Interfacing with ACOM amplifiers

[JJ4SDR]

I will be using an ACOM amplifier within a few weeks (depends on how bad the supply crunch is). My radio is ANAN 7000 DLE MKII (Black Edition).

The ACOM manual states (this is in regards to the "KEY-OUT socket" on the back apron of the amplifier):

"The KEY-OUT socket provides an extra control signal from the amplifier to the transceiver. It could be used to improve the transmit/receive (TX/RX) switching safety.

NOTICE:
KEY-OUT is a low-power open-drain output, make sure that the signal voltage coming from the respective transceiver connection does not exceed 50 VDC (open circuit) and the closed-circuit current is below 20 mA.

If your transceiver has a suitable input that disables transmission unless grounded externally, we recommend that you connect it with a shielded cable terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector to the KEY-OUT socket of the amplifier.

ACOM will operate normally with KEY-OUT unconnected if your transceiver has no such input........"

Am I being overly cautious in thinking that I may want to run a phono cable between the KEY-OUT socket of the ACOM and "Connector #16, Digital-IN" ("transmit inhibit") of the ANAN? In theory, this connection is NOT needed, but I would think having the cable there would be "extra insurance."

Would appreciate comments and thoughts on the above!

Best!
JJ

[JJ4SDR]

I can’t believe I am the only ANAN 7000 DLE MKII user who will hook it up to an ACOM amplifier

Is what I was suggesting (using two cable between the ACOM and the ANAN) too elementary a question

Would appreciate comments!
JJ

[dl4zbg]

Good morning "JJ",

I've been running my 7000DLE/ACOM2000A combination for quite a while.
DDUTIL interface works ok.
I never tried to use "Key Out".

Normally I do not write replies which cannot be helpfull for the starter of a topic.

73

Volker

DL4ZBG

[JJ4SDR]

Guten Tag Volker!

I appreciate your response.

Perhaps I email ACOM on this. All I am wanting is extra “safety” when using the ACOM1000 with the ANAN. Surprised at not having gotten many responses on this.

Best regards,
Juha
(NI2M, I also sign
OH1HX)

[kc2rgw]

I think you are over thinking it.

[JJ4SDR]

You are probably right. Doug - W5WC - emailed me to the same effect.

Below, a direct quote ( I don’t think he minds me including it here) on my email where I specified that I am using the ANAN 7000 DLE MKII Black Edition.

“Just my initial quick thoughts on the matter. Yes, you’re being overly cautious. I think that the Digital-IN requires an external ground to inhibit the tx. I had added a reverse switch in the software but the firmware developer hardcoded it in the firmware. Maybe it would add some latency if you’re on CW.”

[WR4N]

ACOM 1500 & ANAN 7000 DLE MII “BLACK BOX”: No KEY OUT. They work great together. I do use an Ameritron Amplifier Transceiver Keying Interface ARB-704