[Elecraft] [K3] Wetting current and CW paddles

[Drew AF2Z]

Not a professional here but I think it's a very interesting topic and 
wonder if it applies to manual keys as well. A typical solution for 
semi-automatic "bugs" (probably mis-adjusted) is to place a capacitor 
across the terminals to alleviate "scratchiness".

I have an old Bunnell Double Speed  "cootie" key that, if the contact 
spacing is adjusted too wide, will produce erratic contact bounce keying 
on the K3. I've never thought what effect a resistor across the 
terminals might have.

FWIW, regarding wetting current-- we used to have DSL internet over 
telephone lines at my house, which the provider was not interested in 
maintaining, trying to push subscribers to fiber. The lines were allowed 
to deteriorate badly for a couple of years before copper was finally 
retired. During this time I solved the noise and low DSL speeds very 
successfully by placing a suitable size resistor across the line-- the 
constant current through oxidized connections & corroded terminals kept 
the noise at bay. As I recall, a 15ma "sealing" current was enough to 
keep it noise free but not enough to off-hook the line.

73,
Drew
AF2Z



On 10/15/20 02:23, dl2ki wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> actually I expected a little discussion on a qualified professional level in
> this mailing list. Otherwise I would not ask here. But the topic does not
> seem to invite to it.
> 
> 
> 73, Wolfgang
> DL2KI
> 
> 
> 
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