Software Revision 005X

DESCRIPTION

DXKEY is a powerful and versatile Iambic CW memory keyer based on the PIC 12C672 Microprocessor.

DXKEY has been optimized for use during DX pile-ups or contesting where the operator faces increased pressure.  By automating all the repetitive procedures such as CQ calls, responding with standard information and incremental serial numbers. You can even speed up or slow down specific parts of the message to make your messages more effective.

DXKEY is also useful for QRP or EME operators since you can program a CQ call repeating it as many times as you like with a new beacon mode with an inter-message delay up to 90 seconds allowing you to hear any replies and interrupt the message sequence. 

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Iambic CW memory keyer Speed 5-60 WPM

  • Continuously variable speed adjustment via front panel control

  • Iambic mode A or B

  • Weight is programmable Line/Point ratio  Light / 1:3 Normal / Weight

  • Beacon mode available, with inter-message delay programmable from 1 second (short for contests) to about 1.5  minutes (long for propagation tests).

  • 4 independent message memories each one programmable up to 200 characters using the DXKEY Macro language.

  • Contest serial number counter from 000 to 9999 which can be incorporated into the DXKEY message memory. This counter can be incremented or repeated  this flexibility will enable you to programme your contest QSO reply with either a progressively incremented counter in one message memory or a repeated serial number so that you can cope with a station who needs you to repeat the report or you need to cope with a dupe.

  • Low Speed selection which decreases the speed of the outgoing message phrase by 40%.  The introduction of this macro command at any point in a message will decrease the speed temporarily to increase the intelligibility for the other station. Very useful for working DX or in a pile-up. For example your message could be sent as follows:  UR 599 DE IK5XCT (select Low Speed) IK5XCT (deselect Low Speed) 73 TU ... in this message the 2nd IK5XCT is sent 40% slower than the normal speed.

  • High Speed selection which increases the speed of the outgoing message phrase by 40%.  Similar to the Low Speed macro command, but by increasing the speed this can be useful for contests and DXpeditions, such as with the typical message UR 5NN 145 DE IK5XCT 73 TU. The suggestion is that the message is programmed in the following way: (select High Speed) UR 5NN (deselect High Speed) (Incremental Counter) (Toggle High Speed) DE IK5XCT 73 TU ... manually key the other station's callsign then activate this message which will switch to High Speed and only slow down momentarily to send the Incremental Counter.
     

  • Your callsign preprogrammed into DXKEY which you can temporarily re-programmed at any time.
     

  • Tune up tone (key down) until interrupted to enable transceiver tuning.

  • Factory Reset the DXKEY chip back to default conditions.  This function is password protected, just in case.

  • All commands entered in CW with your twin paddle key.

 

DXKEY POWER ON SETTINGS

At power-on the DXKEY initialises with the following parameters:

IAMBIC mode B

Weighting 3:1 (dah:dit ratio)
 

 

MESSAGE STRUCTURE

DXKEY can be programmed with 4 messages of up to 200 characters (excluding spaces) through its powerful macro-language.  The messages are built through the use of the following 4 macro-components types:

1) Callsign - can be personalized with 12 Characters (Letters, Numbers, Symbols)

2) 26 standard (pre-programmed) phrases

3) 5 programmable phrase fields giving a total amount of 50 characters (Letters, Numbers, Symbols) 

4) Functional components (4): 
- Incremental contest counter - 000 to 9999, 
- Repeat contest counter (resend the same serial number without incrementing)
- 40% speed reduction, to increase the intelligibility
- 40% speed increase, for High Speed for Standard Reply for Contest and DXexpedition

Each of these macro-components can be assembled into a memory by using its lookup code of A to Z and 0 to 9 (see chart in the manual)

Each memory has 12 macro-cells which can be filled with one of the macro-components. e.g. To transmit the message UR 599 DE IK5XCT the macro-cells are filled with the lookup codes of: U, H, D, C, Y.  DXKEY automatically adds any inter-word spaces. You can therefore compose any type of message to suit your needs.

 

MESSAGE TRANSMISSION

Any of the 4 messages can be transmitted with a combination of pressing and holding either one of the two remote keypad buttons that are referred to as BT1 and BT2 and operating either the dit or dah paddle of the key.  The use of this remote, hand held, keypad together with a twin paddle key makes transmitting the messages very easy and made operating with DXKEY less stressful than using other keyers.  In fact, while testing the complete DXKEY setup it was found that the use of the remote keypad together with the key paddles was quick and simple and that the use of both hands (and still retaining the ability to manipulate the transceiver whilst holding the keypad) in the selection of messages was very intuitive.

To transmit any of the 4 messages:

MESSAGE 1: Press and hold BT1 - key a dit - Message 1 will be transmitted.

MESSAGE 2: Press and hold BT1 - key a dah - Message 2 will be transmitted.

MESSAGE 3: Press and hold BT2 - key a dit - Message 3 will be transmitted.

MESSAGE 4: Press and hold BT1 - key a dah - Message 4 will be transmitted.

After any message is initiated you can interrupt the message at any point by releasing the keypad button.  You can change the mode of interruption (Command A)so that releasing the keypad key does not interrupt the message.  In this alternative setting keying a dit or dah on the key will force an interruption. See programming command A below.
 

PROGRAMMING THE DXKEY

 For convention red characters depict the DXKEY’s output, such as a reply to a command or the message as sent

To programme the DXKEY press the remote keypad buttons BT1+BT2 together. The DXKEY will reply with the characters E E E. Having entered command mode the DXKEY will then prompt you for a command character by sounding ? E. If you do not reply immediately with a command character it will repeat ? E until you do. If you release one or both of the keypad buttons before the third E is sounded you will return to keyer mode immediately.

Valid Command Characters and their action

A Message interruption mode (Toggle)
B Beacon: Inter-message gap and initial delay
C CALLSIGN Memory (12 Characters) preset/override

D Message store 1 (12 Macro-Cells )
E Message store 2 (12 Macro-Cells )
F Message store 3 (12 Macro-Cells )
G Message store 4 (12 Macro-Cells )

J Change Iambic Mode A/B (toggle)
L Phrase store L (12 Characters)

M Phrase store M (12 Characters)
N Phrase store N (12 Characters)
O Phrase store O (7 Characters)
P Phrase store P (7 Characters)

R Progressive counter - Initial value (set or reset) 
T Tone on (key down) for tuning transceiver
W Weighting adjustment : Light / Normal (1:3) / Heavy

X DXKEY Version Information
Z RESET chip to default settings

General notes when programming the DXKEY

The period, or full stop (di dah di dah di dah), cannot be used as a valid character when programming any memory as this is used to exit programming mode. Use a period in the following circumstances:

=To finish storing characters. if you enter a period after any E in the character storage sequence the DXKEY responds with an R and returns to KEYER mode retaining the message stored.

=To add space when storing characters. If you wish to add space into any message then DO NOT exit by using a period but allow the DXKEY to respond with another (one or more) E without entering a character e.g. this will allow you to enter the phrase IK5XCT QRP with a valid inter-word space.

=If the first character Inserted is the period during message or phrase storage the DXKEY will respond with R E and will then return to KEYER mode.

=If you fill the available memory space The DXKEY will terminate entry mode by responding with an R and returning to KEYER mode retaining the message stored.

=If you need to exit any from any programming command without making changes then immediately enter a period and DXKEY will respond with a  K and will then return to KEYER mode.

Character and Macro-cell programming

 As you can see from the list of valid command characters there are two types of memory. Character based or Macro-Cell based.

CHARACTER based memories (phrase stores L,M,N,O,P) allow you to store up to 12 individual morse characters, with spaces. No prosigns are allowed. These can then be referred to by their lookup-code to programme complex messages in the four message stores.

MACRO-CELL based memories (message stores D,E,F,G) allow you to pick from a number of preset (and user defined) phrases as defined below by their lookup-code. Combining up to 12 lookup-codes will enable you to quickly and easily set-up messages without entering whole passages.

Lookup-codes and their corresponding stored message/action

A [FAST; Increase the speed of the outgoing message by 40%. Also, cancel FAST and return to normal speed]
B BK
C [CALLSIGN]
D DE
E PSE
F INFO
G QRP
H 599 (5NN)
I [Increment and then send: SERIAL NO]
J QSL
K K
L [Send contents of Phrase Store 1]
M [Send contents of Phrase Store 2]
N [Send contents of Phrase Store 3]
O [Send contents of Phrase Store 4]
P [Send contents of Phrase Store 5]
Q CQ
R [Repeat COUNTER, no increment]
S [SLOW the speed of the outgoing message by 40%. Also, cancel SLOW and return to normal speed]
T TEST
U UR
V VIA
W BURO
X DX
Y TU
Z 73
1 MY NAME IS
2 MY QTH IS
3 MY RIG IS
4 MY ANT IS
5 MY PWR IS
6 TNX FER NICE QSO HPE CUAGN
7 QSL IS SURE VIA
8 73 TO U AND FAMILY GB GDX
9 CQ CQ
0 [Sends the CALLSIGN twice]
? ?
BT [Dah Dit Dit Dit Dah] FAST START Beacon in Message Mode (as in menù B mode) For Example.. if you insert in Message 2 BT macro.. and Start this (BT1+DAH).. started Beacon (like when you enter in menù and press B) This Macro worked fine only with Interruption 2 (Menu A - 2)

By using the above lookup-codes in a message store we can send the following message UR 599 DE IK5XCT TU by just entering U H D C Y.

Let us look at the Command Characters in more detail with some examples of how to use them in practice.
 

Command Descriptions

Before entering a command character enter the programming mode by holding down BT1 and BT2 together. The DXKEY will send E E E and will then prompt you for a command character by sounding ? E. Enter a command character as followed:

A Message Interruption Mode (1 or 2) - Toggle

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an A.
DXKEY will reply A E E E and will then tell you which mode it is now in i.e. 1 or 2 R
DXKEY will then return to KEYER Mode.
 Repeating this process again will switch (toggle) DXKEY back to the previous mode.

Message Interruption MODE 1: This is the default mode (in versions 001 to version 004 it is the only mode available). This mode is most often used for DXing and Pile-ups. The message is sent until the Function key BT1 or BT2 is released. This allows the operator to concentrate on the signals and respond quickly.

Message Interruption MODE 2: This is a new mode (version 005). It is most often used in contests or a DXpedition. The message will continue automatically without keeping the BT1 or BT2 function keys pressed. This will keep the operator from becoming tired. The message can be interrupted during sending by pressing a function key or a paddle.

B Programming Beacon DELAY and Start Beacon

Note: Message store 1 is used as the Beacon message.
Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a B
DXKEY will reply B ? E
Key any character from 0 (or T) to 9 as the inter-message delay.    0 = 1second  &  9 = 90 seconds

DXKEY responds with R and will start sending MESSAGE1 - Space - MESSAGE1. And will continue until the operator presses any function key or paddle whereupon DXKEY will return to KEYER mode.

C Programming a New CALLSIGN (12 CHARACTERS)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a C
DXKEY will reply C ? E
Key each character of the new CALLSIGN waiting for an E between each one. You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example:
C ? E I E K E 5 E X E C E T E / E P E (PERIOD) R

The CALLSIGN has now become IK5XCT/P
The CALLSIGN can be inserted in a Message store by using the look-up code C.

D Programming Message store 1 (12 Macro-Cells)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a D
DXKEY will reply D ? E.
Key each lookup-code for your new message waiting for an E between each one (up to 11). You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example:
D ? E Q E Q E D E C E C E E E K E (PERIOD) R
When activated, the message will read CQ CQ DE IK5XCT/P IK5XCT/P PSE K

E Programming Message 2 (12 Macro-Cells)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an E
DXKEY will reply E ? E.
Key each lookup-code for your new message waiting for an E between each one (up to 11). You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example:
E ? E H E I E D E S E C E S E Z E Y E (PERIOD) R

When activated, the message will read 599 001 DE (SLOW) IK5XCT/P (Cancel SLOW) 73 TU

This example shows the power of the Macro Lenguage; Firstly, an RST report and then the incremented SERIAL NO is sent followed by the CALLSIGN previously defined, however, to ensure the other operator can copy your callsign correctly it is sent 40% slower. Then the rest of the message is send at normal speed.  By referring to the Lookup-code table and entering characters into the Macro-cell memories you can create many combinations of message to make operating easier.

F Programming of Message 3 (12 Macro-Cells)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an F
DXKEY will reply F ? E.
Key each lookup-code for your new message waiting for an E between each one (up to 11). You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example

F ? E A E U E H E A E R E A E D E C E Y E (POINT) R

When activated, the message will read (FAST) UR 599 (Cancel FAST) 001 (FAST) DE IK5XCT/P TU

This time the standard phrases are faster by 40%, yet the incremented SERIAL NO is send at the normal speed, so that the other operator can copy it but not waste time on the standard information.

G Programming of Message 4 (12 Macro-Cells)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a G
DXKEY will reply G ? E.
Key each lookup-code for your new message waiting for an E between each one (up to 11). You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example

G ? E F E E 1 E L E 2 E M E J E V E N E 8 E D E C R

This is a very long call but only needs the 12 Macro Cells to give the following message:
INFO (space) MY NAME IS STEFANO QTH IS PISA QSL VIA GQRP 9597 73 TO U AND FAMILY GB GDX DE IK5XCT/P

In this message you will see that between the second and the third E we insert nothing so the DXKEY produces a space. 
Lookup-code L sends the contents of Phrase store 1 previously programmed with the characters STEFANO.
Lookup-code M sends the contents of Phrase store 2 previously programmed with the characters PISA.
Lookup-code N sends the contents of Phrase store 3 previously programmed with the characters GQRP 9597.

J Change Iambic Mode A/B (from A to B or from B to A)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an J
DXKEY will reply J ? E.
The keyer will immediately toggle Iambic mode from A to B or from B to A depending on the starting state.

if changed from Mode B to Mode A A R will be sent.
if changed from Mode A to Mode B B R will be sent.

L Programming of Phrase store 1. (12 Characters)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an L
DXKEY will reply L ? E.
Key each lookup-code for your new message waiting for an E between each one (up to 11). You can exit programming mode at any time by keying a PERIOD.

Example:
L ? E S E T E E E F E A E N E O E (POINT) R
The contents of Phrase store 1 is now STEFANO.
The Lookup-code will be L.

Having these programmable Phrase stores enables complete flexibility of the message output so you can enter personal details to complete some of the standard phrases, such as Lookup-code 1 which will send MY NAME IS...

The Phrase stores can also be useful in the contests when after 599 we need to pass other information such as zone, WW Locator, etc..

M Programming of Phrase store 2 (12 Characters)

As L but the lookup-code is M.

N Programming of Phrase store 3 (12 Characters)

As L but the lookup-code is N.

O Programming of Phrase store 4 (7 Characters)

As L but the lookup-code is O.

Note that for both O and P the number of characters available only 7. Use these phrase stores for brief messages.

For example, when working QRP, you may like to complete the phrase in lookup-code 8 73 TO U AND FAMILY GB GDX by prefixing that sentence with 72 ES. This will be enough to fill either phrase store O or P. Doing this will give you the complete sentence 72 ES 73 TO U AND FAMILY GB GDX.

P Programming of Phrase store 5 (7 Characters)

As L but the lookup-code is P.

R Set or Reset the contest SERIAL NO. 

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an R
DXKEY will reply R ? E

Now, key each of 4 numbers to set a new SERIAL NO waiting for an E between each number (up to 4). Numbers must be between 0000 to 9999.

Note 1: The DXKEY will reset the SERIAL NO (0000) in two cases:

1. If you don’t enter any characters before the 4th E.
2. If non-numeric characters are entered.

Note 2: Numeric characters can be entered by using abbreviations such a T for 0 or N for 9.

Example:

R ? E 1 E 2 E 9 E 0 R

Using the sequence above the SERIAL NO will be set to 1290 ready to be incremented and sent when the Lookup-code I is next used. Subsequent use of the message with the embedded Lookup-code I will result in 1291, then 1292 and so on being sent.  Instead, using the Lookup-code R will repeat the SERIAL NO so DXKEY will send 129T without any increment.

Example:
R ? E T E 1 E 2 E 3 R The counter is now to 123

If the thousand numeric is entered as T or 0 DXKEY will not send that (thousands) 0, giving only 123. All other zeros (0) are sent.

T TONE (key down) for tuning the TX

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a T
DXKEY will reply T R
DXKEY will now send key-down (continuous tone) until either paddle is pressed. This is to aid TX tuning.

W Weight options: Light / 1:3 Normal / Weight (heavy)

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a W
DXKEY will reply W ? E
You can now key your choice of weighting as either L, N or W to give the characteristics below.
Once you have entered your choice DXKEY it will confirm this by repeating the letter (L, N or W ) followed by a R

Mode L (Light) it increases comprehension by decreasing the duration of the Dit element
Mode N (Normal) uses a Dit to Dah ratio of 1:3;
Mode W (Weight/Heavy) for a more musical sound which increases the duration of the Dit with respect to the Dah Element.

X Software Version of  DXKEY

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key an X
DXKEY will reply X E E E and will then procede to send the software version in this format.

DXKEY VER 005X... etc....

Z RESET to Initial Memory Value for DXKEY

Enter programming mode as directed.
Key a Z
DXKEY will reply Z PW ?
PW? DXKEY is waiting for the password to stop you accidentally losing all your settings. The password is R S T which is sent one character at a time.  DXKEY will confirm each correct character with an E, which also prompts for the next character.  If you enter an incorrect character DXKEY will respond with a K and exit without resetting.

Z PW ? E R E S E T  DXKEY will now reset and send the message EEE OK
 

DXKEY’s Initial settings and messages are as follows:

CALLSIGN (C) Your CALLSIGN will be inserted in this field

Message 1 (D) (Beacon) 9 Q D 0 9 Q D 0 E K gives: CQ CQ CQ de (CALLSIGN) (CALLSIGN) CQ CQ CQ de (CALLSIGN) (CALLSIGN) PSE K
Message 2 (E) U H I R D C B gives: UR 5NN (Incremented SERIAL NO) (Repeat SERIAL NO) DE (CALL) BK
Message 3 (F) C C C C C C C C gives: (CALLSIGN) repeated 8 times

Note: Whilst sometimes this may be useful for DX purposes it is best to use this with Interruption mode 1 so that the message will stop when BT2 key is released

Message 4 (G) U H D C Y gives: UR 5NN DE (CALLSIGN) TU

Phrase store 1 (L) EMPTY
Phrase store 2 (M) EMPTY
Phrase store 3 (N) EMPTY
Phrase store 4 (O) EMPTY
Phrase store 5 (P) EMPTY

COUNTER (R) 0000

Weight (W) 3:1 (N)

Iambic mode (J) B

Interruption Mode (A) MODE 1