Hi Butch!

Yes, Steve is right about me having two issues with my
TS-2000/MFJ-998/ALS-1306 setup.  The issue I am grappling with here relates
to the 1306 not going into "bypass" during tuning.  I would really
appreciate any help you might have on resolving this issue.  Below is a
little more information pertaining to this issue.

Both the 998 and the 1306 are interfaced with the TS-2000 with their
respective interface cables.  Additionally, I have run both of the RCA "amp
enable in/out" lines between the 998 and the 1306.  However, when I press
"Tune" [AT on the TS-2000] the 998 properly drops the TS-2000 into tuning
mode but does not put the 1306 into bypass during the tuning cycle; as it
should.  The result of this is that a ~5W CW signal coming from the TS-2000
goes to the 1306 resulting in a ~70W signal going to the 998; which causes
the 998 to squawk "QRP" (too much power) and abort the tuning cycle leaving
a high SWR; which high SWR is now seen by the 1306 resulting in the 1306
crapping out due to a high SWR "error condition."  

Incidentally, it does not matter whether the "key loop switch" on the 1306
is either "on" (meaning use the 998 RCA amp enable in/out lines) or "off"
(meaning use the 1306's interface cable with the TS-2000); the 1306 does not
go into bypass during the tuning cycle.

BTW, the separate issue about the serial port relates to automatic band
following by the 1306.  There, the 1306 interface cable is hooked up to the
TS-2000's COM port )not the 998's); and as such the 1306 does work
flawlessly following the TS-2000's band.  My problem is that I want to also
connect my PC to this one TS-2000 COM port.  I am separately working on a
solution to this issue, but for now it is only one connection at a time:
either the PC or the 1306.

73,
Richard KK6MRH

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Butch Bussen
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 9:25 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Ameritron ALS-1306 Not Going into Bypass Mode During Tuning

I don't know why he needs the serial port hooked up on the tuner, if I read
that right.  Sounds like a stuck relay contact, in tune mode, there should
be no contact between those phono jacks.  It is a nice tuner, just not big
enough for my alpha 9500.
73
Butch
WA0VJR
Node 3148
Wallace, ks.


On Tue, 19 Jan 2016, Steve Forst
wrote:

> He is having multiple problems:  Amp won't auto band switch, and the 
> tuner won't open the relay to break the keying line during a tune.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
> On 1/19/2016 11:34 AM, Butch Bussen wrote:
>> I had one of those that had problems with Kenwood radios.  They tried 
>> firmware upgrades and even sent me a chip, finally had to change or 
>> remove a rresister, would have to find my notes on that.  Had to do 
>> with a wrong logic level.  Once the resister was changed, worked 
>> fine.  I haven't been paying a lot of attention, wht problem is he 
>> having.  I still have mine but don't use it.  Been kicking around 
>> selling it, but I never seem to get rid of ham stuff, just accumulate...
>> 73
>> Butch
>> WA0VJR
>> Node 3148
>> Wallace, ks.
>>
>>
>> On Sun, 17 Jan
>> 2016, Steve Forst wrote:
>>
>>> Richard,
>>>
>>> Another thought on your issue.   There have been firmware updates to the
>>> tuner over the years.  Since it is a used tuner, perhaps it needs a
>>> firmware update?    I think the firmware version shows up on the power
>>> up message on the tuner's display..   The latest version is on the MFJ
>>> site.   I've never done it, but firmware is  installed via the 9 pin
>>> serial connection on the rear of the tuner.
>>>
>>> What brought this to mind is a faint memory  of some Kenwood users
>>> having some sort of problem with this tuner years ago.    I really don't
>>> remember what the problem was, but some were resolved with firmware, 
>>> and some had to go in to the shop for  some chip replacement.
>>>
>>> Just another thought.
>>>
>>> 73, Steve KW3A
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>