TiCK-2B, introduction of the ultimate TiCK


From Left, Orange marked TiCK-1, Blue TiCK-2 and the silver TiCK-2B

Last year Japanese QRPer gathered this page did group purchase of TiCK chip. Later the chip was introduced in Mobile-Ham magazine which support QRP article often. Now the chip is very popular among the Japanese QRPers and homebrewers. Every one suprized the small TiCK performance and felt the next generation after the 8044ABM. But, honestly says, there was a little dissapoint between the QRP contester who need quick message startup. Because the TiCK-2 original chip need two step sequence to start its sored message.

Now the Embedde Reaerch released the TiCK2B and they totally solved the problem. See my report.


Package

As well as former TiCK version the Embedded is selling DIP and SOP. I guess, most of the home brewer will tend to buy DIP version. But I introduced in other page the SOP version is much smaller and simple than you think. If you will place the TiCK parmanently you should choose TiCK-2B flat package to save the space. You can distinguish the TiCK version by its surface dot mark. The silver one is the TiCK-2B. For me the ultimate chip worth as a silver mine actually.

New Function 1: One push message playback


The significant difference is one push play back of message. Former version need two step and you must be patient to wait nealy a second to start the message, This function was enouch for usual CQ. But the contester and QRP DXer who join the pile up who need precise timing for start their CQ did not satisfied. Now the moment you push the button the message will start. How useful is it.!. This function is works when the message is stored in TiCK memory already. The hideden (S)peed command is activated by
push hold the button. There is no incovenience.
Most of the other function in the TiCK-2B is same as the TiCK-2.

New Function 2 : Beacon transmission


Not familier BEACON command is added in the ADMIN mode. If you release the hold button at the BECON command and hit the any of the paddles, the BEACON mode is toggled. Soon after toggled nothing will happen but you will notice when you play the message next time. Continuously your message will be transmitted from your TiCK. Between the message a wait nearly a second is exist. Thus you can y\use this function for your successive CQ call i your contest.

My Impression


Additional Two Dollar bring us the two functions above. But our QRP CWer feeling is much more than I paid. The covenience of two function is invaluable when you use them in your operation. I admire Embedded Reserch engineering who packed the advanced function again, Still the memory quantity is not enough for QRPer (Because we need to send additional /QRP with our callsign). I can say this is the ultimate TiCK you should buy. The TiCK performance and price totally defeated the Currtis 8044ABM chip. I recommend this TiCK-2B with my confidence. Who alredy have TiCK-1/2 should buy for thier easy upgrade and who do not experienced TiCK you sould try.

de JL1KRA(Junichi Nakajima)
I have no relation to the Embedded Reserch. Just a one TiCK fan in Japan.



The TiCK2 Command sequence

Command Loop Admin mode loop How to select command TiCK-2B status or function, Additional Functions
�@ �@ PUSH ONE PUSH MESSAGE PLAY BACK when they are stored already by INPUT mode., when the BEACON mode is selected continuous playback
S �@ PUSH /
HOLD& RELEASE
SPEED mode (DOT:slower, DASH:faster)
M �@ H & R MESSAGE playback as well as TiCK-2
T �@ H & R TUNE key down for TX test
A �@ H & R ADMIN enteing, once you release the button and push again to select latter commands. If you don't release it will loop to command S soon.
�@ I H & R INPUT message input
�@ P
H & R Paddle exchange (left and righthand)
�@ A H & R Sidetone suppresion when you use
the TiCK with tone equipped rig.
�@ SK
H & R Straight Key mode for your convenience
�@ M
H &R Iambic mode selection A/B
�@ B
H & R BEACON mode toggled by hit paddle
�@ K
H & R Keyer default, clear all status
�@ S H & R Loop to Speed


de JL1KRA