Alan:

Thanks for all the info, and I may give Mike Ennis in Ameritron Service a
call at some point.

At least I'm now getting the impression that my relay noise concern with the
Ameritron probably isn't unique to my situation.

Again, the relays work fine;  they are just a bit noisy.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Alan R. Downing
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 11:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amplifier Question

Hello Tom, 

I too have an AL811H which I primarily use on 10 meters.  It's relays are
quite noisy as you state.  I have never used mine on CW, but I can imagine
that it would make quite a clatter.  I don't believe that the AL811H can be
used for break-in CW, but you might want to confirm that, either in the
manual, or by calling Ameritron and asking for Mike Ennis in service.  I may
have the spelling of his last name wrong, but it is close enough for you to
get connected to the proper person.  Mike is very knowledgeable and helpful.
I have dealt with Mike for at least 10 years now.

As for relays in solid state amps generally, I would say that depending on
the make and model of the solid state amp in question, the relay clatter may
be just as pronounced as that of the   ALS600 or AL811H.  I owned an
Ameritron ALS600 for a relatively short period of time, and if I remember
right, it was just as noisy as my 811H.  Some of the higher priced solid
state amps might well be considerably quieter though.  Remember the old
adage "you get what you pay for."  As for your ARB704, I didn't use one when
I had my ALS600, and I don't use one for my AL811H or Henry 5K Classic
either.  The ARB704 is necessary for amps with high voltage keying circuits
when used with modern transceivers that are designed for amp keying circuits
that are relatively of low voltage and current draw.  Use of the ARB704
certainly won't do any harm, but they are generally unnecessary when using
modern rigs driving modern amps.

HTH

73
Alan


Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Tom Behler
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 8:17 AM
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