The FatBoy amp has developed a sticking keying relay. It happens daily and frequently while in use. It doesn’t completely un-key and switch back receive. I have tried different radios and same issue. There is no power output/wattage while the relay is stuck. A quick key of the microphone and it un-sticks and goes back into receive.
I’m looking for clarification on the purpose/function of several components in the attached picture.
1. What is the purpose of the orange (radial) capacitor going from ground to the relay?
2. What is the purpose of the mica capacitor going from ground to the relay?
3. What is the purpose of the disc capacitor going from one lead of the orange capacitor to one leg of the RF sensing transistor?
4. Then in all that mess there is a diode (I’m assuming a common variety) going from ground to the center leg of the RF sensing transistor?
5. On the opposite side there is a large orange disc capacitor going from ground to the relay.
6. What transistor is being utilized for RF sensing?
Modification questions:
1. Should I upgrade the keying relay to something more stout?
2. I want to also install an RCA jack/or re-purpose the remote jack so I can manually key the amp and bypass the RF sensing when desired. Does this involve adding a second relay SPST to bypass? What type/rating relay is needed?
3. Is their anything else I can do to improve this aspect of the circuit while I’m replacing the sticky relay?
Final question…what’s involved if I want to add a switch for bias/delay for SSB while I’m at it?
Thanks in advance
Brad
KE0XS
South of Pittsburgh
I’m looking for clarification on the purpose/function of several components in the attached picture.
1. What is the purpose of the orange (radial) capacitor going from ground to the relay?
2. What is the purpose of the mica capacitor going from ground to the relay?
3. What is the purpose of the disc capacitor going from one lead of the orange capacitor to one leg of the RF sensing transistor?
4. Then in all that mess there is a diode (I’m assuming a common variety) going from ground to the center leg of the RF sensing transistor?
5. On the opposite side there is a large orange disc capacitor going from ground to the relay.
6. What transistor is being utilized for RF sensing?
Modification questions:
1. Should I upgrade the keying relay to something more stout?
2. I want to also install an RCA jack/or re-purpose the remote jack so I can manually key the amp and bypass the RF sensing when desired. Does this involve adding a second relay SPST to bypass? What type/rating relay is needed?
3. Is their anything else I can do to improve this aspect of the circuit while I’m replacing the sticky relay?
Final question…what’s involved if I want to add a switch for bias/delay for SSB while I’m at it?
Thanks in advance
Brad
KE0XS
South of Pittsburgh
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