[Elecraft] K3 Keying

[Fred Jensen]

Craig D. Smith wrote:
> The internal K3 keyer works fine, but I also prefer external keyer(s) for
> various reasons.  

OK, the other side weighs in.  Several years ago, I built a K1EL keyer 
[don't remember the model and not sure where the book is right now].  I 
included an interface to key the radio[s], and inputs from the computer, 
bug, hand key, and paddle.  Worked great with my K2 and TS-850.  I built 
the interface to key both positive and negative lines and actually used 
that once on someone else's rig on FD.  My only complaints were:

1.  K1EL keyer lets me send commands in Morse.  Sounds great ... not so 
much so when you are trying to change something in the middle of the 
contest.

2.  K1EL keyer gives me two choices for weight.  One is just a bit too 
"crisp" when I record my signal off the air, and the other is way too much.

I got my K3 and HexKey.  I now still have the external keyer plugged 
into the KEY jack so my computer can key the radio and my bug and hand 
key work.  I use the 4 memories on the external keyer for stuff that 
doesn't change much or at all ... my call, QRL?, general CQ, etc.  I 
have never used the K3 memories.  TR-Log handles the memories for 
contests.  External keyer weighting is still just a tad "crisp" for me 
on the K3.

HexKey runs the internal K3 keyer.  I can set the weight at whatever I 
want, I've got it just a bit less "crisp" than the external keyer and 
it's the paddle I always grab.  I can QRS instantly with the front panel 
knob if someone calls me slower than my CQ.  I always thought standard 
Benchers [with the spring] were really good.  Then I got the HexKey :-)

My K2 keyer very occasionally will seem to "stutter."  It's just 
discernible, and doesn't happen very often and isn't a problem, my 
sending isn't that well spaced anyway.  I think every now and then the 
CPU has to do something more important than CW.  Haven't noticed that at 
all on the K3 keyer.

Just another opinion, I prefer the internal K3 keyer even though I have 
an external one too.  YMMV

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party  4-5 Oct 08
- www.cqp.org