[ICOM] IC-706 KeyClicks

[Buck - N4PGW]

> -----Original Message-----
> 
> On Wednesday 25 May 2005 23:04, Buck - N4PGW wrote:
> [...]
> > keyclicks (without identifying).  Today I received an OO report stating
> > "Please check your equip. key clicks were very bad."
> [...]
> > that could have affected anything or what.  I was, as usual, running the
> > rig from a deep cycle battery.  The battery had a good charge and the
> [...]
> 
> The IC-706 series TX is known for bad behaviour when running on low
> voltage.
> 
> Even when within the specs of 13.8V +-15%, at the lower end (~11.7V) you
> will
> see some serious side transmissions, in any mode.
> A while ago we tested that with three different 706 and found that in SSB
> the
> modulation deteriorated severely, RTTY produced bad side transmissions and
> in
> CW keyclicks became significant.
> 
> So check the battery voltage and the DC connections.
> 
> 73,
> Ekki, DF4OR

Thank you Ekki,

As you probably see from my previous posts, I was beginning to think that
was the case.  Your reply is great news to me as your tests are conclusive
answers.  At least I am confident that it is not anything going bad on the
rig.

I have been giving some thought as to how to acquire a variable voltage
regulator that will pass 30 amps.  I would like to tie together two deep
cycle batteries in series and regulate them down to 13.8 (or 13 volts would
be fine) and then keep it at or near that voltage as the batteries drop to
about 8 volts each.  I believe that this will give me a much more efficient
use of the batteries than trying to operate off one direct.  From what I
recall, DS batteries can safely be discharged to 8 volts before being
cycled.

Thank you again,

Buck
N4PGW