Re: CW Keying characteristics-computer vs Bencher

Posted by Mike S-8 on Dec 12, 2004; 9:08pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/CW-Keying-characteristics-computer-vs-Bencher-tp372515p372519.html

At 03:19 PM 12/12/2004, Ralph McClintock wrote...
>Don,
>The computer generates an on-off. Writelog does not allow any adjustment of
>keying characteristics. The Bencher generates an open or ground. Why does
>the K2 recognize the Bencher, a mechanical switch, as soft and why does it
>recognize the computer as hard?
>Ralph W1ZK

Which is it - the RF waveform ("hard") or the keying weight? You've already said "I am referring exactly to weight." Hard/soft by convention refer to the sound of the RF waveshape, heavy/light refers to the on/off ratio (weight). You're mixing terminology and confusing the issue.

Keying weight is a function of they keyer. As has already been explained, when you use a paddle, you're using the K2's internal keyer, and consequently get the weight for which that is set; the K2 is making the dots and dashes. The Bencher generates _two_ opens/grounds, and is telling the K2 to make a dot or a dash. As far as the K2 is concerned, the computer is just a straight key, so any "weight" (and speed) is a function of the computer program you're using. The K2 has nothing to do with the dots and the dashes, it's just making RF when it sees "key down." A difference is to be expected, both in weight and speed - you're comparing two different keyers (the K2's vs. the Writelog's).

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