[TenTec] Scout instability-was Orion direction

[Ronald Hands]

robert k stephens wrote:
>> 
> I agree with Stuart. If the Scout is operated according to directions the
> frequency stability is more than adequate for the ssb and moderate speed cw
> operation it was designed for.
> 
> The problem is that the internal keyer caused instability at speeds higher
> than about 25 wpm or so. Tec Tec said that right in the manual. Use an
> external keyer and the problem goes away. 

   I agree that the Scout is perfectly stable at moderate (up to 
25  wpm) speeds.
   But whether one uses an external keyer or the internal keyer 
makes not a whit of difference.  The Scout needs brief pauses in 
the sending (the kind of pauses that happen normally between 
words in properly spaced code at speeds below 25 wpm) to allow 
time for the frequency-correction circuit to do its thing.  A 
leaflet enclosed with my Scout says: "Because of QSK, RIT and 
other operating habits, the frequency correction has been removed 
during transmissions."  Period.
    In other words, it's not the case that the microprocessor is 
so busy handling the internal keyer that it can't do frequency 
corrections simultaneously.  In fact, the frequency correction is 
turned off when the rig is actually transmitting, and this 
applies whether the keying is generated internally or externally.


-- Ron  VE3SP