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
>
>