[Elecraft] [K3] Wetting current and CW paddles

[Drew AF2Z]

I think there could be more than just clean contacts involved. As I 
mentioned, on my old cootie style key, whose contacts have a mirror 
finish, when the contact gap is set too wide the keying will be erratic 
on the K3; no doubt due to my particular sending style combined with the 
relatively "hard" action of the key. When a smaller contact gap is used 
the keying is fine.

I have no idea how key contact de-bouncing is accomplished in modern 
rigs. I assume there is some coding in the software in addition to 
whatever electronic components are used. I am wondering if it would be 
worthwhile for a modern rig (K4?) to make the parameters in the debounce 
routine available as a user option in the software so it could be 
tailored to individual keys...

73,
Drew
AF2Z



On 10/15/20 10:04, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote:
> Sliding off topic a little: in designing some outdoor industrial control equipment I was required to use some chunky, robust push buttons that were good for high voltage, high current but no good at 12V. Getting to logic level I had to build in a lot of extra current from 12V to ensure a good switch over, I think some 30mA or so.
> 
> Using a favourite pre-war Morse key on vintage valve gear, it worked perfectly, but on modern solid state equipment it was very intermittent and I didn't want to make an interface. Solution, clean the contacts. Conclusion: modern gear needs better contacts than the old stuff.
> 
> David G3UNA/G6CP
> 
>> On 15 October 2020 at 15:19 dl2ki <dl2ki at darc.de mailto:dl2ki at darc.de > wrote:
>>
>>
>>      Hi,
>>
>>      i posted the article here for discussion, because I can't judge it myself.
>>
>>      I think that Elecraft had a little idea to design the keyer electronics of
>>      the K3 as it is.
>>
>>      Interesting is the difference to the K2, where the resistors R1 and R2 were
>>      changed in revision "B". Again I can't judge if this had anything to do with
>>      this topic.
>>
>>      OK, I'll just leave it like this. Maybe somebody will have some experience
>>      with it after all.
>>
>>      Thanks a lot
>>      Wolfgang, DL2KI
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>      --
>>      Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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