[Elecraft] When is mode A not mode A?

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Great explanation........specially for an old fellow {me},  trying to 
learn to use an Iambic paddle.

73
Bob, K4TAX
K3S s/n 10163

On 10/21/2015 9:31 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>> nfortunately my keying is full of mistakes. When I send the letter C
>> >for example, it often comes out as CT or K. I thought the KX3 must be
>> >set to mode B keying, but no, it was on mode A.
> What you report is completely contradictory.
>
> If C is the desired character:
>
> A Mode A operator using a Mode B keyer can easily end up sending -.-.-
> A Mode B operator using a Mode A keyer can easily end up sending -.-
>
> Mode B keyers end an iambic string with
> * a dash if the paddles are released during a dot, or
> * a dot if the paddles are released during a dash.
>
> Mode A keyers end an iambic string with:
> * the dash if the paddles are released during that dash, or
> * the dot if the paddles are released during that dot.
>
> Mode B keyers ALWAYS add a character element for which no paddle closure has taken place at the end of an iambic string.
>
> Mode A keyers NEVER add a character element unless there has been paddle closure for that element.
>
> Most find Mode B paddle timing to be more critical than Mode A, even though Mode B does NOT eliminate any paddle manipulation.
>
> I find Elecraft's implementation of Mode A to be excellent.  Almost all Asian ham rig makers stupidly impose Mode B only.  Several years ago I asked QST to report the iambic keying modes available on any rig being reviewed.  Since then QST has been very good about including that information.
>
> Mike / KK5F
> (Mode A always!)