Steve:

I really do not believe my amp has a grid protection unit installed.

It was never mentioned when I was working with the original seller of the
unit, and, if it was in there, I would think he would have said something,
if for no other reason than to further justify his asking price.

So, for now, I'm going to take your advice, and the advice of others on the
list, and start with the simple things first.

Unfortunately, I never purchased that LDG break-out box, and I'm now
starting to re-think that decision.

As you say, it would sure come in handy for something like this.

I'll keep you and everyone  posted.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 6:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: response from the Amaritron AL811 E-mail List Re Tripping Relay

Tom,

I've put in more than my 2 cents on this one so what's another penny or 
2?   I think part of the problem  starts with  using the term "relay 
tripping".    This kind of gives the idea of an amp  going off line due 
to a fault as a result of some protection  device.    W8JI seems to 
think your amp has a  optional grid protection unit and I think everything
he says is based on that.  I had mentioned the possibility of this grid
protection thing a few days ago at the start of this thread, but didn't
think your amp had this option.

Maybe a better discription of your problem is something like "T/R relay
clicking at odd and infrequent times".

Most of the amature detecctives on the list (including me) thinkthe 
problem is external to the amp:    Amp buffer, PTT, control cables, or 
whatever.

I know you want to get to the bottom of this, but don't tear the station
down to the foundation before trying some of the simple things.

BTW, a few years ago there was some discussion of  an LDG breakout box. 
  you had mentioned you had put this on your list of things to get.   if 
you have one, you can use it as an interface between radio and amp. 
Otherwise, to get the buffer out of line, you will need to build, buy, 
or steal the proper cable.    If you have the LDG box laying around you 
can do a quick and dirty interface with a couple of RCA cables and see if
the buffer is bad.

73, Steve KW3A