[WriteLog] WL CW Keying Enhancement

Mon Aug 21 23:44:36 EDT 2006

That's one of the things I like about the Logikey keyers - they allow the
ability of adding programmable spacing between characters. I have the
same problem with the "5AA" in my call. The 5 turns into a 4 because the
two "A's" trick peoples' minds into thinking the 5 also had a "dah" at
teh end of it. With the Logikey keyer, I just program an extra element
space in to the space between 5 and A, and it solves the problem most of
the time. PC generated keying could do the same thing with this level of
programmability. Bottom line - I'd welcome this also.

 73, Duane

On 2006年8月21日 19:35:19 -0700 "Eric Hilding" <dx35 at hilding.com>
writes:
> *** SSB Operators please press your DELETE key ***
>> I've been wanting to make this suggestion for a long time, and 
> finally getting around to it. During this past Field Day, the need 
> became even more apparent.
>> Computer generated keying is great, but with certain combinations of 
> letters, can create many unnecessary requests for repeat of a 
> callsign at higher speeds (not every CW op on the planet always 
> copies well).
>> Part of my Field Day time was spent at the local CDF (California 
> Division of Forestry) EOC facilities where I took my TS-480S & 
> WriteLog to help make some CW QSOs for them. The callsign used was 
> W6HUL.
>> About 15% to 20% of the time, if I called a station, they came back 
> with W6SUL. Many ops seemed to have difficulty with a "6" and an 
> "H" next to each other. It became highly frustrating. Even when I 
> slowed down, the problem was still there much of the time. If I 
> went to the paddles and included a bit of extra spacing between the 
> 6 and the H, things were better.
>> Over a year ago I suggested the following mod to Tree for TRlog, but 
> don't know if he incorporated it yet or not since I'm currently 
> using WL for both CW & SSB.
>> In addition to helping deal with the "6H" problem, over the last 
> year I've notice more ops reverting to the good old fashioned "bug". 
> Some are very skillful, and some are very QLF. Personally, I like 
> the keying nuances and rhythmic feel skilled ops bring to the art of 
> CW using a bug, because I used one for so many years.
>> My friend Jim Neiger, N6TJ, can always tell when I am sending with 
> regular paddles (non-bug) vs. a computer, because I add a little 
> extra spacing between some of the letters. If I call stations with 
> the paddles, I also notice fewer requests for callsign repeats 
> compared to computer keying (unless they are sharp contesters who 
> recognize my call).
>> So what is this leading to?
>> IMHO, we CW ops need the ability to incorporate "differential 
> spacing" into the WL CW Message fields. Trying to solve the "6H" 
> problem by putting a full space between the 6 and the H doesn't cut 
> the mustard. It turns out ugly ;-(
>> Different people with different letter/number combinations in their 
> callsigns need different spacing options. I don't know if the curly 
> braces are used for anything else in WL, but if so, some other 
> symbols could be used. I'll just use them here as an example.
>> Basically, the number 1 (One) would be current normal WL CW keying. 
> A ".75" would be a shorter spacing, whereas "1.25" would be a longer 
> spacing (between characters/numbers sent).
>> In my case, I'll ballpark the following example from a WL CW Message 
> line for illustration purposes only:
>> %C k{1}6{1.25}v{1.2}v{1.3}a
>> Of course, if no {} curly brackets, regular spacing would apply. 
> Having the ability to use 3 places past the decimal (i.e., 1.237) 
> would really provide for fine-tuning!
>> At 35WPM or higher speeds, depending upon a person's callsign 
> makeup, the ability to fine-tune and add subtle differential 
> spacings between the characters/numbers as desired is an extremely 
> valuable enhancement. Further, it can help get some "uniqueness" 
> back on the CW bands vs. 99% of everyone sounding the same. 
> Personally, I yearn for the W4KFC, DU7SV, et.al CW fist sounds!
>> Taking things to the next level, adding the ability to vary the 
> "weighting" and/or shorten or elongate characters being sent would 
> be absolutely incredible. One could really create a unique 
> non-run-of-the-mill "Electronic Fist" vs. the standard old HO-HUM 
> everybody-sounds-the-same CW being spit out of any computer logging 
> programs on the bands today.
>> Umh, since I got the royal flame treatment over my past "Crusades" 
> involving other CW enhancements as well as added SSB WL Voice-Keying 
> functionalities, I expect this to be no different. "Rolls Royce" 
> functionality is not for people who are comfortable with a VW...but 
> that's OK.
>> Tnx & 73...
>> Rick, K6VVA
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--------------------------------------
Duane Calvin, AC5AA
Austin, Texas
http://www.ac5aa.com