[Elecraft] K3 Mechanical Bug Contact Bounce

[drewko]

On Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:18:31 -0400, Steve N4LQ wrote:

>Bugs will not work correctly with the K3 unless a capacitor is installed across the key line. The TenTec Omni VII has the same exact problem. Radio Shack sells a tiny Tantalum capacitor 1uf., which work perfectly. You can actually install it inside an RCA plug or simply slip the capacitor's leads under the screws of your bug.
>Cleaning the bug contacts has nothing to do with this. 
>Steve N4LQ
>_______________________________________________

I hear no problem with my bug on the K3 (VizBug right-angle model,
about 30 wpm). Even when I let the dits run out they transition
smoothly into full contact closure. 

I do have the dits adjusted a little on the heavy side, about 60/40
initially as shown by the sidetone waveform (i.e., contact is about
60% of cycle). They fill out to about 80/20 on the 13th dit, then full
contact closure. That is according to a waveform made on my K2;
haven't made one on my K3. But it sounds ok to me.

I think it is standard practice to adjust a bug to get 20 or more dits
out of one swipe, but I don't see the point of it since you never need
to send more than 5 dits in a row. I would rather have them heavier--
put more energy into them. Maybe this has something to do with the K3
bug problem?

73,
Drew
AF2Z