3FPR

Tom W8JI wrote:
> Watch out using a steady-state meter to measure amplifier 
> currents! The 2100Z is a good example of a very odd circuit.
>
> The FL2100Z has positive relay voltage. It has a peak relay 
> closure current surge of about 500-600 mA (that settles 
> lower) and about 16-18 volts open circuit without much 
> backpulse. It should be good for direct keying with the 
> Elecraft K3 if the K3 will take 5 amps.
>
> The regular FL2100 has negative relay voltage. No good on 
> the FL2100.
>
>   
>