[Elecraft] Winkey Keyer

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

On Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 3:49 PM, Frank MacDonell <kd8fip at gmail.com> wrote:
> I am interested in getting into CW contesting and have seen reference to
> the Winkey Keyer by K1EL. My Rig is an Elecraft K3 and I use N1MM for
> logging. Is there utility in using a keyer in addition to that provided by
> Elecraft?

Yes. The WinKeyer accepts data from the computer and translates it
into dits and dahs. The alternative ways to send CW with N1MM Logger
require the dits and dahs to be generated on the computer, and output
in the form of signals on control lines of a serial or parallel port,
which can be subject to timing irregularities on the computer. The
WinKeyer is not susceptible to those timing irregularities. The K3
does provide commands for sending data as CW, but N1MM Logger does not
implement those commands.

Another benefit (maybe) is that the WinKeyer provides a single speed
control that applies to both computer and hand-generated CW. Also, if
you are interested in SO2R, it can share a paddle between the two
radios, driven by N1MM Logger focus.

73,

    ~iain / N6ML