[Elecraft] Subject: KX3 CW from computer

[David Gilbert]

"Instant change over to the paddle then the keyboard is not possible, but why would one do that?"


The need to quickly jump in with the paddle happens often enough in 
contesting to make that a pretty important capability.  Most contest 
loggers have  a limited number of CW macros available and they won't 
cover everything.  Temporarily switching to keyboard CW is possible but 
for me at least is clumsier than just moving my hand to the paddle.

73,
Dave  AB7E



On 3/12/2012 9:10 AM, Edward R. Cole wrote:
> Tony,
>
> Essentially you have it right.  It will take a break-out of either
> RTS or DTR interfaced by a NPN transistor and one resistor connected
> to the KEY Jack.  I can see innovated folks making the circuit inside
> the jack with sm transistor and resistor and adding wye jack for
> connecting the paddle.  External keyer not required since you can use
> the menu CW KEY1 and CW KEY2 to switch back to using the paddle from
> HAND.  Instant change over to the paddle then the keyboard is not
> possible, but why would one do that?  I use keyboard CW on eme so
> that I do not have to deal with sending by key (mostly I have scripts
> made up), but I do not operate a lot of CW on HF so maybe there is a
> reason to go back-n-forth rapidly.
>
> For the keyboard CW program I run, you need both RTS (for PTT) and
> DTR (for keying), but that sw does not support QSK.  So for me to
> implement computer CW I will also need a breakout to the mic-PTT
> line.  PTT is needed for the digital sw I run, anyway.  I have an old
> switch box that I am planning to use for I/F of the serial lines to
> the KX3, plus Tx audio.  It already has 3.5mm mini-phone jacks and
> DB9 connectors for an old setup I used way back in time for I/F my FT-847.
>
> There are many after-market computer/radio I/F to accomplish this and
> a few are very small which would be appropriate for portable
> operation with the KX3 and a laptop.
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW