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

[Phil Wheeler]

Mike wrote:
> 
> 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.
> 

Another approach would be to use s'key mode only, and use and external
keyer for the paddle.

Phil