[Elecraft] K3 Keying

[Craig D. Smith]

The internal K3 keyer works fine, but I also prefer external keyer(s) for
various reasons.  I have both a WinKey USB and a LogiKey K-5 wired in
parallel to the K3 key input.  Most of my operating is CW contesting, and
the WinKey generates great CW from the N1MM logging program.  I have the
LogiKey with its 6 memory buttons directly left of my keyboard, so it is
pretty much just like an extension of the PF keys to call up one of those
memories.  I keep the LogiKey set to a lower speed than what I am using on
the WinKey.  That way, it makes slow speed fills of exchange elements quite
convenient when signal levels/band conditions are difficult. I also program
in some lesser-used items that I don't want to dedicate a keyboard PF key
to. The downside of this, as Rich points out, is that you need to remember
to hit ESC sometimes to avoid doubling with yourself.  With my shack layout,
the K3 is a much longer reach and the K3 memory buttons are in a cluttered
panel area and in a vertical plane, making using them not very ergonomic -
especially at 2 AM in a darkened shack. 

            ... Craig  AC0DS