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SPEED CONTROL - The speed control adjusts the speed of the HK5A over a range of approxi-
mately 8 to 50 WPM.
WEIGHT CONTROL - The weight control allows the lengthening of the dots and dashes for more
distinctive keying. Advancing the weight control too far will result in constant keying.
VOLUME CONTROL - The volume control controls the volume of the internal sidetone oscillator.
TONE CONTROL - The tone control controls the pitch of the internal oscillator.
EXTERNAL POWER JACK
The HK5A may be powered by a 6 volt battery eliminator type unit. The battery eliminator
should be equipped with a 2.5 MM plug with the tip connected to the positive lead. Inserting the
plug into the external power jack automatically disconnects the internal batteries.
HAND KEY JACK
The hand key jack accepts a standard 2CKT 1/4 inch phone plug (not provided). This jack al-
lows manual operation of the transmitter while retaining the sidetone monitor feature built in to
the HK5A. The HK5A may also be used as a code practice oscillator in this manner.
IAMBIC OR SQUEEZE OPERATION
Iambic or squeeze keying refers to the ability of the keyer to send alternate dots and dashes
when both keyer paddles are depressed simultaneously. There are seven letters of the alphabet
that can be "squeezed". They are C, F, K, L, Q, R and Y. Instead of keying each element of the let-
ter separately, the letter can be sent with a single squeeze of the paddles. Some practice is neces-
sary to become accomplished at squeeze keying but the result is smooth and almost effortless key-
ing. As an example, the letter C can be squeeze keyed by squeezing both paddles simultaneously
but leading the squeeze with the dash paddle.
The letter Q is squeezed by holding the dash paddle closed and inserting the dot at appropriate
time The dash paddle should not be released until the entire character has been sent.
The squeeze technique is easier to learn at slower speeds, so start slow and gradually increase
your speed. Persistence is the key to success.
ERRATIC KEYING
There are two possible causes for erratic keying,dirty key contacts and RF interference from the
station transmitter.
Dirty key contacts will usually cause letters to be missing dots or dashes. A periodic cleaning of
the contacts with a good commercial contact cleaner will usually eliminate this problem.
The second problem, that of RF interference in the keyer may show up as steady or uncontrol-
lable keying of the transmitter. If the HK5A keys normally while the transmitter is turned off or is
being operated at reduced power but is erratic with maximum RF output, the problem is caused by
RF interference. One or more of the following suggestions should eliminate RF interference.
Connect a ground wire between the metal cabinet of the HK5A and the transmitter. The station
transmitter should always be connected to a good earth ground.
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