WA6TLA: More on voltages in the L'il Buddy
Just received my November 2006 issue of WorldRadio and saw the modification to the QRP transmitter to put the keying in the cathode. The reason stated was to remove the +150 volts from the key.
Well, if the cathode is open-circuited and no current flows in the plate, the cathode will be at +150 volts until the key is closed. If one uses a straight key (or any mechanical arrangement), they still need to be concerned about coming in contact with high voltage.
Granted, the major part of the straight key is at ground potential but the armature with the knob attached has +150 volts on it.
Elliott Lawrence, WA6TLA
Manhattan Beach, CA
Well, if the cathode is open-circuited and no current flows in the plate, the cathode will be at +150 volts until the key is closed. If one uses a straight key (or any mechanical arrangement), they still need to be concerned about coming in contact with high voltage.
Granted, the major part of the straight key is at ground potential but the armature with the knob attached has +150 volts on it.
Elliott Lawrence, WA6TLA
Manhattan Beach, CA
posted by Richard Fisher, KI6SN at 1:13 PM
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