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

[Donald Nesbitt]

While not a N4PY software user, I'd like to add a couple of general notes:

Earlier,  Don W3FPR wrote:  <snip>

> 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 . .
. 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 . . .

Actually it is even easier - if you have Firmware Revision 2.0 or higher,
just use the "8R Hold" mode as explained in the Installation and Reference
Manual (particularly good if you are using an external circuit to "key" your
linear like the one noted on the Elecraft site that uses the 8R line - see:
http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Amp_keying_ckt.htm  ).  Note:  I use this
circuit with a small relay to key my Collins 30L-1 and it works perfectly.

AND - by setting the "T-R" value in the Primary menu to a higher number you
can control how quickly the switching of your amplifier drops out - it can
be set to "hang" for up to 2.55 seconds - an absolute eternity in a cw
contest!!  Depending on your keying speed, you can find a nice setting to
keep your non QSK amp from having it's relay self destruct.  I use 0.05 with
the 30L-1 and ususally am running at 25 to 30 wpm - this keeps it from
dropping out very nicely between words.

<snip>
 > > 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 . . .

Me too - just as explained on page 92 Fig 8 - 1 in the K2 manual.  Works
perfectly with my single transistor "interface" at the computer's rs-232
port.

As to the software logging, control and keying, I use N1MM Logger (
http://www.n1mm.com ) for contesting.  The program is free (don't know why
it is, but it is!!) and used by lots of top guns around the world (and lots
of lil'pistols like me!).  It allows you to easily set if you want to key
the PTT line or not and is excellent with the K2 ( note:  the K2 is not
listed as supported - just select the generic "Kenwood" and set the
parameters for the K2).  This is not a "general logging program" and Tom has
no interested in turning it into one (while it can be used as one) it is
strictly a "contest" program.  If you are not a contester, it is most likely
not for you.  The program does require an "interface" (either serial or
parallel) to do the keying (I use a simple one transistor serial circuit).
I believe that the N4PY software keys the rig directly via "KY" commands to
the KIO port (no additional "interface" needed) (Carl can correct this if
I'm wrong) just as some of the other programs do (MixW can be made to do
this with a re-write of the macros).

(If you want a pretty nice general logging program with award tracking, etc.
I can recommend XMLog ( http://www.xmlog.com ) - it will even give you voice
announcements from web clusters and it is free.

As usual, I have no pecuniary interest in any, YMMV, yada, yada,  ' 73 es
gud dx  --don n4hh K2/100 #2028