Good to know Alan. Thanks.
PatAt 11:03 AM 2/23/2014, you wrote:
>Pat, you could theoretically replace the OEM ones with higher quality vacuum
>relays, but they would cost a lot more than the OEM unites, and they may not
>fit in the available space inside of the amp. Obviously the relays have to
>be inside the amp, otherwise you are talking about a total overhaul of the
>amplifier itself. There are generally two separate relays inside of an amp.
>The input relay and the output relay. Often the output relay is actually
>keyed by the input relay. The timing of the two relays is critical
>otherwise you can get what is called hot switching which burns out the
>relay's contacts.
>
>HTH
>
>Alan
>
>
>Alan R. Downing
>Phoenix, AZ
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>On Behalf Of Pat Byrne
>Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 9:44 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Amplifier Question
>
>Another thought from the guy who has never owned an amp; is there any
>sort of after market solid state replacement for the offending relays?
>Pat, K9JAUAt 09:16 AM 2/23/2014, you wrote:
> >Hi, all.
> >
> >
> >
> >Well, I'd now like to tap into the wisdom of the group on an issue I don't
> >know a whole lot about, so please bare with me.
> >
> >
> >
> >As I think many of you know, I use an Ameritron AL811H tube-type amplifier
> >with my TS590 HF setup. I also have an ARB704 buffer box in the circuit,
>to
> >protect the relay circuit in the TS590.
> >
> >
> >
> >I'm actually very happy with the setup, although tuning the amp can be a
>bit
> >tricky at times, even with the TW1.
> >
> >
> >
> >Anyway, the AL811H has a relay circuit that is rather noisy when keying and
> >unkeying. This is apparent on SSB, and even more apparent on CW. In fact,
> >the noisy relay circuit is one of the main reasons I don't like to use the
> >amp when in CW mode, due to the constant and rather annoying relay chatter.
> >
> >
> >
> >My question is this: Do solid-state amplifiers have relay circuits in them
> >that are as noisy, or do they tend to be quieter?
> >
> >
> >
> >There is no way I have the money in my budget right now to purchase a solid
> >state amp, since I believe they can run into the thousands of dollars, but
> >I'm wondering if this might be something for me to think about in the long
> >term?
> >
> >
> >
> >I'm looking forward to all of your observations and suggestions.
> >
> >
> >
> >Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
> >
> >
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