[Elecraft] Iambic A and B

[David A. Belsley]

Daniel:
  The difference has to do with what happens after you release an iambic 
condition.  An iambic condition is where the dot and dash paddles are held 
simultaneously (i.e., squeezed).  You can approach the iambic condition two 
ways: dot first and dash first.  "Dot first" means you start with the dot 
paddle and follow immediately with the dash while holding the dot, so there 
is some time when they are held together.  "Dash first" is the same when 
starting with the dash.  Most chips are designed so that one or the other 
of these conditions is always recognized (i.e., it is not possible to hit 
them at exactly the same time).  [Note: because of the way the K2 is 
designed to accommodate a straight key mode, it does recognize a truly 
simultaneous hit, which could sometimes cause problems.  If, however, you 
are not using the straight key mode, you can turn this feature off in one 
of the menus.]

  Both modes usually have what is called 'auto complete.'  That is, even if 
you release the iambic condition before it is complete, it will not just 
stop where you let up, but will continue to finish off the character. 
Thus, in iambic A mode, if you start with a dash, hit the dot before the 
dash is complete (while still holding the dash -- that makes the iambic 
condition), and then release both paddles before the initial dash is 
finished, the keyer will nevertheless complete the dash and send the dot, 
thus sending the letter N.  Likewise, if you start with a dot, hit dash 
(without releasing the dot), then release both, the keyer will send a 
complete dot and dash, thus sending the letter A.

  Iambic mode B differs from the foregoing in that, under exactly the same 
conditions as above it will add an element to the character that is 
opposite the last element.  Thus, under the conditions described above for 
the letter N, since the last element was a dot (you started with a dash), a 
dash will be added to produce dash dot dash, i.e., the letter K.  And under 
the conditions described above for the letter A, a dot will be added to 
produce dot dash dot, i.e., the letter R.  Thus, in iambic B mode, an 
element is actually added to the character that was never explicitly sent. 
A single squeeze starting with the dot will produce R and a single squeeze 
starting with the dash will produce K.  To produce N in this mode, you 
start with the dash, but then you must lift the dash paddle before hitting 
the dot.  This does not mean you must wait for the dash to complete before 
hitting the dot, just that you must not allow the dot to hit while the dash 
paddle is still down.  If you hit the dash, let up and hit the dot all 
before the dash is complete, the 'auto complete' feature will in fact 
produce a perfect N.  The K will not be sent because an iambic condition 
was never established in this sequence of events.

  Some find the "addition" feature of B mode to be disconcerting.  Others 
find is a real benefit.  I, personally, began with A mode on a CMOS III 
keyer, which is very good.  I found it very difficult, however, to grow 
accustomed to the A mode on the K2 keyer, and, strangely, found it much 
easier to master the K2's B mode.  Now it is by far my favorite keyer. 
It's your call.  I would simply try them each for a short while, get a 
quick idea which has the greater promise for your style of sending, and 
then stick with your pick (either one).  You will eventually learn it fb.

best wishes,

dave belsley, w1euy


--On Monday, March 3, 2003 10:01 PM -0500 Daniel L Brinneman 
<daniel-k2@juno.com> wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> Can someone take time to explain to me, in small detail, the difference
> in feel and hearing of the Iambic A and B selections?? Does it effect
> spacing between dits and dahs?  And what is the adjustment of the Dot
> menu for?
>
> Daniel
> kg4dni
> www.kg4dni.com - Webmaster
>
>
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----------------------------------
David A. Belsley
Professor of Economics