[CW] Code Practice Oscillators

Sat Jan 23 16:43:03 EST 2021

I just this minute bought an Ameco CPO, identical to the one I used as a
kid in 1959-60, on E-bay. Been wanting one for a while.

Pre-made versions of "Twin T" sine-wave CPOs are available on E-Bay now, or
at www.electrorsales.com - no connection to me. It works much better than
555 versions I've heard. But still, it sounds harsh to me. I'll be
interested to compare it with the old tube Ameco.

But one thing: the Twint-T reveals "bounce" in mechanical keys like an
x-ray machine; that is, straight keys and bugs sound like rats scratching
in the walls when played through this thing. The same keys sound fine
pugged into a KX3 sitting next to it (or any of my other rigs).

On the Twin-T, putting a cap across the key terminals made a very audible
difference. Surprised the heck out of me. It was one of those fixes I'd
heard of, but had never needed. But here it was dramatic to my ear. I
presumed many folks don't notice the lack of shaping circuitry because they
use a keyer - no bounce. To prove which point I hooked up my WinKeyer, and
the scratchy noise was completely absent.

Should the maker ever read this: this CPO might be improved by adding
(optional - switchable?) debounce circuitry, perhaps none, a cap, or a
simple electronic debouncer.

Regardless, it makes for a clear demonstration of how putting a cap across
the key can change key bounce. And it otherwise works fine as a CPO.
Comparison with Ameco to follow on the MorseBusters channel one of these
days.

73 Chris NW6V

On Sat, Jan 23, 2021 at 1:06 PM Bob Young <bobyoung53 at hotmail.com> wrote:

> I think I have one of those from the last time I tried to learn code.
> There are a bunch on ebay including an old tube Bud oscillator. I'm up to
> 20 characters now. I think retirement has been very helpful haha!
>
> Bob
> kb1okl
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* cw-bounces at mailman.qth.net <cw-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf
> of Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
> *Sent:* Saturday, January 23, 2021 3:00 PM
> *To:* cw at mailman.qth.net <cw at mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject:* Re: [CW] Code Practice Oscillators
>
>     The late lamented Radio Shack had cheap kits. I have not
> done a google search but probably one can get a kit from the web
> somewhere. They are not difficult to build but if you must get
> the parts via the web you might as well get the whole thing. At
> the moment I use Bud oscillator, probably from the 1950's. It is
> the second model, the one that does not put AC where its
> accessible. These were designed to they would also work as CW
> monitors triggered by RF.
>
> On 1/23/2021 10:17 AM, D.J.J. Ring, Jr. wrote:
> > Missing in my question was:
> >
> > "Who is selling these today?"
> >
> > DU1ANV nice sounding code oscillator - this is what I use, it
> > sounds beautiful.
> > *Nice Sine Wave Code Practice Oscillator from DU1ANV
> > <https://qsl.net/n1ea/DU1ANV_Code_Practise_Oscillator.pdf>*
> >
> > *K4ICY - Great Page on Morse code. *http://k4icy.com/cw.html
> > <http://k4icy.com/cw.html>
> > K4ICY's "Pleasant Morse Code Oscillator"
> > http://www.k4icy.com/weekend_radio_3tr-audio-amp.html
> > <http://www.k4icy.com/weekend_radio_3tr-audio-amp.html>
> > K4ICY also has a wonderful free spectrum guide (bandplan) that
> > will fit in your pocket. http://k4icy.com/bandplans.htm
> > <http://k4icy.com/bandplans.htm>
> >
> > 73
> >
> > DR
> >
> > On Sat, Jan 23, 2021 at 1:11 PM D.J.J. Ring, Jr. <n1ea at arrl.net
> > <mailto:n1ea at arrl.net <n1ea at arrl.net>>> wrote:
> >
> >     Many new people especially during COVID-19 seclusion are
> >     learning Morse code.
> >
> >     Sure there are nice apps for learning the code, but
> >     practice with a key is another hurdle.
> >
> >     When I learned Morse back in 1964, I bought a code
> >     oscillator, many were sold at the time because to get an
> >     amateur radio license, a Morse code test was required.
> >
> >     After the abolishment of the Morse requirement, the sales
> >     of Morse oscillators plunged and many went off the market,
> >     sadly one of the longest running companies was Nye-Viking,
> >     who had bought E.F. Johnson's business, and sold Johnson
> >     tuners and Johnson keys - he never did sell E.F. Johnson's
> >     speed keys. I believe Bill Nye  recently passed away.
> >
> >     73
> >
> >
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> > =30=
>
> --
> Richard Knoppow
> 1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
> WB6KBL
>
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