[Elecraft] Silly question - what is KEY OUT?

[W6SX Hank Garretson]

At 10:28 AM 22 01 2009, Darwin, Keith, NA1S wrote:

>OK, so how closely will it follow the keying if I'm in QSK 
>mode?  Pretty close, I assume.


I think you and the other responders are missing a key point.  As I 
understand it, in QSK mode, when you close the K3 Key In, the Key Out 
closes and then something like 8 milliseconds later the K3 starts 
transmitting.  When you open K3 Key In, the K3 keeps transmitting for 
8 milliseconds to make up for the 8 milliseconds lost at key closure, 
and then Key Out stays closed for another 8 milliseconds before 
opening.  The 8 millisecond pad on each end is to make sure that your 
amplifier switches both on and off without RF present.

So to answer your code practice oscillator question.  No.  The code 
practice oscillator will be on something like 16 milliseconds longer 
than your key closure.  You might or might not hear the extra 16 
milliseconds.

I think that the 8 milliseconds, or whatever it is, is menu 
adjustable, but I have just accepted the default.  It keys my AL-1200 
bias and an external vacuum-relay TR switch perfectly for full QSK at 
40 WPM which is as fast as I ever go.


73,

Hank, W6SX

Mammoth Lakes, California

Elevation 8083 feet in John Muir's Range of Light 
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