Hi David,
I agree, but the preferred way of band changing on the Quadra is via the
data control if you have a Yaesu radio. I would imagine your Elecraft amp
does the same data control from the K3?
The RF sensor is certainly a useful facility if your amp and radio are from
different manufacturers!
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of David W Wood
Sent: 24 February 2014 17:27
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amplifier Question
Hi Kelvin
This is less usual in modern amps as I said earlier and comes as a great
surprise to me!
Certainly the Elecraft and Yaesu amps have this facility.
73
David W Wood
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2014 4:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amplifier Question
Hi Tom,
TB:
Am I correct in assuming that it would work well with the TS590?
KM:
I guess the answer is both yes and no <smile>.
The PW1 uses Icom's CI-V command set to automatically switch the bands.
There is no RF frequency sniffer. This means the amp works flawlessly with
a Icom radio, but must employ another method if it is to be used with a non
Icom radio.
I personally use the DX Labs Commander program on my PC to handle a
dedicated CI-V channel to the amp, and incidentally also use it to
automatically control the SteppIR. Although I use an Icom radio, I can swap
in a Kenwood, and just let Commander know the radio has changed.
If a sighted user wanted to use a non Icom radio, they also have the option
of controlling the band changes manually. This is not something a blind op
can do without issues, as the band is selected by Up and Down buttons, and
it is easy to lose track of the band you are on.
Also, the bypass button is a single press button, and the position is the
same whether engaged or not. As you will want to tune up on low power, this
could be a big problem. I've solved it by breaking into the PTT line and
adding an external tactile switch.
Saying all this, the amp is a pleasure to use. It is fully automatic for
band changes, and as I click on spots or change the frequency on the radio,
it just follows along. Put the amp into bypass, squirt a few watts for the
auto ATU, and you're ready to go in seconds. In effect, you have a 1KW
radio, but with a non Icom rig you will need a PC or other hardware system
generating a CI-V channel.
If starting from scratch, you could look at the alternatives. David used a
Quadra, and I'd also be interested to know if there were any accessibility
issues. Also, very popular over here is the Expert line of amps. The
Expert 1 has a mini review by a blind op on the Handihams site, but I would
have a bunch of questions to ask before I bought one. As it seems it uses a
touch screen, you may need a PC to control automatic band changes. I
believe the Ameritron ALS600 and ALS1300 can also be made to change band
automatically.
If you are used to manually tuning, the difference between the old methods
and the automatic solid state amps is massive. I guess it all depends how
you operate <smile>!
BTW, the reason the Quadra and PW1 are twice the price of some other solid
state amps, is that they can handle the full kilowatt on RTTY, and don't
need the power to be cut... If you only use SSB and CW, it's not really an
issue.
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Tom Behler
Sent: 24 February 2014 12:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amplifier Question
Kelvin:
Thanks for the info on the Icom PW1.
Am I correct in assuming that it would work well with the TS590?
I don't have the money for one right now, but will certainly keep the info
in my folder on amps if the budget improves in the future.
Thanks again and 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2014 6:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amplifier Question
Hi Tom,
Only just gotten around to read the messages <smile>. I use an Icom PW1
solid state amp, and the relays are quiet. They are not silent, but I don't
notice them at all during normal operation, and I usually use QSK.
The PW1 also has a remote head that allows you to put the amp in another
room if needed, but I have mine under the bench. I control the auto band
changes via the PC, and I like to hear the clicks from the amp as band
changes are made <smile>.
The amp also has an auto ATU, but I much prefer to have an external ATU that
gives much more aural feedback...
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Tom Behler
Sent: 23 February 2014 15:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Amplifier Question
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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