[Icom] Send Relay "real scoop" from ICOM

[icom@mailman.qth.net]

In a message dated 2/19/02 7:40:25 PM Central Standard Time, w0yg@prolynx.com 
writes:

> >My response from ICOM:
>  
>  
>  >The real scoop is UP TO 16V -OR- UP TO 2 amps.  We always recommend the
>  >use of an isolation relay, such as that manufactured by Ameritron.  Good
>  >insurance for a rig like this.
>  
>  I must say I don't think this guy knows what he is talking about.  I don't
>  understand at all what he said.  Is he saying I can run 2 amps through the
>  contacts at .0001 volts? Or I can run 16 volts at what current?
>  
>   I doubt his answer is valid.
>  
>  73,
>  
>  Charlie, W0YG..>>
>  


Group -

It seems that this topic comes along every few months! I know not why.

Please bear in mind that I am NOT chastising anyone, in particular, noly this 
topic, in general. However, there are numerous resources that can be tapped 
in cases like this and this list is only one of them.

If you cannot figure out how to use a simple relay (or transistor) to drive 
another relay (or relays or transistors), perhaps you should hit the books 
instead of rehashing a subject that may not worthy of same.

In addition, the response from Icom, that is quoted above, IS good advice - 
To me, it is much better to fry a $2 part that is located somewhere other 
than inside an expensive transceiver than it is to fry one inside the rig.

Furthermore, the relays in question have always been thought to be flimsy - 
deservedly or not. And, in my opinion, if the owner and operator of this 
equipment cannot handle concepts and fundamentals as simple as these, they 
have absolutely no business operating an amplifier capable of producing 
hundreds of watts and lethal RF voltages not to mention DC voltages in many 
instances.

I have no knowledge of the level of expertise of the various contributors to 
this thread. Thus, those who have contributed should not feel slighted, in 
the least, by my comments! As far as I know, you are all much more 
knowledgeable than I.

I just wonder what ever happened to the guys who would have never been caught 
dead buying an Amplifier-Transceiver Interface . . .

73,

Bill