Re: Elecraft] {K3 KX3} Software CW in K3 and KX3 and contesting

Posted by Don Wilhelm-4 on Aug 10, 2012; 10:52pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Elecraft-K3-KX3-Software-CW-in-K3-and-KX3-and-contesting-tp7560803p7560808.html

Will,

The distinguishing characteristic is that it does not alternate between
dits and dahs.
You are correct, that a dingle dot insertion can work the same way in
either case, and by the same reasoning, a single dash insertion. but if
you send a character like "Z", you close the DAH paddle and get the
first DAH off, then after the 2nd DAH starts, close the DIT paddle (you
do not have to take your finger off the DAH paddle) and it will begin
sending a string of DITS - get both fingers off the paddle after the 2nd
dit has started.

Or take the letter "B" - DAH first, then close the DIT paddle - it does
not mater much whether you take your finger off the DAH paddle or not,
it will send 3 dits as long as you do not lift the finger from the dit
paddle.  The last paddle closed takes priority.

There are many other examples where Ultimatic is easier - but the timing
is not as critical as it is for the Iambic alternating dots and dashes
system.

I think Iambic was a mistake created by the Curtis chip manufactures and
salesmen (OK, I am ignoring the Accukeyer, I admit that) - but the
original Ultimatic mode was easier to my mind, and it is more like bug
keying that any other keyer mode - except the bug will not do a string
of DAHs, only dits.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/10/2012 6:13 PM, Mercury wrote:

> Maybe I'm missing something, Bud, but I send the letter Q the same way with Iambic B keying. Hold the dah paddle for the duration of the letter and tap the dit at the appropriate place. No need to let up on the dah paddle. Is there some other characteristic that distinguishes Ulimatic from Iambic B? I've never used Ultimatic keying but hear a lot of folks rave about it. I do just fine with Iambic B but mess up big time with Iambic A. To each his own.
>
> 73 - Will, AI4VE
>
> Sent from my iPad
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