keying and ALC questions

[RRfox90]

I'm setting up my shack and I need my ICOM-7300 to work seamlessly with my Ameritron ALS-606 amp, MFJ-998 Intellituner, and MFJ-828 SWR/wattmeter. I particularly need help with the control lines and connecting the "AMP ENABLE" (keying) RCA jacks? I see these on the MFJ-998, but does the MFJ-828 factor into this chain at all, or is it just for measuring? I need to know the correct path from the ICOM-7300, through the tuner, to the Ameritron amp.

Also, for ALC, what cables do I need and which specific ports on the Ameritron ALS-606 and ICOM-7300 should I connect to ensure proper protection for the amplifier?

Any guidance or diagrams to help me hook this up safely would be greatly appreciated!

 

[theDix3r]

Interesting project!
I'll try to be as clear as I can and I hope this helps.
For keying, try connecting the Icom-7300's relay jack to the MFJ-998's amp key-in RCA jack.
Then a separate RCA cable goes from the MFJ-998's amp key-out RCA jack to the Ameritron ALS-606's key-in RCA jack.
The MFJ-828 SWR/wattmeter is for measurement only so yeah, it doesn't factor into the control lines.
For ALC, you need an RCA to RCA cable.
Connect the ALC jack on your Ameritron ALS-606 to the ALC jack on your Icom-7300.
This is crucial to protect your amplifier from overdriving.
Also always ensure that your radio's power output is set appropriately especially when initially testing with the amp.
Hope you still have your manuals so you can refer to it for the specific details on each port.

 

[AirwaveScout]

Great suggestions in that response,it's a straightforward approach. The MFJ-828 is just along for the ride, measuring things without taking on any control functions. Have you got everything connected yet, or are you still in the wiring stage? I'd really like to know how it performs once you get it up and running

 

[Salva.d0r]

The typical path is ICOM 7300's keying line goes to the MFJ-998 tuner's "AMP ENABLE" jack, then from the tuner out to the Ameritron ALS-606's key input, that way, when you key the radio, the tuner activates the amp in sequence

For ALC, a cable running from the ALS-606's ALC output to the ICOM-7300's ALC input port will help the radio reduce power if the amp is approaching its limits, protecting both units
Hope this helps