FT 102....keying an external relay.

[KL7OF]

I want to key an external relay with my 102.......The relay has a 115 volt AC coil of unknown current draw...
I see that the 102 has  ACC 1  and ACC 2 that have a terminal that goes to ground on TX.  I can't find any thing in the manual that gives any voltage or current ratings for these terminals...I doubt that they can be used to directly key my external relay...So...How are you other FT 102 operators keying external relays??   Any suggestions are appreciated...  Thanks...Steve

[K1JJ]

Steve,

I would use a 12V buffer relay, controlled by the FT-102.  Then use the buffer relay contacts for the 120VAC relay.   No sense having 120AC in the 102 accessory area.

You could look at the schematic to see if the output is relay contacts or a solid state device. Either way, use a buffer to be sure.  The 102 is a hybrid and near the time when they did away with keying 120VAC relays.

T

[KL7OF]

Tom....This is what I've found.....The ACC 2 jack is a relay (RL 1) and pin 3 goes to  ground on tx....My 102 is a Malcomized model with all the relays replaced...
   I have an E-mail from a ham that has been running the neg leg of the 110VAC coil on a Dow-Key thru his Malcomized 102 on pin 3 for 5 years without incident...  However...(comma)
   I am going to put in a 12 volt coil buffer relay between the FT102 and the 110VAC coil as you suggested for two reasons...I haven't been able to verify the voltage or current ratings on the relays that Malcom uses and... it just doesn't seem like a good idea to have 110VAC swimming around in my FT 102...

   I would like to hear from some of the other FT 102 users and hear what they do..... 
....Steve

[K1JJ]

Steve,

Yep, mechanical contacts are good news for driving a 120VAC relay.  At least it's not a solid state device.

I still think you are doing the right thing by using a 12VDC buffer relay to keep 120ac out of the rig.  But looks like it will work either way.   It's always best to check it out like you did.

Later, OM.

T

[KL7OF]

Now I'm looking for enough 12VDC from the FT102 to activate the ice cube relay I found in the junk box...............

[KL7OF]

It looks like pin 4 on the (EXT VFO/RCVR A) jack is +12VDC on transmit......