Logikey K-3 KEYER
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been reset to 5-40 wpm, and you are back in control. But do remember to immediately do the calibration ex-
ercise with the knob.
While we're discussing speed, let's look at the keyer speed while you are in the function (or inquiry) mode.
Normally, the code speed in Function mode is identical to the regular keyer speed. But, if you like, the func-
tion speed can be set at a fixed value, with an available range of 5 - 30 WPM. This feature could be valuable
if you like sending at high speeds, for example, but want a more deliberate speed for the function or inquiry
modes. To set the function mode speed at a fixed value, enter the function mode (always by pressing down
buttons #1 and #2, then releasing) and send "F1Ø". This will set your function mode speed at 10 WPM. Im-
mediately after you have finished sending the "1Ø" the keyer returns automatically to normal mode. If the
keyer was at 20 WPM before, it returns to 20 WPM. But now enter the function mode again. The "F" prompt
will come back to you at 10 WPM. And now, while you are entering function commands, the keyer is set at
10 WPM. As soon as you are finished with the Function mode, the keyer will return to the normal speed you
were at, in this case 20 WPM.
If you decide you prefer the function speed to track the normal keyer speed, which is the default setting for
the keyer, you may return to it by entering the function mode, then sending "F ØØ". Now the function mode
speed will again be the same as the normal mode speed.
In the first tutorial session we briefly discussed the "Q" setting, which determines whether messages can be
"queued" by pressing message buttons in sequence. The default setting is ON, which most operators prefer.
To turn it off, enter the function mode and answer the "F" prompt by sending a "Q". The keyer will respond
by sending "OFF", indicating that it has turned the queuing function off. Now, press button #1, release,
pause a moment, then press button #2. Memory #1 will start playing, but the instant you push button #2
message #1 will terminate, and the message stored in memory #2 will begin transmission. To restore queu-
ing, again enter the function mode and again send the "Q" command. The keyer will respond with "ON" indi-
cating that queuing has been restored.
Let's try the weighting function. Your keyer has an extremely accurate weighting capability because it digi-
tally processes the lengths of dots and dashes separately. Default weighting is 50%, supposedly ideal. And
for many users it is. But the weighting can be easily and precisely modified. To do so, enter the Function
mode. Answer the keyer's "F" response by sending "W 3Ø" from your paddle. Then send your call sign. Sure
sounds different, doesn't it? That's 30% weighting. Now, enter the Function mode again, and this time send
the command, "W 7Ø". Send your call again. Yup, it sure did change... Now you will likely prefer to return
the weighting to 50 %.
25% through 75% is the maximum range of weighting available, and of course in normal operation these
extremes would never be used. However, at higher speeds, some prefer heavier weighting, using perhaps
55% or 60%. Again, operators at slower speeds, particularly in the 6 - 10 WPM range, may prefer a weight-
ing of perhaps 45% or 40% for a more pleasant sound. If you are new to such matters, the best advice is to
restore the weighting to 50% and leave it until you have a specific reason to change it. You might want to
get a friend who is a good CW operator to listen to your signal over the air and advise you.
The weighting percentage the keyer is set for can also be queried through the Inquiry mode. To check, sim-
ply press the right two buttons (#5 and #6) to enter the Inquiry mode, and answer the "?" prompt by send-
ing a "W" through your paddle. The keyer will send the spacing percentage it is presently set for.
Some transmitters, unfortunately, do not perfectly reflect the keying supplied to them. The usual problem is
that they tend to shorten the length of all dots and dashes from the keyer. Such delays allow QSK circuitry
time to function, and the keying errors are the same at all speeds. A recent major transceiver, for example,
subtracts 18 milliseconds from all dots and dashes. This gives the listener to your rig an impression of light
weighting, especially at higher speeds.
Such induced errors can be cured by setting weighting to a heavier value. But such a correction is correct at
only one speed setting. The K-3 Keyer offers a specific correction for this problem, the "V function. To cor-
rect an 18 millisecond error, enter the Function mode, then send the command "K 18" through your paddle.
The "K 18" adds 18 milliseconds of transmit time to every transmitted dot and dash, thereby canceling out
the keying error at any speed setting!
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