[TenTec] Iambic Keying Mode A versus Mode B

[Ken Brown]

Hi Thomas,

I do not think yours was a stupid question, although some of the 
non-answer responses to it may be.

My understanding of "mode A" versus "mode B" is that there are 
differences in how the dit and dah memory functions. I have made some 
comparisons to try to confirm my understanding of it,  and I feel pretty 
confidant that I have got it. So here is an explanation:

First of all this mode A or B stuff only applies to Iambic keying. You 
probably already know that with an iambic keyer you can hold both 
switches (the dit and dah levers) closed at the same time and get a "di 
dah di dah di dah......" string, that starts with whichever (di or dah) 
lever you close first and ends with whichever one you release last. You 
can also send a string of dits and insert a dah by tapping the dah lever 
without releasing the dit lever. Similarly you can send a string of dahs 
and insert a dit. So far what I have described is true of both mode A 
and mode B iambic keying. Where the difference lies is in dit and dah 
memory.

If you are sending a "K" in mode B and release the dah lever sometime 
while the middle dit is being sent, you WILL get the ending dah. With 
mode A you would have to hold the dah key until the dit is actually 
finished, and maybe even a little way into the interelement space, or 
else the dah would not get sent.

Similarly sending an "R" you could release the dit paddle during the 
dah, and still the ending dit would get sent. With mode A you would have 
to hold the dit lever through the dah and a little bit after, or hit it 
again, in order that the ending dit get sent.

Once you get used to mode B it is difficult to go back to mode A. The 
reverse may be true also. I assure you that operator preference for mode 
A versus mode B iambic keying, or bug keying or straight keying has 
absolutely nothing to do with the devil, or your gender or testosterone 
level.

Ken N6KB