You don't have to get so fancy. Any constant character spacing from 1.2 to 1.5
would improve readability greatly. I can do this on my MFJ492 keyer; would
like to do this with my ICOM746PRO internal memories. Any ideas?
Dave W9LYA
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. S. Freud
----- Original Message ----
From: Eric Hilding <dx35@hilding.com>
To: writelog@contesting.com
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 9:35:19 PM
Subject: [WriteLog] WL CW Keying Enhancement
*** 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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