[WT-support] Using COM port keying instead of Winkey (was CW keying from function keys)

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> So if I understand correctly, the microHAM CW Keyer box, like other
> microHAM products, also includes a separate "legacy" keying circuit
> that can be keyed ON/OFF by software, independent of the WinKey.

Yes, all microHAM products support "legacy" keying ... believe it or
not there is still software that does not support WinKey even though
it is superior to far more reliable than any PC generated keying.  In
addition, Winkey provides for either stored message/logger message CW
and paddle keying at the same speed.  Further WinKey CW does not bog
down or stutter when the logging software is updating bandmaps or
processing a firehose of RBN spots.  WinKey also allows paddle *and*
computer operation on the many transceivers that have but one CW
input that must be *either* straight key/computer *or* paddles.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 5/28/2012 9:53 PM, Bob Wilson, N6TV wrote:
> On Mon, May 28, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<lists at subich.com>  wrote:
>
>
>> The better way - if you're going to use PC generated keying which is
>> strongly *DISCOURAGED* - is to configure the CW port in Router rather
>> that the Winkey port.
>>
>
> Note:  though some contest software has trouble sending decent PC-generated
> keying under Windows, Win-Test is *not* one of them.
>
>
>> Configure Win-Test for PC generated CW and PTT on a port *other than* the
>> one used for radio control.
>>
>
> So if I understand correctly, the microHAM CW Keyer box, like other
> microHAM products, also includes a separate "legacy" keying circuit that
> can be keyed ON/OFF by software, independent of the WinKey.  That means CW
> and PTT is still getting to the radio via the KEY and PTT cables, not via
> the serial port pins.
>
> I guess that works, but then you have to connect two or three cables from
> the microHAM CW Keyer to the radio, instead of just one, and you have to
> configure two COM ports in Win-Test instead of just one.  If you're not
> going to use the Winkey, you really *can* do all three things (PTT, KEY,
> and rig control) on a single standard serial cable, with no external keying
> circuit required (when you have a K3).  A good quality (FTDI) USB-to-Serial
> adapter should also work, if you don't have a "real" serial port available.
>
> The built-in keyer of the K3 works very smoothly with paddles.  It feels
> more like "Logikey" timing to me than Curtis B.  As far as I can tell, none
> of the Winkey chips support Logikey timing, just Iambic A, Iambic B,
> Ultimatic, and "Bug" modes.  Logikey timing can be thought of as a more
> "forgiving" form of Iambic B (aka Curtis B), which is why it is preferred
> by many squeeze keyers.
>
> OTOH, if you need special functions like "first dot lengthening" or fixed
> keying compensation, the Winkey is the best way to go.
>
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
>
>
>
>
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