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Re: [WriteLog] WL CW Keying Enhancement

To: dx35@hilding.com
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] WL CW Keying Enhancement
From: Duane A Calvin <ac5aa@juno.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:44:36 -0500
List-post: <mailto:writelog@contesting.com>
That's one of the things I like about the Logikey keyers - they allow the
ability of adding programmable spacing between characters.  I have the
same problem with the "5AA" in my call.  The 5 turns into a 4 because the
two "A's" trick peoples' minds into thinking the 5 also had a "dah" at
teh end of it.  With the Logikey keyer, I just program an extra element
space in to the space between 5 and A, and it solves the problem most of
the time.  PC generated keying could do the same thing with this level of
programmability.  Bottom line - I'd welcome this also.
 
        73,  Duane
 

On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 19:35:19 -0700 "Eric Hilding" <dx35@hilding.com>
writes:
> *** SSB Operators please press your DELETE key  ***
> 
> I've been wanting to make this suggestion for a long time, and 
> finally getting around to it.  During this past Field Day, the need 
> became even more apparent.
> 
> Computer generated keying is great, but with certain combinations of 
> letters, can create many unnecessary requests for repeat of a 
> callsign at higher speeds (not every CW op on the planet always 
> copies well).
> 
> Part of my Field Day time was spent at the local CDF (California 
> Division of Forestry) EOC facilities where I took my TS-480S & 
> WriteLog to help make some CW QSOs for them.  The callsign used was 
> W6HUL.
> 
> About 15% to 20% of the time, if I called a station, they came back 
> with W6SUL.  Many ops seemed to have difficulty with a "6" and an 
> "H" next to each other.  It became highly frustrating.  Even when I 
> slowed down, the problem was still there much of the time.  If I 
> went to the paddles and included a bit of extra spacing between the 
> 6 and the H, things were better.
> 
> Over a year ago I suggested the following mod to Tree for TRlog, but 
> don't know if he incorporated it yet or not since I'm currently 
> using WL for both CW & SSB.
> 
> In addition to helping deal with the "6H" problem, over the last 
> year I've notice more ops reverting to the good old fashioned "bug". 
>  Some are very skillful, and some are very QLF.  Personally, I like 
> the keying nuances and rhythmic feel skilled ops bring to the art of 
> CW using a bug, because I used one for so many years.
> 
> My friend Jim Neiger, N6TJ, can always tell when I am sending with 
> regular paddles (non-bug) vs. a computer, because I add a little 
> extra spacing between some of the letters.  If I call stations with 
> the paddles, I also notice fewer requests for callsign repeats 
> compared to computer keying (unless they are sharp contesters who 
> recognize my call).
> 
> So what is this leading to?
> 
> IMHO, we CW ops need the ability to incorporate "differential 
> spacing" into the WL CW Message fields.  Trying to solve the "6H" 
> problem by putting a full space between the 6 and the H doesn't cut 
> the mustard.  It turns out ugly ;-(
> 
> Different people with different letter/number combinations in their 
> callsigns need different spacing options.  I don't know if the curly 
> braces are used for anything else in WL, but if so, some other 
> symbols could be used.  I'll just use them here as an example.
> 
> Basically, the number 1 (One) would be current normal WL CW keying.  
> A ".75" would be a shorter spacing, whereas "1.25" would be a longer 
> spacing (between characters/numbers sent).
> 
> In my case, I'll ballpark the following example from a WL CW Message 
> line for illustration purposes only:
> 
> %C k{1}6{1.25}v{1.2}v{1.3}a
> 
> Of course, if no {} curly brackets, regular spacing would apply.  
> Having the ability to use 3 places past the decimal (i.e., 1.237) 
> would really provide for fine-tuning!
> 
> At 35WPM or higher speeds, depending upon a person's callsign 
> makeup, the ability to fine-tune and add subtle differential 
> spacings between the characters/numbers as desired is an extremely 
> valuable enhancement.  Further, it can help get some "uniqueness" 
> back on the CW bands vs. 99% of everyone sounding the same.  
> Personally, I yearn for the W4KFC, DU7SV, et.al CW fist sounds!
> 
> Taking things to the next level, adding the ability to vary the 
> "weighting" and/or shorten or elongate characters being sent would 
> be absolutely incredible.  One could really create a unique 
> non-run-of-the-mill "Electronic Fist" vs. the standard old HO-HUM 
> everybody-sounds-the-same CW being spit out of any computer logging 
> programs on the bands today.
> 
> Umh, since I got the royal flame treatment over my past "Crusades" 
> involving other CW enhancements as well as added SSB WL Voice-Keying 
> functionalities, I expect this to be no different.  "Rolls Royce" 
> functionality is not for people who are comfortable with a VW...but 
> that's OK.
> 
> Tnx & 73...
> 
> Rick, K6VVA
> 
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> 
> 


--------------------------------------
Duane Calvin, AC5AA
Austin, Texas

http://www.ac5aa.com
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