Robert,

One possibility immediately comes to mind. Sometimes the simple things can be the least obvious....even to us "old timers". I don't think your internal keyer is stuck on. I think the problem is with your key. Read on....

You can't use a straight key with a keyer. A keyer needs two signals from the key to differentiate between dots and dashes. These two signals are usually obtained by moving the key sideways instead of up and down. One sideways direction makes the "dit" contact and the other direction makes the "dah" contact.

If you want to use your keyer, you'll need to get what is commonly referred to as a set of keyer "paddles". NOT a semi-automatic key or "BUG". Do not pay a lot for your first set. As your CW skills increase, you'll want progressively better quality paddles. The connection to the internal keyer's jack has three wires; dit, dah and common. In the case of a 1/4" phone plug, they are tip, ring and sleeve. Consult your radio's manual for which wire goes where. No manual? Google it to see if one is available online.

If you want to stick with your straight key, turn the internal keyer Off. There is no wiring polarity on a straight key - one wire goes to the movable contact and one goes to the stationary contact. On a 1/4 inch phone plug that's tip and sleeve.

A straight key has a slide switch to activate the transmitter constantly for measuring or tuning. Close it to tune. Open it to operate. This slide, if it is closed, may be causing your current problem. It is telling the keyer to produce a constant stream of either dits or dahs, depending on which command line its single contact is wired to.

Hope this helps,

Allan - N4NLQ

Thanks N4NLQ, Allen changing to stereo plug worked, I even did my own soldering.Sent a few CQS and my call sign, who knows maybe next time someone might answer so I better be ready! thanks again 73 KD8LGY