This is a fairly common problem that is a result of the way Windows 95/98
handle multi-tasking (they don't). As a result, other processes running on
the computer can steal enough CPU cycles to mess up the CW sending. It can
be lessened by a faster computer, but not completely.
There have been a number of discussions surrounding this problem on the
reflector. You might want to tour the archives.
The answers boil down to the following:
- Get a W5XD external keyer. This removes the dependence on the computer
for sending completely.
- Unload all processes that you can. The best suggestion I have seen (and
that worked for me) was to unload any drivers that are accessing the LPT
port (e.g. printer, scanner).
What makes this problem so difficult is that it doesn't always happen. CW
will send fine for awhile. Then you have a period where everything sounds
awful.
Good luck!
Randy, K5ZD
> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-admin@contesting.com
> [mailto:writelog-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Garry Shapiro
> Sent: Monday, May 27, 2002 05:16 AM
> To: WriteLog Reflector
> Subject: [WriteLog] Erratic Cw
>
>
> Would someone point me in the right direction on this one?
>
> So far, I have "dabbled" with WL--a serious Sweepstakes effort,
> both modes,
> and lesser participations in several other contests. In CW WPX, I
> encountered a condition that I am sure is familiar to many of you, but was
> new to me. In sending CW from the program, I frequently
> experienced delayed
> characters, stretched-out characters, etc. In fact, I often sounded like a
> total klutz. As I said, I don't recall experiencing this before.
>
> The computer is a 550 MHz P3, 256 MB RAM, plenty of H/D space. I
> run Win 98
> SE, and use LPT1 for CW, with the same cable and transistor switch I have
> used for a decade with CT, without incident. I turned off every other
> software program except AtomTime--which only updates upon request. (I need
> to keep that one active because two identical ABIT motherboards have each
> had wandering real-time clocks.)
>
> Garry, NI6T
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> 160 meters---not a band but an obsession
>
>
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