[Elecraft] Default K3 transmit delay may be too short for slow QRO amplifiers

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

For the last few years I used an Ameritron AL-80B, 4 years old and one 
with the open frame relay.   Measured time from command to relay closure 
and settling was in the order of 15 ms.  For this I set my K3S for 20 ms 
without concern and no evidence of hot switching.    The new AL amps are 
reported to be faster with different relays.

But best of all  {AL-80B was sold} and a new KPA500 added to the desk.  
SWEET!   Nothing to go "clack"........and won't look back.

73
Bob, K4TAX


On 6/8/2018 9:48 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Also, a reminder: this is nothing new. We’re just clarifying a delay offset that has existed for a long time. There have been no recent firmware changes.
>
> It would be possible to modify the K3’s keying algorithm to allow for much longer delays (say, 0 to 200 ms). Of course this would significantly shift CW RF output in time relative to keying input.
>
> Fortunately, very few amplifiers require more that a few ms of extra delay.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> ----
> http://www.elecraft.com
>
>> On Jun 8, 2018, at 7:33 AM, Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com> wrote:
>>
>> The delay can be set from 8-20 ms at present. Given the small time offset, this is actually 5-17 ms (approx). Use small values if possible.
>>
>> With external keying, you can generally compensate by reducing the device’s weighting.
>>
>> Wayne
>>
>> ----
>> http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>>> On Jun 8, 2018, at 5:02 AM, "john at kk9a.com" <john at kk9a.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> I agree that 5ms is too fast for many amplifiers. Is computer sent CW also
>>> spoiled when increasing the delay?  Does it only effect QSK or all
>>> transmissions?
>>>
>>> John KK9A
>>>
>>> Igor Sokolov ua9cdc wrote:
>>>
>>> Wayne it is a pity that TX delay setting affects CW timing. Changing TX
>>> delay from default even one or two steps makes CW much worth. Can you
>>> figure out a way to make CW timing independent from TX delay? With 5 ms
>>> TX delay working in many contests I already had to change a pair of
>>> relays in the amplifier. 10-12 ms would be fine for me. 20 ms will
>>> probably suit the majority of users. But 5 ms is way too fast and
>>> unfortunately cannot be altered without spoiling CW sending. I know that
>>> I could build external sequencer but this does not look neat enough
>>> especially for portable field operation. Every other radio I had allowed
>>> TX delay adjustment to at least 20 ms.
>>>
>>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>>
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