[HBR] RSGB Keyer

[EP Swynar]

Hi Again Everyone,

Well, thanks to some kind words & moral support from Brad & Chris re. my
mis-fortune with the RSGB keyer, I put the "works" back up atop the bench, &
did a few more things...with mixed resukts.

Specifically, I dug up a small multi-match modulation transformer out of the
junque box, and configured the taps (primary side) so as to secure the
highest impedance possible (in keeping with a similar keyer circuit in the
older HANDBOOKS, which specified a 25K Stancor A-3857 p-p transformer for
this application). Then, for "insurance", I replaced the 12AT7 with another
one...

Well, lo & behold, the doggone thing keys alright now, but with one problem:
the ratio pot has to be nearly fully re-set in the OPPOSITE direction of the
wiper's travel, in order to generate characters! In other words, if I want
dots, I have to swing the wiper fully clockwise --- if I want dashes, I have
to swing it fully counter-clockwise.

Nothing happens if I don't do this, and attempt to key "...normally."

My initial reaction is that maybe the value of the pot for the ratio control
I used was too large, thus, creating too great of a range between dots &
dashes...but only further experimenting will confirm this thesis.

So far, what was SUPPOSED to have been a "fun" glowbug project, has instead,
made me wax nostalgically for an old Curtis keyer chip (8044? 8044A...?) --- 
the ones that figured so promimently in QST ads of the 70's & 80's!

Maybe using a classic Vibroplex bug isn't such a bad idea after all...it'll
certainly keep me sharp using that device, anyway. And I DO really love
those old contraptions.

~73!~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ