As a longtime CW instructor and operator I absolutely recommend mode B. It’s
easier to learn despite what you might hear from some comments,and it’s
particularly easier to handle compound letters such as C,Q, Y,etc. A requires
you to make an extra movement to complete many characters. One very helpful
practice method is to use a metronome at a slow tempo, say 40-60 beats and
practice your characters. As soon as students see that releasing the paddles to
create that last Dit or dah they’ll grasp it as more useful and less movement.
It takes a bit of practice but will make for cleaner and more relaxed sending
as you won’t have to make that last extra move to complete the last Dit or dah.
Many newer rigs only incorporate mode B-why? It’s far and away the most
popular because it’s easier to use. And B will stop you from slapping the
paddles which can lead to poor timing,and potentially causing the paddles to
skid around if they’re not well anchored. It’s rhythm and conservation of
movement.
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com
n7...@arrl.net
> On Jul 6, 2021, at 09:42, Mike Morrow <k...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> Iambic mode B has the distressing characteristic of ending any iambic string
> after the paddles are released with a dot (when the iambic string ended with
> a dash) or with a dash (when the iambic string ended with a dot) for which
> there had been NO paddle closure.
>
>
>
>
> Mode A always ends an iambic string with only the dot or dash that was being
> sent when the paddles were opened.
>
>
>
>
> The paddle timing is more critical with mode B if an unwanted dot or dash is
> not to follow paddle release. . Mode B often requires the paddles to be
> released earlier, before the character has been completely sent. Mode B
> privides no reduction in the paddle manipulations required to generate any
> character in exchange for its more critical timing. Mode B is the legacy of
> a logic fault in an early electronic keyer that became advertised as a
> feature. Elecraft sets Mode A as its default because of its relaxed timing
> to do the same things.
>
>
>
>
> Whatever mode one learns, using the other mode will play real havoc when
> using an iambic keyer. Mode A guys get an extra dot or dash on some of their
> characters, while mode B guys miss a dot or dash on some of their characters.
> Under such circumstances I use a paddle-slap technique, treating the two
> paddles as only one and never allowing both paddles to close simultaneously.
>
>
>
>
> Unfortunately and inexplicably, almost all Asian-source radios allow ONLY
> mode B for their iambic keyer. That is why most hams are mode B users. One
> could argue that one should learn mode B simply because that is the only
> choice allowed for incompetently designed ham gear. I convinced the ARRL
> Product Review manager years ago to add a declaration of what modes of iambic
> keying are allowed by any radio under review. I have rejected an Icom radio
> I really wanted for no reason other than it allowed only mode B. There is
> absolutely no excuse for any radio to deny mode selection except designer
> incompetence or laziness. Elecraft has always supplied excellent iambic
> keying with choice of modes.
>
>
>
>
> BOTTOM LINE: Mode A is more straightforward and easier to learn, but mode B
> is the only mode the keyer in many radios will allow. Neither mode offers
> any advantage in terms of reduced paddle manipulation.
>
>
>
>
> Mike / KK5F
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Peterson <kzer...@gmail.com>
> Sent: Jul 6, 2021 9:34 AM
> To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] A or B?
>
>
> An old friend, who has been inactive for several years, recently purchased a
> used K3. This is the first transceiver that he’s owned that includes a built
> in keyer. He has always operated CW with a straight key. He has acquired
> Vibroplex paddles and wants to know whether to set the radio’s keyer for mode
> A or mode B iambic. He has never used an iambic keyer or a bug, before. I
> learned iambic keying with a WB4VVF circuit board, back in the early 1970s,
> so mode B is what I prefer. I know there are a lot of died-in-the-wool CW
> people who frequent this list and I would like any opinions as to whether it
> is easier for a newbie to learn iambic mode A or mode B. I have no clue.
> Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions that I can pass along. Gary
> KzeroCX ______________________________________________________________
>
>
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