Iambic mode A vs B?
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Can someone point me to a web page or enlighten me as to what are iambic
modes A and B, as shown on the K2 menus? A google search brings up keyers, but I haven't found a page with definitions yet. Contrary to what the K2 manual says, I find the timing on mode A to be much tighter than mode B. In mode A, when I try to put out a letter 'C' I more often send either CT or K. Mode B seems easier, probably because it has a feel much more like the Ten Tec keyer I've been used to prior to building my K2. In any case I'm curious as to just what the different modes are. Thanks! Mike AB3AP _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Mike:
This issue comes up with some regularity on this reflector. Allow me to repeat a message I sent on this matter some time back: Iambic modes A vs. B: The difference has to do with what happens after you release an iambic condition. An iambic condition is where the dot and dash paddles are held simultaneously (i.e., squeezed). You can approach the iambic condition two ways: dot first and dash first. "Dot first" means you start with the dot paddle and follow immediately with the dash while holding the dot, so there is some time when they are held together. "Dash first" is the same when starting with the dash. Most chips are designed so that one or the other of these conditions is always recognized (i.e., it is not possible to hit them at exactly the same time). [Note: because of the way the K2 is designed to accommodate a straight key mode, it does recognize a truly simultaneous hit, which could sometimes cause problems. If, however, you are not using the straight key mode, you can turn this feature off in one of the menus.] Both modes usually have what is called 'auto complete.' That is, even if you release the iambic condition before it is complete, it will not just stop where you let up, but will continue to finish off the character. Thus, in iambic A mode, if you start with a dash, hit the dot before the dash is complete (while still holding the dash -- that makes the iambic condition), and then release both paddles before the initial dash is finished, the keyer will nevertheless complete the dash and send the dot, thus sending the letter N. Likewise, if you start with a dot, hit dash (without releasing the dot), then release both, the keyer will send a complete dot and dash, thus sending the letter A. Iambic mode B differs from the foregoing in that, under exactly the same conditions as above it will add an element to the character that is opposite the last element. Thus, under the conditions described above for the letter N, since the last element was a dot (you started with a dash), a dash will be added to produce dash dot dash, i.e., the letter K. And under the conditions described above for the letter A, a dot will be added to produce dot dash dot, i.e., the letter R. Thus, in iambic B mode, an element is actually added to the character that was never explicitly sent. A single squeeze starting with the dot will produce R and a single squeeze starting with the dash will produce K. To produce N in this mode, you start with the dash, but then you must lift the dash paddle before hitting the dot. This does not mean you must wait for the dash to complete before hitting the dot, just that you must not allow the dot to hit while the dash paddle is still down. If you hit the dash, let up and hit the dot all before the dash is complete, the 'auto complete' feature will in fact produce a perfect N. The K will not be sent because an iambic condition was never established in this sequence of events. Some find the "addition" feature of B mode to be disconcerting. Others find is a real benefit. I, personally, began with A mode on a CMOS III keyer, which is very good. I found it very difficult, however, to grow accustomed to the A mode on the K2 keyer, and, strangely, found it much easier to master the K2's B mode. Now it is by far my favorite keyer. It's your call. I would simply try them each for a short while, get a quick idea which has the greater promise for your style of sending, and then stick with your pick (either one). You will eventually learn it fb. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Apr 26, 2005, at 9:20 AM, Mike Markowski wrote: > Can someone point me to a web page or enlighten me as to what are > iambic > modes A and B, as shown on the K2 menus? A google search brings up > keyers, but I haven't found a page with definitions yet. Contrary to > what the K2 manual says, I find the timing on mode A to be much tighter > than mode B. In mode A, when I try to put out a letter 'C' I more > often > send either CT or K. Mode B seems easier, probably because it has a > feel much more like the Ten Tec keyer I've been used to prior to > building my K2. In any case I'm curious as to just what the different > modes are. > > Thanks! > Mike AB3AP > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mike Markowski
David A. Belsley wrote on 04/26/05 09:28 ET:
> Mike: > This issue comes up with some regularity on this reflector. Allow me > to repeat a message I sent on this matter some time back: [...] Thanks very much, Dave! I forgot to ask one more question, this one more about the keyer than the modes. Every now & then when I squeeze both paddles I don't get alternating dits and dahs, just a continuous tone for as long as I hold them. Is it a quirk of the keyer or a feature of some sort? Mike AB3AP _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Mike: This is not a quirk; it is a manifestation of a feature of the
K2. In order to allow one to use both iambic and straight keys at the same time, Wayne has programmed the keyer chip to give a continuous dash if both sides are closed at exactly the same time. There is a small circuit, using two diodes, given in the manual that allows a straight key to do this, and thus act like a straight key. It is possible, then, when using an iambic key to hit both paddles just right to cause this to happen. If you are not using a straight key, you can turn this feature off in one of the menus. I don't have my manual with me at the moment, so I can't lead you directly to the menu item, but it shouldn't be very hard to figure out. I think (but don't hold me to it) it is in the secondary menu. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Apr 26, 2005, at 9:43 AM, Mike Markowski wrote: > David A. Belsley wrote on 04/26/05 09:28 ET: >> Mike: >> This issue comes up with some regularity on this reflector. Allow >> me >> to repeat a message I sent on this matter some time back: [...] > > Thanks very much, Dave! > > I forgot to ask one more question, this one more about the keyer than > the modes. Every now & then when I squeeze both paddles I don't get > alternating dits and dahs, just a continuous tone for as long as I hold > them. Is it a quirk of the keyer or a feature of some sort? > > Mike AB3AP > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mike Markowski
Mike, here's the low down on A vs B modes. 73 Fraser G4BJM
http://jacksonharbor.home.att.net/modeab.pdf >From: Mike Markowski <[hidden email]> >To: [hidden email] >Subject: [Elecraft] Iambic mode A vs B? >Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 09:20:26 -0400 > >Can someone point me to a web page or enlighten me as to what are iambic >modes A and B, as shown on the K2 menus? _________________________________________________________________ Be the first to hear what's new at MSN - sign up to our free newsletters! http://www.msn.co.uk/newsletters _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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