Thanks for all the many responses I received about this. Garey Barrell sent me a copy of the Madison Electronics schematic from Kees' CD and it is very close--dated 6/6/61. So I am learning more as we go.
73, Don Merz, N3RHT Here is a summary of the replies received so far: The original design was by Jim Ricks, W9TO, hence the name. The Hallicrafters HA-1 "TO Keyer" came out in 1959 or 1960, and I "think" the original keyer circuit appeared around 1955, but apparently NOT in QST? The circuit was nearly identical to the "original". I also believe this was the first keyer to use "digital" generation methods. Garey Barrell. A detailed construction article about to build a W9TO keyer may be found in Bill Orr's "West Coast" handbook, 1962 edition, on pages 597 - 600. The unit in the handbook seems to have a circuit that is identical to the T.O. keyers commercially manufactured by Hallicrafters. Alan, WA2DZL According to an Editor's note in the article, "Transistorized Electronic Key and Monitor" in May 1959 QST, a CK722 semi-conductor version of the 9TO keyer, the 9TO Keyer "... has not been described in any periodical, but has been furnished privately by W9TO to a number of amateurs." Garey, K4OAH There is a 9TO Keyer Mark II described in June 1967 QST, which adds a dot memory to the original tube design. Grant, NQ5T In my 1964 handbook there is a construction article on and electronic keyer on page 253. Not being familiar with the TO circuit, I can't say for sure. Jim, W5JO The information contained in this e-mail may be confidential and is intended solely for the use of the named addressee. Access, copying or re-use of the e-mail or any information contained therein by any other person is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient please notify us immediately by returning the e-mail to the originator.(A)
