[Elecraft] Adding a (second) straight key jack to the K1?

[Mike]

Dave Ek wrote:

> The reason I want a
> second jack is that, for field contesting, I use my Palm PDA and a PIC
> circuit to handle keying and logging, and a separate paddle connected
> to the rig for manual sending. The PIC circuit keys the rig for contest
> purposes through a straight key jack, and the paddle would be
> connected through the existing key jack on the K1. So, to handle this
> setup, a second key jack is needed.

> I know this should be an easy thing to do with the K1,

If I understand you properly, it sounds like you need the K1 to key in
*straight key mode* through your added jack, AND in *iambic mode*
through the standard jack.  Since the main MPU in the K1 actually
controls the keying, you'll have some significant problems.  A menu item
(INP) is used to tell the K1 MPU what type of keying device is connected
to the key jack (HANDKEY/PADDLE-NORMAL/PADDLE-REVERSE).  You would have
to somehow change the input modes depending on whether the PDA or the
paddle is keying.  I don't think you'll be able to do this easily.

You could set the K1 for paddle input, then re-write your PDA software
and outputs to key two lines (DOT/DASH) like a paddle would generate,
but I suspect the only simple solution will be to set the K1 for
straight key mode and use a small EXTERNAL iambic keyer in parallel with
your PDA output (through a Y-cable) to key the K1.  Of course the really
simple solution would be to use a straight key instead of a paddle for
the manual keying.

73,
Mike / KK5F