It seems that good programmers like Don Agro (MacLogger DX) and
Thomas Linder (RUMLog/RUMped) don't have any trouble with good
quality CPU generated CW ("bit pounding") although they cam also
use WinKey either directly or as part of a microHAM "Keyer."
The LINUX community is universally doing "bit pounding" for CW
and OS-X is nothing but a pretty face on top of a BSD back end.
While I prefer WinKey for its other advantages - particularly
the ability to use the paddles rather than a keyboard - with
well written software, a competent programmer should not have
problems with CPU generated CW unless the user is trying to do
too much "stuff" in the background.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 4/6/2011 1:52 PM, Paul Mackanos - K2DB wrote:
> I received this from a newbie who insists on using a Mac. Looking for
> feedback to give him, other than mine. OK CW guys, let’s hear your
> take on this.
>
>
>
> Paul K2DB
>
>
>
> As a noob to the whole technical aspects of computer/radio
> interfacing (and a die-hard Macintosh user), I have been exploring
> what seems to be an almost black art; CW keying from a computer.
>
> Direct keying a radio is the best solution, but it seems that modern
> computer OSes (anything that provides preemptive multitasking) and
> "bit pounding" don't mix. It is only a matter of time that a person
> running a low$$ laptop with Windows and using either a USB to RS-232
> or RS-232 direct device will wind up with CW output that isn't
> perfect. This wasn't an issue with DOS OSes, which had direct RS-232
> control.
>
> It surprises me that the more experienced contesters have not
> experienced these timing issues. Perhaps it is a matter of speed and
> that if one has a fast enough box, the timing issues are not
> apparent.
>
> As a Mac user, this has been a source of frustration, as direct
> keying is just not implemented due to an inability to give precise
> enough control over an RS-232 device. The usual answer has been using
> J2A (yuck!) or get a modern radio with built in USB.
>
>
> The Solution
>
> I just ordered a K1EL Winkey keyer. This device is essentially a
> keyer on a chip. It doesn't rely on precise serial control to time CW
> elements. It is also supported by most/all modern platforms
> (including the "ham hostile" Macintosh.)
>
> I hope to have a positive experience to report, as I plan to
> implement this hardware for the WPX CW contest coming up.
>
> As I said at the beginning, this is just the start of an idea and I
> haven't begun to experiment. Hopefully, this might be of some
> interest when I put this keyer into action and am able to discuss the
> results. I also need the aid and input of some more experienced hams
> to help flesh out my idea.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Andrew, N3LZG
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
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