[Yaesu] Connecting FT1000D to Drake L4B Amp

[Chris Codella, W2PA]

Tony

I have driven an SB-200 and an Alpha 89 from the FT-1000D with the 
internal switch S1002 turned on (i.e. the relay is used).  It works 
fine.  But it won't work to QSK the L-4B, of course.  Check the L-4B 
manual to see what voltages are present on the relay line - you may need 
to insert another relay with bigger contacts than are present in the 
FT-1000D.

About QSK:
The FT-1000D has a built-in delay so that proper sequencing occurs when 
driving a QSK amplifier.  I successfully drove my Alpha 89 with the 
relay switch turned on - it's noisy but it works.  I also discovered 
elsewhere that you can take a keying signal off the band-data jack that 
is ahead of the relay, that is, it drives the internal relay when the 
switch is turned on.  However this signal is present even with the 
switch off.  I now drive the Alpha with that line for completely silent QSK.

Lastly - I agree, putting that switch inside is a pain.  But here's a 
simple fix I use that doesn't involve modifying the rig:

The little slide switch is located just behind the +13.5V phono jack.  I 
was able to partly unbend a plastic coated paper clip, insert the 
straight end through the +13.5V phono jack, and bend the end tightly 
around the slider of the relay switch (S1002).  You end up with the 
paper clip body sticking out of the back of the rig through that phono 
jack.  You can then reach around and either pull or push it to switch 
the switch.  Mine has been installed that way for 10 years now and works 
great!

73,
Chris, W2PA