[Elecraft] K2 is break-in only on CW??

[Don Wilhelm]

Brian,

Be patient, your K2 is coming to you soon!!!

Let me try to sort things out a bit here.  With the K2, in CW mode it is
full QSK (and QSK only) - thinking of semi-QSK or foot switch or anything
else of that sort will only get you into a troublesome situation.  When you
hit the key (or paddle) to form a character, the receiver will mute and the
K2 will transmit.  Keying for an external amplifier is provided with the
KPA100 and is available for the QRP K2 if you add the amplifier keying
circuit shown on the Elecraft website (yes, Elecraft offers a semi-kit, but
it is easily built from the junkbox parts).
Sooo - PTT has no meaning for CW mode in the K2 world - it is QSK all the
way.

Now, SSB is quite a different matter.  Here PTT does have its place.  You
can either use VOX or PTT to activate transmit mode.  PTT operation is
preferred on SSB by many operators (and is almost the only way to go if you
are mobile because of the high ambient (in the 'shack') noise).  With an
acoustically quiet hamshack setting, VOX is a pleasure to operate - just
talk into the mic and your words are transmitted (that can be either good or
bad depending on your situation at the time <G>).

In summary, for CW mode, PTT is meaningless (it really MEANS Push To TALK,
and I just can't relate that to CW in my head), but for SSB, either PTT or
VOX operation is available with the K2.

I hope that does help some who have become confused by the terms.
Unfortunately, PTT has somehow been related by a few logging program
developers as a CW 'function' when they really mean semi-breakin mode - and
I disagree with that stretching of the meaning.

Yes, the PTT signalling on the K2 is the same line as the DOT paddle line -
which means IF one is in SSB mode, you can activate the PTT by pressing the
dot side of the paddle (as long as your mic is wired so you do not have to
hold its own PTT button down to make continuity for the audio signal - and
many handheld mics are wired just that way - see my note on mobile operation
above for the reason that is so).

73,
Don W3FPR

"Life is what happens when you are making other plans"
(John Lennon wrote it in a book, Mike Cross used it in a song - I don't know
who was first)

----- Original Message ----- 

> I don't have a K2 yet, but alittle confused...most every HF rig I have
owned
> has a XMT or MOX key.....you are not forced to use VOX / Break-In....is
this
> different with the K2? How would you use it with a external HF amp that
has no
> break-in?
>                   Brian w3eme
>
>
>  Saturday 05 June 2004 01:10, Rich Lentz wrote:
> > Could you please explain what you mean by PTT CW ?  On my K2 the PTT
line
> > in the mike jack goes to the same pin on the MCU as the DOT line of the
> > key. Thus when you push the mike switch with the K2 in cw you get a
series
> > of dots.
> >
> > On my older OMNI, which has no keyer, the PTT switch on the mike could
be
> > used as a key.
> >