A very long time ago I suggested to Elecraft that an "Ultimatic" option would be nice, and anyway the iambic mode is a dogs' breakfast to actually use. Iambic keying only exists because of designer laziness; it was the easy way out with flip flop circuitry. The last discrete device "Ultimatic-style" keyer published in QST was the Versakeyer, and that was back in May 1979. It has an iambic option (never used it) and an auto-space option (OK, but really makes you work on your timing.) The original 1950s Ultimatic keyer used a heap of relays (ugh) although the 11 tube version used only one. I still have my tube Ultimatic; component ageing has stopped it working .... but one day I'll fix it .. So I use my 1979 Versakeyer most of the time. It will key anything up to plus or minus 300v and is RF proof. But being lazy I never got round to adding the external keyer diodes to my K2, so I just swap between paddles and re-programme brain when going from Omni-V to K2 and back again. But having been obliged by my own laziness to use both modes, often in rapid succession, I have not the slightest doubt that the Ultimatic mode wins fist down on ease of use and convenience. Now if only I could motivate myself to shoe horn a K1EL (12 series) chip into my K2 ..... Yes, the magic HEXKEY is only hooked to the Versakeyer and not to the K2 ... shame on me, I know ! John G3JAG (try sending that in iambic mode) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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