[Elecraft] How is K3 QRQ QSK performance 50-100 WPM?

[WILLIS COOKE]

I don't have any inside knowledge about the internal design of the K3 but we all know that it is computer based digital.  With any CPU based system there is a limit to the speed it can handle signal processing while continuing other required tasks.  I would think that the task of upgrading the processor speed or improving the code efficiency for unlimited code speed would be an essential redesign of the transceiver computer section and would benefit only a very few.  If you need SpectraVue or some other special device to find a defect then in my opinion the defect is not worth complaint.  With two and a half years of reading this reflector, this is the first time I remember this subject being discussed.  The fastest code that I have heard on the ham bands is about 50 WPM and that is really rare.  I am convinced that there is some limit to the code speed that the K3 will handle, but I am also convinced that it will never be a problem to me.
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ 




________________________________
From: Steve Ellington <n4lq at carolina.rr.com>
To: WILLIS COOKE <wrcooke at yahoo.com>; Andrew Moore <andrew.nv1b at gmail.com>; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 10:04:47 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] How is K3 QRQ QSK performance 50-100 WPM?

I tested QRQ CW using SpectraVue to display the dits and did not rely on my "opinion" of how it sounded. Above 45 wpm, the dits are of random length which makes copy difficult for those people who normally copy above those speeds. I used both Winkey USB, the K3's internal keyer and an external keyer. Using semi-QSK, QSK mode or even "Test" mode made no difference. The problem has something to do with the rig's CPU capability.

What got me started on this was during a QSO with a friend at about 50 WPM. He had a sharp ear and informed me that something wasn't quiet right. Since then, I've kept my speed below 45 wpm and suffered with the slow QSK at 30 wpm and higher. Otherwise the K3 is the ultimate rig....For some things.

Steve
N4LQ
----- Original Message ----- From: "WILLIS COOKE" <wrcooke at yahoo.com>
To: "Andrew Moore" <andrew.nv1b at gmail.com>; <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 9:23 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] How is K3 QRQ QSK performance 50-100 WPM?


Andrew, I can't begin to key at 45 WPM so I have not responded. The best I can copy call signs in contests is around 50 WPM and the K3 sounds fine to me at 50 and I don't have any complaints using a WinKeyer USB. I have keyed it up to 100 WPM with the WinKeyer and the DTR pin of the RS-232 port. It sounds like CW, but I cannot copy that fast so I am not sure. I seldom use the keyer in the K3 because I prefer straight key or bug but it works fine up to 27 or 28 which is my limit for paddle keying.
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ




________________________________
From: Andrew Moore <andrew.nv1b at gmail.com>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 7:36:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] How is K3 QRQ QSK performance 50-100 WPM?

DK4XL> Elecrafts service is outstanding, no question about it - as long as
you don't ask for QRQ for the internal keyer or improvements of sign
quality and qsk.

Agreed, Elecraft is top notch in all respects, which is why I'm so baffled
by the thought of signal deteriorating above 45 WPM or so.

Since I haven't heard this for myself, I won't put this all out as fact
though.

I'm also wondering if the keyer can be pushed faster without degrading the
signal if you use an external keyer instead of internal, or if you use
non-QSK instead of QSK. Can anyone confirm?

--Andrew
..
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