DL4YHF's PIC-Keyer

last updated: July 2005.

Main site now at: www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/pic_key.html
Backup site : www.mydarc.de/dl4yhf

This project describes the construction of a real "QRP" keyer with a small microcontroller (PIC 16F84, with slightly modified hardware also PIC16F628). This keyer features:

  • variable CW speed, adjustable via poti from 20 to 300 letters per minute (4..60 WPM)

  • two message-memories (50..64 letters), each controlled by a pushbutton

  • command mode only required for setup and more complex features

  • special modes like "endless" calling loop and automatic contest number generation

  • very low power consumption: 50..200 uA at 2.4 V supply when active, < 1 uA in standby mode

  • simple circuit, can be built on PCB with less than "half matchbox size"

  • dash/dot-memory can be turned on and off ("Iambic mode A" and "B")

  • Controller is clocked by a built-in RC-oscillator with only 50kHz clock frequency

  • passive piezo speaker can be connected for "sidetone" generation

  • originally designed for a PIC16F84, but firmware also available for PIC16F628.

Available since February 2004: A very simple firmware for the PIC16F628 for CW beacon control, written in PIC C (CC5X). Sends messages up to 128 characters from an ASCII string table in data EEPROM. Planned to be used in the 10GHz-beacon DB0UBI. If you need the beacon control software please ask.

More about the PIC-Keyer...


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