Hi All,
Yesterday I tried a number of recommended things, none of which worked
("Total Reset" of the 998, setting 998 baud rate to equal TS-2000's 9600,
dropping 998 amp SWR threshold to 1.9, pressing the 998's "Tune" rather than
the TS-2000's "AT" button). However, together with my Elmer, we did test
with a multi-meter and confirm that the 998's amp enable in/out circuit is
properly working. Normally it is "closed", and during tuning it is
"opened." I also found out that my 1306's serial number is 00295; and have
asked Ameritron if there have been any firmware or hardware updates that
address this problem.
So, I am on to the "Alternative Cabling Method" (ACM). Under the ACM, I
will use the cable at the below link. As such, there will be no keying
relay connection directly between the TS-2000 and the 1306; as exists when
using Ameritron's TS-2000/1306 interface cable (which will be entirely
disconnected when I try the ACM). Rather, under the ACM the keying relay is
TS-2000 > 998 > 1306. More specifically, the keying relay will run from the
TS-2000's 7 pin DIN "Remote" into the 998's RCA amp enable in, and then from
the 998's RCA amp enable out into the 1306's RCA relay control. This means
that the 1306's keying relay is completely under the control of the 998.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Pin-DIN-Amplifier-Cable-for-KENWOOD-TS-590-2000-43
0-440-870-940-and-etc-/151942891277?
Now, with the ACM, it is my hope that when I "tune" surely the 998 must
break the keying relay before the tune starts and not enable keying until
after tuning completes (i.e., bypass the 1306). I just cannot see how it
could be otherwise. I would appreciate all thoughts about this.
73,
Richard KK6MRH
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Richard B. McDonald
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 9:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Ameritron ALS-1306 Not Going into Bypass Mode During Tuning
Hi Steve!
I will indeed to that. I have been in contact with Ameritron about this.
So far, they have not raised any issue about the S/N.
73,
Richard KK6MRH
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 8:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Ameritron ALS-1306 Not Going into Bypass Mode During Tuning
Richard,
I still think you should contact MFJ and provide them with the s/n. You
are dealing with a used tuner, and anything is possible. You should
be able to check with a continuity tester to see if the relay opens or
not. Do a Google search on the problems of some of the older versions
of this tuner. You will see that some had problems like Butch did and
needed some components changed in the tuner. Maybe your tuner's s/n falls
into this category.
73, Steve KW3A
On 1/20/2016 10:30 AM, Richard B. McDonald wrote:
> 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
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
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