[Elecraft] CW Keying characteristics-computer vs Bencher

[Vic Rosenthal]

Ralph McClintock wrote:

> I finally hooked up my computer keying circuit, 2N2222 off the parallel port,
> to my K2 before the CQWW contest. I have noticed what appears to be a
> significant difference in the keying characteristic from the computer versus
> the keying from the Bencher key. The computer appears to have a significantly
> harder characteristic than the Bencher. This is observed in the sidetone as I
> have not checked it with a 2nd receiver. Has anyone else noticed this
> phenomenon?

By 'harder' do you mean that the rise/fall time of the pulses is shorter?  This 
is the usual meaning of 'hard' keying.  To check it, you need to look at the RF 
output on a scope or listen with an external receiver set to a very wide 
bandwidth.  I suppose the sidetone could seem harder as well, and could also be 
checked on a scope.  I think this is unlikely, though of course possible.

However, I suspect that you mean that the duration of the pulses is shorter; 
that is, the dot/space ratio is lower.  This is certainly possible.  The 
internal keyer has an adjustable dot/space ratio (from 0.9:1 to 1.2:1 I think). 
  The logging program that generates the computer CW is also probably 
adjustable, so if the keying sounds too 'light' you can increase the weighting 
(another word for dot/space ratio).

So, is the problem in the realm of hard/soft or light/heavy?

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco