[Elecraft] Elecraft] {K3 KX3} Software CW in K3 and KX3 and contesting

[Brian Alsop]

Guys,

I'd like to point out that the transition being made when electronic 
keyers started coming on line was:

BUG --->KEYER

What was being solved is not having to make all those dashes manually. 
That in itself was a huge help.  Transmitting speeds could be increased 
20% or more.  Many guys at that time could copy way faster than they 
could send.

For most of us, the first electronic keyer paddles were bugs with the 
dit arm constrained (rubber band).  Yeah you could HB something.  You 
supplied all the timing between dots and dashes.

Modes like Iambic et al came about when somebody thought a bit out of 
the box:  Would two levers make things easier? (for others maybe, not 
for me....)  I'm not sure whether iambic or dual levers keys came first. 
  Obviously one couldn't work without the other.

Don't forget the Cootie key!

73 Brian/K3KO



On 8/10/2012 22:52, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Will,
>
> The distinguishing characteristic is that it does not alternate between
> dits and dahs.
> You are correct, that a dingle dot insertion can work the same way in
> either case, and by the same reasoning, a single dash insertion. but if
> you send a character like "Z", you close the DAH paddle and get the
> first DAH off, then after the 2nd DAH starts, close the DIT paddle (you
> do not have to take your finger off the DAH paddle) and it will begin
> sending a string of DITS - get both fingers off the paddle after the 2nd
> dit has started.
>
> Or take the letter "B" - DAH first, then close the DIT paddle - it does
> not mater much whether you take your finger off the DAH paddle or not,
> it will send 3 dits as long as you do not lift the finger from the dit
> paddle.  The last paddle closed takes priority.
>
> There are many other examples where Ultimatic is easier - but the timing
> is not as critical as it is for the Iambic alternating dots and dashes
> system.
>
> I think Iambic was a mistake created by the Curtis chip manufactures and
> salesmen (OK, I am ignoring the Accukeyer, I admit that) - but the
> original Ultimatic mode was easier to my mind, and it is more like bug
> keying that any other keyer mode - except the bug will not do a string
> of DAHs, only dits.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/10/2012 6:13 PM, Mercury wrote:
>> Maybe I'm missing something, Bud, but I send the letter Q the same way with Iambic B keying. Hold the dah paddle for the duration of the letter and tap the dit at the appropriate place. No need to let up on the dah paddle. Is there some other characteristic that distinguishes Ulimatic from Iambic B? I've never used Ultimatic keying but hear a lot of folks rave about it. I do just fine with Iambic B but mess up big time with Iambic A. To each his own.
>>
>> 73 - Will, AI4VE
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
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Version: 2012.0.2178 / Virus Database: 2437/5191 - Release Date: 08/10/12