[Elecraft] K3 Keyer vs. Winkeyer

[Dick Dievendorff]

For CW contesting I use N1MM, and it seems to key the radio just fine
through the DTR/RTS lines of the same serial connector I use for serial
communications (and it's a USB to Serial adapter, too!)

For DXing I have two CW memories set up, one with my call and one for "5NN
TU". I have similar memories set up in the DVK for night-time DXing.  Mem1:
"Kilo Six Kilo Radio". Mem2: "Thanks, you're also 5 and 9".  Those two take
me a long way in "hollering" contests with my DXing brethren.

I have used a WinKey (often incorporated in another device) and it's fine,
too. I have had some surprising speed changes from time to time. I don't
know why. It could be WinKey, the device hosting the Winkey, the logging
program, or the operator. I thought it was probably something I'd done and
never really did pin it down.  Once I get to about 4 choices it becomes kind
of daunting to isolate an intermittent event.

At times keying can stutter if my computer becomes "too busy" doing other
tasks.  So in contests I try to remember to turn off the automatic things
like overnight backup, virus scans, automatic update checks, disk
defragmenting, e-mail archiving, but I often forget one and sometimes get to
choose whether or not I'd like to update the Java Runtime right now in the
middle of a contest. 

And every now and then I reach for the paddle, too! 

73 de Dick, K6KR



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joel Black
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 15:57 PM
To: elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Keyer vs. Winkeyer

Any pros / cons for either or both?

I have the K1EL K14 keyer, but it does not have the USB interface. I have an
on again / off again relationship with it.  It sometimes does whatever speed
it wants.

I have been experimenting with RUMlog and noticed it has a CW section that
will let you select the keyer.  Currently, I have it set to the K3, but it
only plays the CW memories I have in the K3 not in RUMlog.  I don't contest
that much, but I think I'd like to - some.  I will not take it to the field
- I have the KX3 for that.

Any real reason to spend the $60 or so for the Winkeyer?  It seems I can do
a lot with the CW memories on the K3.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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