Overview

DX Engineering Transceiver Amplifier Keying Cables

DX Engineering Transceiver Amplifier Keying Cables connect the "ground on transmit" or contact closure provided by the radio that is required to make an HF amplifier switch from "receive mode" to "transmit and amplify mode" when using PTT (push-to-talk), VOX or break-in CW keying. DX Engineering Transceiver Amplifier Keying Cables are made for specific transceiver models that have special DIN or mini-DIN connector accessory ports which provide the transceiver's only connections for linear amplifier keying.

One type of amplifier keying cable has one RCA phono plug for the amplifier relay jack, which is all that is needed. When the transceiver PTT (push-to-talk) is keyed, the RCA plug center pin is connected to the shield (and chassis ground in most cases) to key the amp relay or its solid state keying circuit. Instead of a direct connection to the amp relay, the RCA plug may be connected to the keying input of an accessory device (DXE-KEYLINE-3, DXE-RTR-2 or DXE-NCC-2), amplifier keying interface (DXE-SV-KR or legacy Ameritron ARB-704 or KD9SV Products SV-KR) or other amp keying line interrupt device, such as a meter or an array controller. Each has a keying input and a keying output for the amplifier relay or another accessory.

Another type of amplifier keying cable has two RCA phono plugs, one RED plug for the amplifier relay jack and one WHITE plug for ALC (Automatic Level Control) voltage from the amplifier. The legacy ALC connection does not need to be used with present era solid state transceivers and most modern amplifiers. ALC was required for use on transmitters with tube finals. Some modern amplifiers do not have an ALC output connector. If the amplifier does not have ALC it is okay to leave the WHITE plug disconnected.

Order your DX Engineering Transceiver Amplifier Keying Cables to connect to your transceiver accessory port for keying amplifiers, sequencers, receive-transmit interfaces, buffer relays, and other accessories.

NOTE: To enable the function of this keying cable, some late model Kenwood transceivers require menu activation of the amplifier keying circuit.

Applications