[CW] Oh, Those Scratchy Bug Dits!

[Stan Levandowski]

 I've been using the Jackson Harbor WB9KZY de-scratcher for many years.  It
works FB.  However, I never needed it with any of my Elecraft radios.  I
moved from Elecraft to a TS-590SG, then a TS-890S, then an IC-7300 and
recently to an FTdx-10.  Every one of those rigs needed my de-scratcher.
Last month, I decided to return to my roots and sold the FTdx-10 and bought
an Elecraft KX2 along with the KXPA100 amp and its internal ATU.  Now I'm
back to not needing any de-scratcher!

I have an opinion:  I think Elecraft is purpose built to serve the CW
community and everything else comes along for the ride.  I suspect that
many other manufacturers put CW at the bottom of their list.   Elecraft
appears to have built in "de-scratching" to their internal keyers when in
"hand" mode.  Just my suspicion.  In my experience the IC-7300 was the
"scratchiest" of all.

73, Stan WB2LQF

On Wed, Dec 22, 2021 at 8:28 PM David J. J. Ring, Jr. <n1ea at arrl.net> wrote:

> Ken, WB2ART has pcb's that he had up made for the debouncer from QST,
> Sept. 1992.
> He's supplied them to 2 hams who used them and said they work.
> Contact him  directly wb2art at gmail.com - other recommended cures are
>
> I've attached the QST article.
>
> Also a 555 circuit from Craig, G0KVL.
>
> WB9KZY / Jackson Harbor Press / sells a "Bug Descratcher 3"
> http://www.wb9kzy.com/bugde3.htm
> The Bug Descratcher III kit is the third version of a circuit from the
> September 1992 issue of QST by WX7G, Dave Cuthbert. The Bug Descratcher III
> removes the "scratchiness" encountered with semi-automatic keys (bugs) due
> to contact bounce. It can also be used with straight keys. It features:
>
> Bug Descratcher III  -
>
> A debounced output to eliminate scratchy sounding keying
> Option: solid state relay (SSR) output to key nearly any rig (solid state,
> tube positive or tube negative keying voltage)
> Available as a board only kit
> Circuit board size: 1.25 x 1.5 inches
> Operates from 9 to 13.8 volt battery or power supply
> Minimizes the input to output delay (previous versions had about 6 mS of
> delay)
> Price is $12.00, with SSR option $16, with enclosure $23, with enclosure &
> SSR $27 + shipping/handling
> Note that enclosure box is New Old Stock and may require cleaning and/or
> filing (sanding) before use
> printed documents are NOT included, please print/view your own from the
> pdf files provided
>
> Curtis and MFJ keyers have a "straight key input" I run my semi-automatic
> keys, straight keys and sideswipers through this, the "Weight control" on
> my EK-43 Curtis keyer acts like a "dot fattener".
>
> Merchant Marine (and Military Navy) CW operators have learned that heavier
> dots improve readability during static storms.
>
> 73
>
> DR
> N1EA
>
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