What is an "interlock"?

DrTeeth

As per the title please.

They are mentioned as being saved in the new profiles so I figure the time has come to find out what they are and what, if anything, they do.

TIA.

VK7WH Winston

In hardware an interlock is usually a safety mechanism to prevent an unauthorised operation to occur, such as removing the high tension from a transmitter if the case is removed. I guess that in the Flex world it would mean a mechanism in hardware or software that would do the same thing, such as preventing out of band transmissions, for example. Hope this helps. Winston

DrTeeth

Hi Winston,

That nicely hits the nail on the head for the moment.

Thank you.

VK7WH Winston

You're welcome. As an aside, Guy, the very early interlocks were usually mechinal "Locks" as such, operated by levers, rods or cams. Then came micro switches and logic gates right through to sophisticated microprocessor control logic current used today. My early experience with mechanical interlocks goes back to high power Broadcast and TV Transmitters of the 1950s and 1960s! Can't wait for 1.6! 73 de Winston.

DrTeeth

Winston, thanks for the extra information. It is always welcome.

Wayyy OT:- Those older transmitters that you mention have so much more character than the modern ones. Just like the way a Lancaster Bomber has when compared to a modern fly-by-wire aircraft. I live within easy visiting distance of the RAF museum (http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/) and less easy from http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford;and just touching one of those latter day 'craft is emotive.

Sri Tim.

Al_NN4ZZ

Hi Guy,
These snapshots are from the V1.5 manual but outline the interlocks supported on the Flex radios for controlling an external amplifier.  I use TX1 to control my amp (i.e enable or disable it).  Some amps take a little while to respond to RF and there are delays available also.  In V1.6 the profiles have been expanded to support the drive levels by band which is another good feature for amplifier support. 

There is more in the manual....





Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com
6700 - HW......... V 1.5.1.70
SSDR / DAX...... V 1.5.1.152
CAT................... V 1.5.1.0
Win10

Al K0VM

Guy,
   In some antenna relay situations ( especially VHF/UHF) it is desireable to switch an externall preamp out of circuit before RF is generated by the TX.  The safest way to do that is to 'inhibit' the TX  until the exteranl relays are all fully switched.

AL, K0VM

VK7WH Winston

Guy, I share your passion for early technology, especially Wold War II Aircraft and and Radio Equipment. I've visited Duxford twice where my eyes first clamped on to the magnificent SR71 Blackbird. Also if you ever go to Dayton, make sure you allow a day or three to visit the U.S. Airforce Museum . Truly amazing. Back to topic!