The contest keyer design adds more features into the chip. The keyer can accepts command which is given by the user via paddle. It also has several button which ease operation. Recalling memory messages is just one button push away. For contest requirement, the keyer has capability to send serial number (progressive number). You just have to press button and the keyer will send the next serial number.
User can store message into chip's internal memory. There are 3 memory location to program.
One memory in chip's RAM (40 chars) and the other two in EEPROM region (up to 50 chars).
The keyer also programmed with several common message, like CQ CQ DE
Keyer Schematic (JPG or EAGLE)
Component Layout
PCB (Eagle format)
The keyer has 6 button they are CMD/MSG, M1, M2, M3, INC/DEC, and SNUM. Pressing CMD/MSG button will play the selected message, while press and hold the button will put the keyer into command mode where you can command the keyer to alter its setting.
M1, M2 and M3 are memory button. Pressing this button will play its contents. To set the memory contents, press and hold the button until you are in recording mode.
INC/DEC and SNUM are button used for contest serial number (or progressive number). Pressing INC/DEC will increment the number and send it, while press and hold will decrement the number and send it. SNUM is used to repeat last serial number.
Here is the keyer command :
A Use Alternate Callsign
B Beacon Mode
C Enter Alternate Callsign
F Fast/Slow Speed Select
M Message Select
S Semi/Full Automatic Keyer
X Exchange Paddle
I set some common message, so you don't have to enter them manually. If you need special message which not in the list below, you then need to program it into memory using M1 to M3 button.
Short CQ Message
Long CQ Message
CQ DX Message
Contest Message
NCS CQ Message