[Elecraft] K3 External Key ...

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > I dont know why manufacturers just dont install the electronics for
 > a touch paddle.

For the very same reason that computer manufacturers do not install
capacitive or touch screen (no motion) keyboards.  Most CW users
prefer the mechanical feedback of a lever operated paddle that shows
*some* degree of resistance with the initial "touch" and a hard
"stop" when the contact is closed.  This is similar to the best
keyboards that show an initial mechanical resistance when the key
is first pressed, a "break over point" at which the back pressure
is substantially reduced followed by a hard "stop" when the key
reaches the end of its travel.

For a touch typist, a capacitive or touch screen keyboard is a
nightmare just as a capacitive paddle is painful for most CW
operators.  Both are subject to significant errors since the
best operators tend to make slight contact with the keys at all
times.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 5/21/2011 8:42 PM, juergen wrote:
> Hi
>
> I dont know why manufacturers just dont install the electronics for
> atouch paddle.
>
> A touch paddle is the most precise way of sending CW. No mechanical
paddles that I have come across yet can match a touch key for precision
fast CW. While the mechanical contraptions from even the best makers
such as Begali are good, they are still mechanical devices with numerous
timing issues that vary with age and temperature.
>
> It would have been nice if the KX3 had a touch paddle option, it
> would
have been much simpler option in my view.

> 73
> John
>
> --- On Sat, 5/21/11, iain macdonnell - N6ML<ar at dseven.org>  wrote:
>
>> From: iain macdonnell - N6ML<ar at dseven.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 External Key ...
>> To: "Andy - GM0NWI"<andy.gm0nwi1 at btinternet.com>
>> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011, 5:04 PM
>> I remember Wayne taking a lot of
>> interest in the Porta Paddle[1] which
>> was on sale at Pacificon last year. Now I know what we was
>> thinking ;)
>>
>>      ~iain / N6ML
>>
>>
>> [1] http://www.americanmorse.com/portapaddle.htm
>>
>>
>> On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM, Andy - GM0NWI
>> <andy.gm0nwi1 at btinternet.com>
>> wrote:
>>> Guy's..
>>>
>>> Anyone got any inside information on wether we will be
>> able to buy the small
>>> "Iambic Key" we have seen on the recent K3 videos -
>> Seperatley from the
>>> radio itself when the launch is finally underway ?
>>>
>>> Not sure if that particular key would work with other
>> rigs etc, but if it
>>> could be adapted, I for one would be interested in a
>> purchase..
>>>
>>> So anyone out there got solid answers to the above
>> questions ?
>>>
>>> 73's
>>> Andy
>>> GM0NWI
>>           andy.gm0nwi1 at btinternet.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
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