[CW] Break In Operation on CW

[David Ring]

in the older days of amateur operation about 25 years ago, we were
generally using separate transmitters and receivers.  With either
separate antennas or a T/R switch to switch the antenna quickly from
transmitter to receiver and protect the receiver, many stations used
break-in operation.  This system was just as easy to use if you were
running with just an exciter or with an amplifier.

QSK allowed you to hear between dots when sending on CW - depending on
your receiver recovery time, this could be done to around 50 wpm.  Of
course with spaces between the dots for character or word spacing - it
is easier to hear a breaking station!

With the advent of Ten-Tec's Triton I transceiver, CW break-in was
available in a transceiver.  Ten-Tec and others continued this
feature.

The problem was that amplifiers could not be used as there was no
external switching.  The Alpha amplifier line made the first QSK
amplifier.

But many good amplifiers just used relays.  Often they were hundreds
of dollars less expensive.  Many CW operators bought them thinking
that "QSK wasn't that important" - only to find out that they missed
QSK for DXing or traffic nets or general contacts.

Some hams built up separate QSK boxes with the Kilovac K1 relay.
Design Engineering Ohio came up with the DEO QSK-1500 an excellent
solid state PIN diode box that works with many radios.

But even today the relay version of the QSK Box is being sold because
the relays take more abuse even if they are slightly slower.

I just saw this item being announced.  It looks very good!
http://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/qskmaster.htm#top%20of%20page

So if you've been waiting for a QSK Box for your amplifier, maybe your
wait is over.

73

David N1EA
-30-