[Fists] Ultimatic Keying

[Dan KB6NU]

While the debate rages on over whether one should use mode A or mode B
iambic keying, talk on the SolidCopyCW mailling list has turned to Ultimatic
keying. The biggest difference between iambic and Ultimatic keying is that
when you hold down both paddles, the Ultimatic keyer sends a series of
elements corresponding to the last paddle closed instead of sending
alternate dits and dashes as an iambic keyer would. For example, the
sequence L on, R on would cause an iambic keyer to send di-dah-di-dah.....
An Ultimatic keyer would, however, send di-dah-dah-dah.....

If you count the number of paddle movements, you can see where this might be
advantageous. There's no advantage when sending a K. The sequence is R on, L
on, L off, R off for both iambic and Ultimatic keyers. Take X, however. When
using
iambic keying, it's R on, R off, L on, L off, R on, R off. With Ultimatic
keying, the number of paddle movements is the same as for the iambic - R on,
L on, L off, R off. - a savings of two paddle movements. You just hold down
the left paddle a little longer for the X then for the K.

I think I got that right anyway. :)

What do you all think about this? Anyone currently using a keyer with
Ultimatic keying? I think it might offer some advantage, and it will
certainly be fun to play with, but I'll reserve judgment until I try it out
myself.

I've been swapping e-mail with Dale N0XAS, the designer of the PicoKeyer,
about adding Ultimatic keying to his keyer. He's agreed to do it, and he's
going to send me a test unit when he's done with the coding. I'll send in a
report after I've played with it.

73!

Dan KB6NU
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President, ARROW Comm. Assn. (www.w8pgw.org)
ARRL MI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator
CW Geek (FISTS #9342)
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