[TVARC] Fwd: [ic-7300] Keying AL-82 amp

[Rich Erlichman]

I think the “generic” limitation is more related to the tube type amplifier in use, and not so much what radio is used, due to the mechanical keying characteristics of the amplifier under discussion. On the other hand, if you have an all solid state amplifier, matched up with a relatively newish radio, then the pair probably supports full QSK (whether you use it or not), and you should have no timing issues out of the box for either radio or amp. 
-Rich, ND4G 
Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 13, 2019, at 9:54 AM, Frank M <phrankxm at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I have the AL-811H with the Icom 7300. Thanks for the info. 
> I would suggest the information would apply generically to all rigs. 
> Thanks
> 
> Frank KA1AF 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 13, 2019, at 9:32 AM, Earle D Hancock <earleiphone at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> This just in on a 7300 blog I subscribe to.
>> 
>> Earle W1IPN
>> 
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>> 
>>> From: "Rick, DJ0IP" <Rick at DJ0IP.de>
>>> Subject: Re: [ic-7300] Keying AL-82 amp
>>> Date: March 13, 2019 at 2:37:37 AM EDT
>>> To: <ic-7300 at groups.io>
>>> Reply-To: ic-7300 at groups.io
>>> 
>>> Dave,
>>>  
>>> YES, you must make a couple of timing adjustments to the 7300, 
>>> (especially if you work CW or digital modes).
>>> You must adjust two settings on the 7300, because with its default settings, it begins sending RF to the Amp faster than the Amp’s slow open-frame relay can switch.
>>>  
>>> You must change:  TX Delay*  and  CW VOX Delay** (hang-time).
>>>  
>>> TX Delay is adjusted in the software menu and should be set to 25 mS.  This is a one-time adjustment and need not be touched again after setting.
>>> Press:  Menu/Set/Function . . . then scroll using Multi-Knob to “TX Delay”.  Select TX Delay, then choose “HF”.  Adjust for 25 mS.
>>>  
>>> CW VOX Delay is adjusted by pushing the VOX/BK-IN button on the front panel for at least one second.  When the menu opens, adjust the hang-time (using Multi Knob) for at least 1/4 second of hang.  This is done by trial and error while listening to the last dit or dah completing, and then waiting for the radio to return to RX.  Adjust to suit your preference.  You may change this parameter often, depending on how you are operating…and of course on the speed you are sending CW.
>>> Note:  if you have it adjusted too short, the amp’s relay will attempt to follow the CW keying and the CLACKETY-CLACK-CLACK noise it makes will wake the dead.
>>>  
>>> *TX DELAY defines the time that the 7300 will wait after the first dit (or dah) begins, before transmitting RF.  The wait is necessary to allow time for the amp’s slow T/R relay to switch.  If you don’t set this properly, you will have hot switching.  You won’t notice any negative affect of hot switching for at least a year, but eventually the amp’s relay will begin to stick.  You notice this when you cease transmitting and find that the receiver fails to receive anything, or if anything, than much weaker than it should be.  This is due to burnt contacts on the relay. The constant arcing of the relay over a longer period of time causes a build-up of black stuff (carbon ?) on the relay contacts, which inserts a resistance between the contacts.  Even worse, it may even cause the relay contacts to pit.
>>>  
>>> **CW VOX Delay adjusts the length of time that the amp’s relay remains in TX position, before releasing and returning to RX.  When contesting at higher speeds, say 30 wpm and higher, I set this relatively short (perhaps ¼ second) so that I don’t miss the first part of the QSO partner’s response.  In daily use, normal QSO’s, I set it to about one second to reduce relay chatter.  This makes it less hectic and I maintain my sanity.
>>>  
>>> Guys, I’ve owned 4 Ameritron amplifiers and have been using them for over 30 years.  I am very familiar with what happens with them if you fail to adjust the timing properly.
>>> I have often seen new owners of Ameritron Amps respond with “works fine for me as is”.  Each time I told the guy, “wait about a year.”
>>>  
>>> 73,
>>> Rick, DJ0IP
>>> (Nr. Frankfurt, Germany)
>>> May the Sunspots be with us!
>>>  
>>> From: ic-7300 at groups.io <ic-7300 at groups.io> On Behalf Of Dave Thompson
>>> Sent: 12 March 2019 18:43
>>> To: ic-7300 at groups.io
>>> Subject: [ic-7300] Keying AL-82 amp
>>>  
>>> Hello.
>>>  
>>> I am new to this list.  I need to know if there are any issues keying the AL-82 amp with the IC-7300.
>>>  
>>> Tnx  73 Dave K4JRB
>>> _._,_._,_
>>> Groups.io Links:
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>>> 
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>> 
>> 
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