[Milsurplus] Voltage on keys

[w8au at sssnet.com]

At 05:23 AM 10/27/2016, Rob Flory wrote:
>Grid block and cathode keying both can put some 
>high voltages on keys.  Relays don't always 
>help, a lot of the WWII Navy transmitters use 
>the primary voltage to operate the relay so you 
>are keying 110/220.  (keying relay coil operated between HV and ground.)

To go with the above from Rob:   The standard 
navy desk key 26016 (the one with the front left 
slot spade socket for substituting a bug)
had the two contacts insulated thereby 
eliminating any shock if the radioman reached in 
too far and touched the metal armature.

HOWEVER, if said radioman qualified for a "speed 
key license" and used a bug plugged into the spade socket he defeated the
protection because a bug normally has one contact 
common with the base. Best thing he could do for a "hot base" was to
turn the spade plug over and not touch the armature. :-[

Does this happen in this day and age?  If one 
operates CW with WW2 navy gear on memorial ships - YES!
Navy radio rooms always had rubber insulated 
floor matting, but the steel radio desk legs were still welded
to the deck. :-[

Just a bit of trivia for ya....

Perry    w8au   (USS LST325)


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