cw bug mode using a paddle

K0FG_Fred

Hi.. New to Flex radio and just bought a 6400M so I may, read will, have more questions later. Using v3.2.39 and so far have only used the radio in standalone mode, will tackle SSDR later, may be when my head stops spinning.
Right now I am trying to setup CW operation. Iambic works just fine, and if I plug in a bug and turn off the iambic switch then the bug works properly. But in the manual it says I can use a paddle as a bug if I turn off iambic, which would be great cuz then I would not have to swap keys. I tried that and cannot get it to work properly. When I do that pressing either side of the paddle sends a continuous carrier. What am I doing wrong?
73, Fred, K0FG

KD0RC

Hi Fred, that is proper operation. Can you take a screen shot of the documentation? I don't remember ever seeing that. I suspect that Flex meant that you can connect an actual bug, not get an emulated bug with paddles.

One way to get bug operation with paddles is to connect dots to the key jack. Connect dashes to the key line in the 15 pin accessory connector. Turn Iambic on.

A little box with connectors and a switch would allow you to easily switch from full keyer to bug mode.

K0FG_Fred

Hi Len.. In the 6400M/6600m USER GUIDE, on page 160 it describes using a paddle as a bug by disabling the iambic option. Does not work on mine I just get continuous carrier pressing either paddle on my key.
Fred, K0FG

KD0RC

Found it... I don't have an M model, so I didn't see this before.

I tried this with my plain 6400 and get a solid tone from either paddle, like what you are describing. Maybe someone from Flex can weigh in on this. Is there a software bug, or is the documentation incorrect?

Neil D Friedman N3DF

Sec 7.3.3 (page 23) says to wire the key according to the second (bottom) diagram when connecting a CW paddle AND using the internal electronic keyer. Since “bug mode” does not use the internal electronic keyer, wire the paddles according to the first (top) diagram. Manual could certainly be clearer.