Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
I wasn't sure where the link was going 'til I realized it was "morse x". Nice article. 73, Mike NF4L On 9/9/12 1:40 AM, Dick Wiltgen wrote: > I was discussing this with Marshall Emm, N1FN. He graciously shared a link > to something that he wrote on the subject of keyer contacts and > conductivity. To me, it seems to definitively address the issue. He is an > excellent writer and I'll let him speak for himself: > > http://www.morsex.com/pubs/fn1011.pdf > > Vy 73 to all > de Dick, K8RBW > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Keyer-Pause-tp7562115p7562307.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
I was discussing this with Marshall Emm, N1FN. He graciously shared a link to something that he wrote on the subject of keyer contacts and conductivity. To me, it seems to definitively address the issue. He is an excellent writer and I'll let him speak for himself: http://www.morsex.com/pubs/fn1011.pdf Vy 73 to all de Dick, K8RBW -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Keyer-Pause-tp7562115p7562307.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Hi Bruna, Thanks for getting back to so quickly. I cleaned the contacts with WD40 as you suggested and now it runs clean. I saturated a paper strip in WD40 and firmly passed the strip between as I held the paddle closed. Before cleaning I backed the contacts way back and inspected with a 10X loop. The contact on the adjustment screw for the dash appeared to have a large imperfection in the center of the contact. It looked like a rust pit on iron. I thought for sure it was a manufacturing defect but after the cleaning as described above it's gone and contact appears normal, like the others. After the cleaning I did about 100 73s and no 7V or other error. Same with other tests. For now it seems to work fine. It is still strange to me since the Leonessa worked fine on my K2 and on the CW Machine but not on the K3 (not KX3). Someone on the reflector talked about wetting current with Silver contacts. I see this as the only explaination of why it worked fine on the others but not on K3. I am going to talk to Elecraft support. My guess is that the K3 uses less current than the other devices, and thus never 'turned on' the dirty contact. In any case the real problem was a dirty contact. Thanks Piero and Bruna, and everyone on the reflector. 73, Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Hi Bruna, Thanks for getting back to so quickly. I cleaned the contacts with WD40 as you suggested and now it runs clean. I saturated a paper strip in WD40 and firmly passed the strip between as I held the paddle closed. Before cleaning I backed the contacts way back and inspected with a 10X loop. The contact on the adjustment screw for the dash appeared to have a large imperfection in the center of the contact. It looked like a rust pit on iron. I thought for sure it was a manufacturing defect but after the cleaning as described above it's gone and contact appears normal, like the others. After the cleaning I did about 100 73s and no 7V or other error. Same with other tests. For now it seems to work fine. It is still strange to me since the Leonessa worked fine on my K2 and on the CW Machine but not on the K3 (not KX3). Someone on the reflector talked about wetting current with Silver contacts. I see this as the only explaination of why it worked fine on the others but not on K3. I am going to talk to Elecraft support. My guess is that the K3 uses less current than the other devices, and thus never 'turned on' the dirty contact. In any case the real problem was a dirty contact. Thanks Piero and Bruna, and everyone on the reflector. 73, Don KA1KU > > - Original Message - From: "Donald Thompson" > To: "David Cutter" ; "BRUNA BEGALI" > Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" > Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 5:56 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause > > > Hi Bruna, > I moved my Leonessa Key from the CW Machine to my new K3 and encountered > failures on the dash sometimes. I think that I have confirmed it to be dirty > contact on the Leonessa since the K3 works fine with the Elecraft Hex key. > > I would like specific instructions on how to clean this. I got lots of > different suggestions on the reflector but want to make sure I do it > correctly and don't damage anything. > > Can you also confirm that this key gas gold contacts? > > Thanks, > Don KA1KU (KB1YBG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause - Begali's Poor Service
Vic, K2VCO wrote > > Some Begali keys used an alloy that caused the contacts to act like a > diode, with a > constant forward voltage drop. This caused problems with some, but not > all, keyers, > including my K2 internal keyer and a Logikey. > > Cleaning and Deoxit did not help in this instance. I ordered replacement > gold contacts for > my Begali Magnetic Pro (not cheap) which completely solved the problem. > I've experienced the dissimilar metals problem and agree with Vic that cleaning and DeOxit may only be a temporary fix. Begali has since stopped shipping keys with this type of contact but apparently chose to not support those of us who have the dissimilar metal contacts. Begali has never even responded to several emails about the problem...very disappointing after experiencing Elecraft service...shame on you Begali! I've since relegated my Begali Mono to backup status in favor of an N3ZN ZN-SL which works perfectly and has a much better tactile feel. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Keyer-Pause-tp7562097p7562178.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Craig Labs the maker of DeoxIT also has a specific product for gold contacts. Here: http://store.caig.com/ I have not used it so can not comment on it. I do use their S-Shield but my old can is labeled PreservIT. I use that on all coax connectors and have never had a problem with any connector that had it applied. Using it *may* extend the interval between cleaning or eliminate the need for further cleanings. NFI & YMMV 73, Bob K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR On 9/4/2012 1:22 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > Gold gets goop from the air on it. Very small particles of cooking grease > over a long period of time. Soot from cigarette smoke. > > Air is not pure just because you can see through it. There is a small > charge on the contacts, and one side will attract particle out of the air. > > This will coat gold the same way, if a lot slower, as stuff on my glasses > that needs to be washed off. > > I've sometimes used a soft cloth saturated with alcohol-based eyeglass > cleaner to clean contacts. > > 73, Guy. > > On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 12:20 PM, Thomas Horsten wrote: > >> Don, >> >> Agree with the paper strips as a cleaning method, but I don't think there's >> any case for using Deoxit on gold contacts - the gold shouldn't oxidize - >> although it might dissolve some kinds of dirt that the paper doesn't get, >> who knows.. but a few drops of ethanol on a paper strip would probably be >> just as good. >> >> 73, Thomas M0TRN >> >> On 4 September 2012 17:07, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >>> In addition, many recommend using DeOxit on the contacts after >>> cleaning. Just a drop will do. >>> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
On Sep 4, 2012, at 11:46 AM, "David Cutter" wrote: > It's all about wetting current David, I never knew this term but it looks to me I'm seeing it's effects. I moved the key back to the CW Machine and it's totally clean. I sent a large string of 73s as well as my call sign at speeds from 16 to 25 and was totally clean, not the occasionally 7V or KAJ.. I get on the K3. For another test I moved the Begali to my K2...it too runs completely clean. Just to rule out an intermittent K3 issue I re-ran the tests with Begali and Hex keys using the same strings of 73s. Again Hex totally clean and Begali stutters on dashes. Sometimes holding the dash sets for a few seconds before starting the string. All this is after a light cleaning with a strip of dry copy paper as suggested. The paper strip showed a mark but no color. I'm waiting on Begali's advice. One interesting question for Elecraft is what current flows on K3 vs K3? Has this 'wetting current' issue been seen before ? And I just thought I'd missed a K3 config option.. Sorry for all the noise on this. Thanks for all the ideas. 73, Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
From: w7...@msn.com To: k...@comcast.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2012 10:59:17 -0700 Mike wrote:"If the problem was contact oxidation" Seem's like a little De-ox fluid might work. (?)Laterde Bill-w7kxb. . > Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2012 10:53:34 -0700 > From: k...@comcast.net > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause > > Hi Don, > > Just wanted to add to my previous post. The strip that Mr. Begali sent me is > about 4 inches long and feels like two fabric layers glued together. It is > rough to the touch but not what I would call abrasive. In the e-mail that he > sent me he advised me to "wet the strip with alcohol and pull it between the > contacts". I mentioned in my earlier post that the strip is thick and will > require you to open up the spacing in order to use it. > > My contacts are silver and have been fine ever since the cleaning a little > over 2 years ago. If the problem was contact oxidation then perhaps gold > would have been a better choice. If it is dust buildup then I think even > gold contacts would require cleaning. I do keep the supplied plastic cover > on the paddle at all times. > > 73, > Mike K2MK > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Hi Don, Just wanted to add to my previous post. The strip that Mr. Begali sent me is about 4 inches long and feels like two fabric layers glued together. It is rough to the touch but not what I would call abrasive. In the e-mail that he sent me he advised me to "wet the strip with alcohol and pull it between the contacts". I mentioned in my earlier post that the strip is thick and will require you to open up the spacing in order to use it. My contacts are silver and have been fine ever since the cleaning a little over 2 years ago. If the problem was contact oxidation then perhaps gold would have been a better choice. If it is dust buildup then I think even gold contacts would require cleaning. I do keep the supplied plastic cover on the paddle at all times. 73, Mike K2MK Donald Thompson wrote > > Hi Bruna, > I moved my Leonessa Key from the CW Machine to my new K3 and encountered > failures on the dash sometimes. I think that I have confirmed it to be > dirty contact on the Leonessa since the K3 works fine with the Elecraft > Hex key. > > I would like specific instructions on how to clean this. I got lots of > different suggestions on the reflector but want to make sure I do it > correctly and don't damage anything. > > Can you also confirm that this key gas gold contacts? > > Thanks, > Don KA1KU (KB1YBG) > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Keyer-Pause-tp7562115p7562145.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Gold gets goop from the air on it. Very small particles of cooking grease over a long period of time. Soot from cigarette smoke. Air is not pure just because you can see through it. There is a small charge on the contacts, and one side will attract particle out of the air. This will coat gold the same way, if a lot slower, as stuff on my glasses that needs to be washed off. I've sometimes used a soft cloth saturated with alcohol-based eyeglass cleaner to clean contacts. 73, Guy. On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 12:20 PM, Thomas Horsten wrote: > Don, > > Agree with the paper strips as a cleaning method, but I don't think there's > any case for using Deoxit on gold contacts - the gold shouldn't oxidize - > although it might dissolve some kinds of dirt that the paper doesn't get, > who knows.. but a few drops of ethanol on a paper strip would probably be > just as good. > > 73, Thomas M0TRN > > On 4 September 2012 17:07, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > > In addition, many recommend using DeOxit on the contacts after > > cleaning. Just a drop will do. > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Don, Agree with the paper strips as a cleaning method, but I don't think there's any case for using Deoxit on gold contacts - the gold shouldn't oxidize - although it might dissolve some kinds of dirt that the paper doesn't get, who knows.. but a few drops of ethanol on a paper strip would probably be just as good. 73, Thomas M0TRN On 4 September 2012 17:07, Don Wilhelm wrote: > In addition, many recommend using DeOxit on the contacts after > cleaning. Just a drop will do. > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 5:45 AM, Rick Stealey wrote: > > ..you don't have to use an external keyer to get the best cw = The keyer in the K3 is terrific, generating CW that is as near to perfection as any external keyer. I even had the unusual experience of having one of my clubmates snag me at a meeting to compliment my CW, which gave me a chance to put in a plug for the K3's keyer and its sweet clickless shaping. Tony KT0NY -- http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Don, One safe way to clean any set of contacts is to use a strip of paper - copy paper, printer paper, etc, all will do just fine - cut it into narrow strips a couple inches long. Slide the paper strip between the contacts, gently close the contacts and pull the paper through. You will normally see some black stuff on the paper. Continue until the strip comes out clean. In addition, many recommend using DeOxit on the contacts after cleaning. Just a drop will do. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/4/2012 11:56 AM, Donald Thompson wrote: > Hi Bruna, > I moved my Leonessa Key from the CW Machine to my new K3 and encountered > failures on the dash sometimes. I think that I have confirmed it to be dirty > contact on the Leonessa since the K3 works fine with the Elecraft Hex key. > > I would like specific instructions on how to clean this. I got lots of > different suggestions on the reflector but want to make sure I do it > correctly and don't damage anything. > > Can you also confirm that this key gas gold contacts? > > Thanks, > Don KA1KU (KB1YBG) > > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Sep 4, 2012, at 11:46 AM, "David Cutter" wrote: > >> It's all about wetting current. On a building site machine design I used >> 30mA of dc and a level detector to sense when the switch had been pushed and >> they lasted years. A few pA from digital circuits is often not enough to >> wet precious metal contacts which are open to the ambient. Try cleaning >> fluid before using a diamond tipped polishing tool. Once that thin plating >> is gone, it will give even more problems. I seem to remember German silver >> as a good, hard contact material. Look at the technology of relay contacts. >> >> David >> G3UNA >> >> >> >>> >>> On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: >>> ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... >>> Hi Lee, >>> It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went >>> away. Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. >>> and 73 becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. >>> I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine >>> with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? >>> Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade >>> and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the >>> dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is >>> upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. >>> Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper >>> but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked >>> vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Don KA1KU > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Hi Bruna, I moved my Leonessa Key from the CW Machine to my new K3 and encountered failures on the dash sometimes. I think that I have confirmed it to be dirty contact on the Leonessa since the K3 works fine with the Elecraft Hex key. I would like specific instructions on how to clean this. I got lots of different suggestions on the reflector but want to make sure I do it correctly and don't damage anything. Can you also confirm that this key gas gold contacts? Thanks, Don KA1KU (KB1YBG) Sent from my iPhone On Sep 4, 2012, at 11:46 AM, "David Cutter" wrote: > It's all about wetting current. On a building site machine design I used > 30mA of dc and a level detector to sense when the switch had been pushed and > they lasted years. A few pA from digital circuits is often not enough to wet > precious metal contacts which are open to the ambient. Try cleaning fluid > before using a diamond tipped polishing tool. Once that thin plating is > gone, it will give even more problems. I seem to remember German silver as a > good, hard contact material. Look at the technology of relay contacts. > > David > G3UNA > > > >> >> >> On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: >> >>> ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my >>> Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... >>> >> Hi Lee, >> It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went >> away. Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. >> and 73 becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. >> I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine >> with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? >> Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade >> and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the >> dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is >> upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. >> Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper >> but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked >> vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. >> >> Thanks, >> Don KA1KU > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Some Begali keys used an alloy that caused the contacts to act like a diode, with a constant forward voltage drop. This caused problems with some, but not all, keyers, including my K2 internal keyer and a Logikey. Cleaning and Deoxit did not help in this instance. I ordered replacement gold contacts for my Begali Magnetic Pro (not cheap) which completely solved the problem. I also have a newer Begali model which came with silver contacts and it did not display the problem. I suggest that with modern rigs that have very low currents in the key circuit that you only use silver or gold contacts. Regarding cleaning, I always use a business card and don't overdo it. On 9/4/2012 6:22 AM, Donald Thompson wrote: > > > On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: > >> ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On >> my Begali, >> intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... >> > > It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went away. > Back to > Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. and 73 becomes 7V > as it > delays on the dash. I never suspected the key since I have been using it with > the CW > Machine with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? Also, my K3 is in > my new > radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade and with much higher > humidity, been > from 45 to 70% as I run the dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the > cause. > The CW Machine is upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. Last, how > should I > clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper but know I must be > careful. > Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked vertical with dash on bottom and > hard to > reach. > > Thanks, Don KA1KU -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: > ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my > Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... > It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went away. Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. and 73 becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. Thanks, Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
I have this strange, but confident feeling, that Mr. Begali will know precisely what you should do. Whether the contacts are gold or silver, you know you don't want to damage that plating. I have the Magnetic Classic, and haven't had the problem, and it's 2 years old now, but it always has the plastic cover on it. Rick K2XT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
It's all about wetting current. On a building site machine design I used 30mA of dc and a level detector to sense when the switch had been pushed and they lasted years. A few pA from digital circuits is often not enough to wet precious metal contacts which are open to the ambient. Try cleaning fluid before using a diamond tipped polishing tool. Once that thin plating is gone, it will give even more problems. I seem to remember German silver as a good, hard contact material. Look at the technology of relay contacts. David G3UNA > > > On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: > >> ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. >> On my >> Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need >> cleaning... >> > Hi Lee, > It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went > away. Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. > and 73 becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. > I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine > with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? > Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below > grade and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the > dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is > upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. > Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper > but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked > vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. > > Thanks, > Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
I have an older Begali 'Classic' (non-gold contacts) which has the same problem. However, it is easily and non-abrasively corrected by applying a drop or so of DeoxIT (Radio Shack Part No. 640-43380), which lasts 3 to 6 months before needing to be re-applied. 73, Dale WA8SRA On 9/4/2012 9:53 AM, Donald Thompson wrote: > > On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: > >> ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my >> Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... >> > Hi Lee, > It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went away. > Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. and 73 > becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. > I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine with > no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? > Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade > and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the dehumidifier. > Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is upstairs with AC > and thus very low humidity. > Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper > but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked > vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. > > Thanks, > Don KA1KU > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
These Begali keys that have needed contact cleaning: do they have the silver contacts, or is it also sometimes necessary with the gold contacts? Peter W0LLN On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 8:38 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: > Hi Don, > > I would like to echo Lee's comments. After about 2 years of use my Begali > paddle became what I can only call sluggish when used with my K3. I > contacted Begali and he sent me an abrasive cleaning strip. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Lee Trout wrote: > ...I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my > Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning... > Hi Lee, It seems you're correct. I switched to my hex key and the problem went away. Back to Begali and it returned. For example my call becomes KAJ.. and 73 becomes 7V as it delays on the dash. I never suspected the key since I have been using it with the CW Machine with no problems. Perhaps one draws more current? Also, my K3 is in my new radio room, a finished family room 1/2 below grade and with much higher humidity, been from 45 to 70% as I run the dehumidifier. Just wondering if this may be the cause. The CW Machine is upstairs with AC and thus very low humidity. Last, how should I clean the contacts? I think with just a strip of paper but know I must be careful. Also the Leonessa has the contacts stacked vertical with dash on bottom and hard to reach. Thanks, Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
Hi Don, I would like to echo Lee's comments. After about 2 years of use my Begali paddle became what I can only call sluggish when used with my K3. I contacted Begali and he sent me an abrasive cleaning strip. It differs from the strip that comes with the paddle. This was thicker and required me to open up the contact spacing to use it. After cleaning I never had another problem. That was about 3 years ago. I suppose it's possible that the tiny resistance that might occur with dirty contacts causes problems with the K3 keyer but does not cause problems with the Begali CW machine. Lee Trout wrote > > *Don: > I agree with Rick -- the K3 internal tuner is just fine and your problem > is > perplexing. Just one idea, and you have probably already done this: **I > have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my > Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning. > Other than that, sounds like you need to contact Support. > 73, Lee (K9CM) > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Keyer-Pause-tp7562097p7562113.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
*Don: I agree with Rick -- the K3 internal tuner is just fine and your problem is perplexing. Just one idea, and you have probably already done this: **I have noticed that my Begali is quite sensitive to dirty contacts. On my Begali, intermittent operation is a sure sign the contacts need cleaning. Other than that, sounds like you need to contact Support. 73, Lee (K9CM) * __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
It should not be doing that, and you don't have to use an external keyer to get the best cw of any rig made in the world today. The K3's specialty is cw. But I don't have the answer for you. If someone here doesn't have an answer for you soon call support at the factory. Rick K2XT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
>... encountered a strange pause sometimes in cw character elements... >... a Begali Leonessa and I use it regularly on their CW machine... If I were me, I'd use the CW Machine, and bypass the built-in keyer. External keyer is always better, IMHO, as I'm used to the timing. Ralph, VE7XF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Keyer Pause
I'm trying to get my just built K3 on the air and have encountered a strange pause sometimes in cw character elements. Using a paddle set to Iambic B I frequently see a pause, sometimes a long pause. It seems to be at the last dash of a character. The pause comes and goes as I try to send and seems to be the same in test mode as well as live. Sometimes the pause is only about a 'dash' in duration, other times more like a 1/2 second. I can immediatly resend the group of words and everything is normal. The paddle is a Begali Leonessa and I use it regularly on their CW machine, usually at 20 or 25 WPM with no problems so I don't think it's paddle adjustments. A straight key on the K3 works fine. I see the same pause with K3 speed set to 16,20 and 25. Most of the settings are default. I changed to Iambic B. QRQ is Off, WGHT is 1.10. I have Fred Cady's book and have tried to set up per his instructions. I'm a total newby to the K3 so I'm sure its something simple but just can't figure it out. Thanks, Don KA1KU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
