[WriteLog] WinKey CW generating device

[Ron Stordahl]

I agree.  Actually I have one of the W5XD/K5DJ Multi-Keyers and am very
pleased with it, however its a lot more than many hams really need...they
never intend to do SO2R for example.  For many I think just a keyer is all
they will use.  Perhaps W5XD/K5DJ should release a version that just does
keying and nothing else if there would be enough cost savings to make much
of a difference.

One serial port is getting to be pretty common now on new PC's, but you can
still open them up and put in a multiport PCI card.  From what I read the
mfgrs in trying to make systems easier for the non technical person to use
will be releasing machines without any slots, just USB.  But it will be a
long time before PCI goes away..at least I hope so!

Ron N5IN

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Naumann - N5NJ" <n5nj@gte.net>
To: <Writelog@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 1:24 PM
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] WinKey CW generating device


> WinKey looks very interesting, but it will need the support from logging
software authors for it to have any value to the general amateur community.
>
> The $30 price is for software developers and up to 4 designated beta
testers of their software - not a general release.
>
> There is more of an issue with the demise of parallel and serial port
access as we all knew and loved it under the DOS-based operating systems.
>
> W5XD's product gives you back the ability to do everything you could
before, including two LPT ports for rotor control, antenna switching, etc.
so it is in fact much more than a keyer.
>
> This problem will need to be resolved for amateurs to do all types of
switching I/O from these new platforms.  It will be nice once USB is
included as an interface to radios, TNC's etc.
>
> 73,
> N5NJ
>
>
>
> >
> > From: "Ron Stordahl" <ron.stordahl@digikey.com>
> > Date: 2002/12/04 Wed PM 01:36:48 EST
> > To: "Writelog Reflector" <Writelog@contesting.com>
> > Subject: [WriteLog] WinKey CW generating device
> >
> > This looks like a possible device to generate CW using W2K or Win-XP.
The
> > advantage is that you will not be at the mercy of the multi-tasking
nature
> > of these programs, where Windows decides to give it's attention to
something
> > else in the middle of a CW transmission.  Since it uses standard serial
port
> > I/O it should even work with USB to serial adapters (but don't quote me
on
> > this!).
> >
> > It appears to be a very low cost alternative to the W5XD MultiKeyer at
$215,
> > which, although that product is a great CW generator, is really designed
for
> > Single Op 2 Radio (SO2R) and thus far more advanced than most hams need.
> >
> > K1EL is offering the 'WinKey' for $30.00 as a kit, but I contacted him
and
> > he says he is working on providing an assembled and tested unit as a
> > somewhat higher price of course.
> >
> > The 'WinKey' would require an enhancement to be made to the logging
program,
> > so there would have to be sufficient demand for this to occur.
> >
> > Here is the link:  http://k1el.tripod.com/ and click on "Winkey is HOT".
> >
> > Ron N5IN
> >
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> >
>
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