Saturday, July 30, 2016, 12:45 a.m. — A few days back I was looking around the shack for one of my spare 12v non-switching power supplies (to test it against the switching PS I’m using here in the library) when I stumbled across my K-4 Chinese code key. Ironic, really, because since I’ve been running my Kenwood TS-690SAT, I’ve pretty much been forced to use a straight key (not enough room at the operating position for both the rig to sit and to operate a bug).
I have already written about the Brown Bros. ST strai
ght key and my getting reacquainted with the Nye Master Key. I figured it was only fair to bring out the K-4 and compare it with the other two.
I had forgotten how well the K-4 operates (after you get used to the mushroom-type knob). Switching between the three, my top choice was the Brown Bros. ST, followed closely by the K-4. The Nye works ok, but it still has a less-than-solid keying action at the bottom of the travel (some call that feeling “mushy”). I can send ok with it, but there’s something about feeling the contacts close that gives me tactile feedback that helps me better time my sending. I think the difference is that I have only the sidetone to help me determine how my fist is doing, while with the other two keys, you get feedback from feeling the contacts close. The Master Key works well, but I don’t feel as confident in my fist as I do with the other two. That would probably change with time and continued use. For now I’m going to keep the K-4 in place.
I have been considering moving a rig out of the shack to fit the TS-690S on the operating desk (or nearby); this will give my desktop back so I can rotate bugs in and out and have room for my arm. What I may do instead is swap the TS-690S with the IC-746 in the library and give the 746 a workout. We’ll see. My wife has us booked pretty solid for Saturday, which includes cutting up 3 5-gallon buckets of tomatoes and helping can tomatoes and tomato juice. Wish us luck!
73 es CUL de KY4Z SK … dit dit …