[bars] Fwd: CW KEY

[Leandra MacLennan]

-Leandra

Begin forwarded message:

From: Leandra MacLennan <leandra at leandramac.com>
Date: June 3, 2023 at 11:07:17 PM HST
To: wo1n <wo1n at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [bars] CW KEY

 Windows is not a real time operating system. If you try to key your radio directly from a Windows computer you will not get reliable keying, especially at higher code speeds. Windows can do many hidden operations, such as downloading or installing updates, virus scanning, web page traffic, etc. at any time. FLDIGI or whatever application you are using for keying the transmitter will get low priority and suddenly the dits will become dahs or your “L” will become “A I”.

To successfully use a PC to send Morse code, you will need a Winkeyer box in between the PC and your radio. The Winkeyer device receives ASCII characters from your PC, then using hardware without the interruptions from the Windows operating system, translates the ASCII characters to Morse code, with the correct timing for dits & dahs, character generation, and character spacing.

Look for the Winkeyer compatible devices on the K1EL website. FLDIGI can be configured to “talk” to a Winkeyer compatible device. The devices from K1EL can plug directly into a radio.

In the meantime, I strongly recommend buying a paddle and learning to send with a paddle. Most all of the new radios have a built-in keyer, so all you need to do is plug in a paddle and set the menu item for the keying port to “paddle”.
Practice for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day, at a medium speed, such as 15 WPM, and in about a week you will be comfortable using a paddle.

If you don’t have an external keyer, you can use your radio for practicing with your new paddle. Connect your radio to a dummy load and turn the power down to the minimum level. With some radios, turning off the Vox will disable the transmitter and allow practice with the paddle.

-Leandra AF1R

On Jun 3, 2023, at 7:42 PM, wo1n <wo1n at comcast.net> wrote:


Jim’s suggestion of the MoRTTY interface is a good one because down the road you are also going to want to try some of the digital modes.

Otherwise, the K1EL WKmini USB provides the minimalist function for CW keying/paddle input (you always want to be able to send fills by hand). You will see them in use at Field Day.

73,

Ken – WO1N

From: bars <bars-bounces at w1hh.org> On Behalf Of KC1SOZ
Sent: Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:29 PM
To: w1hh <bars at w1hh.org>
Subject: [bars] CW KEY

Hi folks,

I am trying to make sense out of something here. I want to send morse code with my computer. I see all kinds of doodads and contraptions, some simple, some too fancy and way overpriced. What I don't see is the obvious, a simple device with a relay or switch that doesn't need to switch any power. It just plugs into the CW key jack on my radio, closes the switch or relay for dots and dashes and obviates the need to interface audio, make any fancy cables that make me disconnect my mike, or have a switch box, etc. I don't need a PTT or audio-in interface, I simply need to plug in to the key input. The radio will do the rest. DM780 should be able to handle it the same it uses a serial port pin to PTT.

Anyone seen anything like this?

73,
KC1SOZ
Juan
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