[Elecraft] K3 - Linking the VFOs for CW - SSB switching

[K9ZTV]

First of all, nothing has been implemented yet.

Second, let's not complicate things here.

The only thing being suggested is that the K3 be capable of CW while one 
is operating SSB.  This feature is currently found on several Yaesu and 
Icom rigs (don't know about Kenwood).  The paddle/key would be in 
parallel with the microphone (so to speak).  Hitting the paddle would 
automatically put the rig into CW mode and when key-up occurs, the rig 
automatically reverts back to SSB mode.  No switch fiddling, button 
pushing, or other operator input would be required.  No change in 
frequency would occur EXCEPT that during key-down the standard CW offset 
would happen.  By necessity, the feature would be enabled and disabled 
through a menu option.

If CW is not your thing, don't worry about it -- you won't need it anyway. 

K9ZTV



Someone wrote:
>
> Would you be so kind as to confirm that what has been
> implemented is triggered by keying input whilst in SSB?
>
> If so, will this new feature be user selectable?
>
> If not, can it be?
>
> Switching modes on a radio is usually something that
> comes as a result of the operator deciding to switch
> modes & having to do something specific to achieve
> that.  Presumption that the keying line is only asserted
> when CW is to be sent is asking a bit much.  Making
> the input for sending CW also trigger a mode change is
> a significant change in behavior, one that normally would
> not be expected of a radio - kind of like not expecting that
> switching on the main beam headlamps causes a car
> to change lanes & switch gears by itself.
>
> Having CW in the right place so that there is no need to
> move the VFO from where tuned for a SSB signal seems
> to be a more reasonable solution without adding feature
> that causes radio to go on form of walkabout on the
> unsuspecting.
>
> I seem to recall switching from USB to CW in QSO on
> FT-726R required no retuning.  I don't recall ever changing
> from LSB to CW in QSO when on satellite, but today in
> radio with CW/CW-R & carrier in right place, the requested
> functionality could be had by the radio selecting CW/CW-R
> as appropriate for the SSB mode switched from.  Not
> sure how to deal with direction of tuning - would seem a
> bit odd for sophisticated new radio like K3 to have what
> looked to be high/low-side injection change on some
> bands.