[Elecraft] K3 Break in with an amp question

[Donehrlich at q.com]

The powercube is definitely a ham amplifier.  I know of at least one 
owner who is very happy with the one he has but, then, he only operates SSB.

Most amps that use relay T/R switching (and that is *most* amps) do the 
clickety-clack thing.  I know of failed relays that could not take the 
abuse.  Your solution of using semi-breakin with an appropriate delay is 
the only way to avoid this problem.  With my new KPA500 I no longer have 
that problem but, with my previous Tokyo HyPower amp, I used a homebrew 
PIN Diode switching system to do all of my T/R antenna switching with 
all solid state circuitry but that is not a trivial exercise.

Don K7FJ




On 3/17/2012 4:49 AM, goldtr8 at charter.net wrote:
> I am attempting to slowly learn to work with CW but at first it is with
> a computer program but I am not sure if that is relevant.
>
> I understand the reason for break in as it allows for RX listening
> between your TX in case someone it trying to contact your.
>
> The issue is that when using VOX and with semi or full breakin when
> using my amp the relays in the amp are clicking and clacking like crazy
> which to me seems very abusive to the amp.    My solution has been to go
> to semi break in and then set a long delay time so the amp and K3 stay
> keyed.
>
> The amp is an SGC powercube and I do have it wired to the K3 so it gets
> a PTT signal.
>
> Am I doing the right thing with the delay or are there other ways to
> stop the amp from going nuts or is this just the nature of the beast.
>
>
> ~73
> Don
> KD8NNU
>
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