[Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[Jay Bromley]

I would have to agree on what others have said, but add the following.

For contesting it's  hard to beat the WinKey type keyers since you're 
interfacing with a contest program.  Things like speed control and 
paddle/WinKey echo.

For rag-chewing it is hard to beat the Cmos III when at the home shack.  No 
matter what mode you are hung up on, whether it is mode A, Mode B, auto 
space on/off, etc, the Cmos III has something for nearly everyone.  I think 
it has ten versions of keyer emulations.

I still think you can homebrew a better Cmos III than the factory built 
version.  I have used only one factory version, but since then still prefer 
to build homebrew Cmos III's over going with factory built units.  MorseX 
still offers both Cmos III kits and factory versions at: 
http://www.mtechnologies.com/idiom/index.htm  By building the kit you can 
use better push buttons, batteries instead of 12 volt power, make the 
cabinet smaller or larger, etc.  However the factory unit may be better for 
some folks, it's just not for me.

Both keyers work great on any of the Elecraft rigs, but I have no problem 
using the stock internal keyer when out in the field.  I don't like to carry 
extra boxes and the stock Elecraft keyer is not bad at all!

73 de jay/w5jay..

>
> I have never in my 34 years as a ham used an external keyer and always 
> used
> either hand pump (old days) or built in keyer in my radios. But I keep
> hearing folks using external keyers despite built in capabilities.
>
> I am a CW enthusiast and over 95% of my Q's are CW. I do like using 
> memories
> but find the 4 quick memos in the K3 to be sufficient. I'm not interested 
> in
> using a keyboard nor display to watch the text.
>
> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
> -- 
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