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Author Topic: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key  (Read 314 times)

K1KIM

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Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« on: June 30, 2022, 08:52:35 PM »

Can the center pin (tip) and ground wires coming out of the CW 3.5mm non-stereo plug be shorted to test for transmit carrier in an emergency without a key?

It would seem to be same as using a straight key. Radio would have to be in full break in I would think.
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K6SDW

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2022, 09:43:22 PM »

Try it......if you're talking about an old tube rig with cathode keying do be careful!
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K5LXP

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2022, 05:42:37 AM »

Plugging a set of earbuds or headphones in will work.  They're essentially a DC short to a logic level key input.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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K1KIM

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2022, 06:46:30 AM »

Try it......if you're talking about an old tube rig with cathode keying do be careful!

It's an older SS rig
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VE3HIX

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2022, 08:02:56 AM »

It should work nicely. On some older SS rigs it's the easiest way to set up the carrier level if you don't have a key.

Cheers,
Bob VE3HIX
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K8AXW

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2022, 08:34:28 AM »

I keep a shorted plug for just that use.  A key is just a precision short circuit waiting to happen.
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K1KIM

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2022, 08:40:19 AM »

Thanks all. Question answered.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2022, 01:00:51 PM »

On what radio?

-Mike.
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K1KIM

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2022, 03:15:48 PM »

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WB6BYU

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2022, 05:49:46 PM »

Some Ten-Tec rigs required a particularly low resistance to
ground to key the rig, due to the analog circuitry.  A pair
of earbuds probably wouldn’t work.  I used to have to
clean the contacts on my straight key regularly.

That’s not to say that the IC-551 has the same issues,
but rather to observe that different radios have different
requirements, and a resistance that will key one rig might
not key another reliably.

On the other hand, the old Argonaut used the same line
for the key and the PTT lead, so I could use the microphone
button to send CW (as we used to do with AM rigs to make
CW contacts on Field Day).

KC0W

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Re: Quick Test for CW Mode Function w/Out A Key
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2022, 11:43:01 PM »

 An opened up paperclip will work as well.
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