[Elecraft] External Keyer

[Tom Hammond NØSS]

Folks:

Don't forget that if you want a LogiKey:

     Idiom Press
     POB 1025
     Geyserville CA 95441

     http://www.idiompress.com/K3_specs.html

but for a bit less investment, you might want to consider:

     http://www.idiompress.com/K3_specs.html#kit

which is the URL for the KIT version of the same keyer, commonly known as 
the CMOS Super Keyer III.

The most difficult part of assembling a memory keyer kit is finding some 
really decent (AND REASONABLE PRICED) pushbutton switches (PB's). Most of 
the really good 'tactile feedback PB's run several (to many) dollars each. 
which can add significantly to the cost of the finally-assembled keyer kit.

I've built no fewer than a dozen of these keyers, either for myself or for 
a numer of friends.

I went on a search for PB's which had a great 'feel', but which didn't cost 
an arm and a leg to obtain.

FOUND 'EM...!!! At MOUSER. And they're available in two different sizes... 
LARGE 'n SMALL.

The large switchess are Mouser #101-0621, which uses a 101-021x cap (where 
'x' is 0 thru 9, indicating cap color). These switches are .472" (12mm) 
square and the caps are .474" (c. 12mm) in diameter. Cost: Switch = $.036, 
Cap = $0.14.

The small PB's are Mouser #101-0661, which uses a 101-020x cap (where 'x' 
is 0 thru about 8, indicating cap color). These switches are .244" (6.2mm) 
square and the caps are .177" (also c. 4.5mm) in diameter. Cost: Switch = 
$.020, Cap = $0.11.

Paging thru MOUSER's most recent catalog, I see they also now carry Omron 
PC switches in the same style/size. Pricing is similar, but the cap colors 
are fewer. Mouser also offers a similar (large) switche by E-Switch, but 
the cost is a bit more.

ALL of these switches are PC board mount. Fortunately, I can provide upon 
request (and of course, free of charge) layouts for etching your own PC 
boards to accommodate these switches. PC boards greatly facilitate the 
mounting and installation of these switches. I do not (at least at this 
time) offer etched/drilled PC boards!! Sorry.

By the way, look for a 'new product' announcement from Idiom Press in 2-3 
weeks.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS

THEN, Tim Logan KB7OEX, wrote:
>Donn - ditto Gearge's remarks regarding the Logikey - it is a fantastic
>little unit - comes under the heading of indespensible in my book hi hi.
>
>Donn Kuse wrote:
> > Was wondering if anyone has a keyer with speed control knobs that they
> > would like to part with?  I'm looking for one.  Anyone with a Curtis
> > keyer?  Also looking for a inexpensive set of double paddles.  Thanks.