Micromatic Keyer

[Terry Perdue]

John and all,

As the designer, I can tell you a few things to try that might help. If you
are using the keyer in a stand-alone situation, in other words, not
connected to a transmitter, be sure that the keyer's ground has an a.c.
return path to earth ground. The accessory power cube that was sold for the
keyer (or may have come with), had internal capacitors from each side of the
secondary to the ground prong. If you're using a different cube, you should
find that holding the keyer's body with your free hand increases the
sensitivity considerably. You could also rest your keying hand on a metal
plate connected to the keyer's ground. This should also help in a situation
where RF in the shack is getting into the paddles through your body, as the
paddles would be effectively grounded when touched. The paddles don't suit
everyone's taste - that's why an external paddle jack was provided - but
many people like them just fine.

Terry, K8TP

----- Original Message -----
From: john <johnmb at MINDSPRING.COM>
To: <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2001 10:45 AM
Subject: Micromatic Keyer


> Anyone have any sage advice as to why a uMatic keyer isnt very sensitive
> to fingertip contact? Moistening fingertips make it work flawlessly, until
> they dry out. Was this a common  problem? Wonder if I should just use
> an external paddle
>
> Best
> John
>
> Listserver Subscription:listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath
'name' 'call'"
> Listserver Submissions: heath at listserv.tempe.gov
> Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"
>

Listserver Subscription:listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath 'name' 'call'"
Listserver Submissions: heath at listserv.tempe.gov
Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"