cw keyer weight adjustment

kv5v

Is there a way to adjust the keyer dot-dash (weight) ratio?  As a CW op I appreciate the memories and easy speed adjustment, but I'd prefer being able to change the ratio from 1:3 to one that lengthens the dashes a little.

Bill W2PKY

Unfortunately, no. I wanted a "1/2" space for certain cituations but no go.
They have the spacing set for the perfect code spacing according to the spec for CW. 

kv5v

Yes.  The character spacing is also fixed, but the weight adjustment is most important.  Not having a "perfect" fist, I'd like to be able to change it.  Wish it weren't necessary to spend more money to fix this omission.  Will have to add an outboard keyer.

Charles - K5UA

All the Japanese radios have had variable dash/dot ratio for a long, long time.  It is different than "weight".  I don't think any American radios have it.  Not many keyers have it.  The Micro-Ham keyer has it.  It makes CW very musical.  My preferred ratio is 3.6 to 1.

kv5v

Thanks, Charles.  Good point.  I've always appreciated being able to adjust the dot-dash ratio in my Japanese radios.  Doing this allows you to make your sending a little less machine-like and more personalized.  My favorite ratio is around 1:3.3, but it changes with my mood.  Ah but then, who writes letters by hand and in script any more?  Maybe we should let this fade away along with teaching kids "script" in schools.  Hi!

My KX3 allows changing the ratio, so the K2, KX2, and K3S probably do too.  The K1EL keyers also have it.  The Elecraft rigs were designed by guys who actually operate low-power CW portable, so having to make this adjustment was a given for them.

KC9EI - Dave

My call sign... KC9EI... is often mistaken when using the built-in CW transmit mode. The E and I often become an S to the listener. Obviously the faster the speed the bigger the problem. I don't have an issue sending manually, probably for obvious reasons, but it would be nice to be able to tweak the spacing just a teeny tiny bit.

kv5v

I've heard that there are hardware-related reasons the CW weight can't easily be changed in the 6xxx series radios.  But I've also heard, and possibly misunderstood, that the Maestro contains a K1EL keyer to satisfy us quirky CW ops.  I'm told that "accessory" is selling well, so maybe there are more of us than you'd think.  Hi!

George

Us CW ops have always had ways of adjusting the weighting of our keyers, and we should not have to defend why we want to be able to do that!  Flex needs to provide that option; end of story.

HB9CPQ

:( there are so many bell a withels around the Felx but the ratio can't be set. It is for me a pain....

Lionel

Been using an external K1EL (K16) keyer for years to have wt adjustment. Internal keyer is rarely used.

Bill N3HQB

The Flex 6000 series allows the use of external keyers. I don't use the built-in keyer option.

I prefer the external sidetone and adjustable weight of my trusty Daiwa.