Logikey K-3 KEYER
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sending something, usually your call sign. For example, if your call is WY9IE, you might prefer a little extra
spacing between the "I" and the "E" for emphasis, so the E won't get lost in the shuffle. In Character Mode
message loading, you could add a complete word space between the "I" and the "E", but that would be ex-
cessive. In Real-Time mode, you get the exact spacing you want.
Real-Time mode has several disadvantages. One is that it is wasteful of memory. Real-Time mode uses a rel-
atively inefficient storage pattern that wastes memory space. Also, since Real-Time mode is a mirror image
of what you send to the memory, you can no longer correct loading mistakes with a string of DITs.
The default load mode is Character Mode. The command switching the load modes is a toggle command. To
switch, enter the function mode, then answer the "F" prompt by sending "L", which will toggle you into the
opposite load mode, and indicate the new mode with a "C" or an "R" as appropriate. Whenever you load a
message by pressing the memory channel button several seconds, you will be reminded which load mode
the keyer is in; the keyer will send either a "C" for Character mode, or an "R" for Real-Time mode. Note that
some messages can be stored in Character mode while others are stored in Real-Time mode at the same
time.
You can also ask the keyer which Load mode it is in through the Inquiry mode. Simply enter the inquiry
mode by pressing down the two right buttons, and answer the "?" prompt by sending "L" with your paddle.
The keyer will respond with either a "C" or an "R".
Note that when loading Real-Time messages that the keyer will feel as though a crude form of auto-spacing
is on. This is a necessary feature of the design to maximize memory usage.
There is one other point about loading messages in character mode. Using the embedded "G" command, the
operator could tailor the space between the "I" and the "E" in stored memories. But we will examine that
later. Now let's discuss the Bank command and how the keyer uses memory. You will remember that in the
default mode the keyer has six memories, each capable of storing messages up to 255 characters in length.
However, the keyer also offers the option of dividing the memory into 18 messages, each capable of storing
85 characters each. (Still very long!) The catch is that you cannot use all the messages at any given time.
If you are in the default state, which is "BØ", the memory is divided into 6 banks of 255 characters each.
However, if you change the banking command to "B1", "B2" or "B3" via the Function mode, the memory is
automatically set to store 18 messages. "B1" allows you access to six messages in bank #1, and all the oth-
er commands work as stated. If you desire to set up another bank of messages, enter the Function mode
and send "B2". You will now have available 6 new empty messages. Going to bank 3 by the Function com-
mand "B3" gives you the last six.
Messages stored in each bank can only be called and used when that bank is active. So, the active contest
operator could store one set of messages for the CQWW contest in Bank 1, the ARRL DX contest in Bank 2,
and Sweepstakes in Bank 3. Or, a family of hams could each have their own bank, callable at will.
OK, that's enough for this session. Of course, many of the commands and features we have explored will be
used lightly or never. Which is exactly as it should be. The defaults are set to reflect the desires of most CW
operators. But by now you surely have a greater understanding about some of the features of the keyer, and
have doubtless customized several of the defaults for your own satisfaction. In the final lesson, we will learn
how to set up the message memories to do some really neat and useful tricks, like automatic serial number
generation, automatic speed changes in mid-message, closed loop messages etc. But take some time off be-
fore you get into that. Get on the air and make some contacts with your keyer, and play with what you have
already learned.
THIRD SESSION
Although the features you have learned thus far already put your Logikey K-3 Keyer far beyond most keyers,
there is one more layer of commands and tools that will really make you and your keyer shine. These fea-
tures include several more function mode commands, and another type of command, the embedded com-
mand. Embedded commands are inserted into programmed messages, and allow pauses, closed loops, call-
ing one message from within another, contest serial numbers, speed changes inside the message and more.
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