[Elecraft] QSK vs semi-QSK (was N4PY K2 Software)

[Don Wilhelm]

Folks,

I too do not understand the PTT/CW keying thing - it is a software problem
and not a K2 problem.

To (hopefully) clarify things, there are some folks who seem to desire
semi-break-in operation on CW rather than the QSK that the K2 offers just to
operate with the software they are using.

I can believe that semi-QSK is only a real requirement when driving an
amplifier
AND one wants to hold the amplifier relay active during key-up periods
(never mind the amps that have a slow pull-in relay - that is a different
problem).  This slow release can
be accomplished with a fast attack slow-decay circuit (a couple of
transistors and a slow RC time constant circuit between the transistors)
installed between the K2 and the
amplifier to keep the amp relay from trying to follow the keying.  Used
alone without an amplifier, the K2 does a good job of QSK (even though there
are some high speed ops who think the K2 QSK is not fast enough).

If one is using software that insists on the user having a semi-break-in
type transceiver, I believe those folks should be looking for different
software.  Why would one take a step backwards in operating convenience by
using semi-break-in when the K2 has full QSK capability (up to about 30 wpm
or more).  I can understand folks liking the features of a particular
software package, but they should be bugging the authors of that software to
build a package that will do QSK rather than trying to degrade the K2 to
semi-break-in operation. In my mind, the solution is simple - the software
could use a single interface signal for PTT when in SSB mode, and use the
same
interface line for keying the K2 in CW mode rather than the schemes that
have been 'cobbled' together over the years, so it sounds like a limitation
brought on by the software programmers rather than a K2 'limitation'.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 
>
> I don't understand the problem with the PTT/Dot thing.  I put a Y adapter
on
> the key jack, my paddles plug into one and a cable with the diodes for
> auto-detect goes from a soundcard interface (can't recall off the top of
my
> head if its off the rts or dtr line). And the computer for contesting
works
> great with the K2 auto-detect on.  No problems at all.
>
> The sound card interface I'm using is the KK7UQ box (also a great kit)
that
> has a 3-way toggle allowing the PTT going to the mic connector to be
turned
> off.  Otherwise, when sending CW, it would keep the rig keyed down.
>