++++++++++++++++ See also K2 Keyer Notes ++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 10:52:21 -0500 To: "James R. Kauten, MD, W4TE" , From: Tom Hammond Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Use of external keyer with K2 Hi Jim: James R. Kauten, MD, W4TE wrote: >Has anyone had experience using an external keyer such as the logikeyer, >the W5XD multikeyer, or VK-64 by Unified Microsystems with the K2? I've used either the Idiom Press Logikeyer (CMOS 4) or my CMOS II or III with my K2 since day one with no problems whatsoever. In fact, I prefer using the external keyer a bit better than using the K2's internal keyer since I then have more control over the weighting, etc. >I use both with a Yaesu FT 1000mp and they work well. I need to know the >pin out to use these with a K2. The W5XD (Writelog) keyer has a stereo >1/8 inch plug and the Logikeyer and the UM VK-64 both use an RCA audio >plug as their outputs. There are two ways to configure the K2 for external keying (refer to the CW OPERATION section of your manual): 1) NON-AUTO-DETECT MODE This mode requires that you use a 1/8" STEREO plug, wired with ground to the SHIELD and the keyed line connected to the TIP of the plug. In other words, a direct plug-in connection from the keyer to the K2. Auto-Detect can be turned OFF if desired. Find the [T-R] menu entry, EDIT the parameter, then tap DISPLAY to select ADET OFF. 2) AUTO-DETECT MODE This mode is handy because it allows you to use BOTH a paddle, directly plugged into the K2's internal keyer, AND an external keying device, wired in PARALLEL with the DIT/DAH contacts of the paddle. I personally use this mode to allow me to use my external keyer (wired with a monaural 1/4" plug) and plugged into a short jumper (1/4" mono in - 1/8" stereo out). Auto-Detect can be turned ON if desired. Find the [T-R] menu entry, EDIT the parameter, then tap DISPLAY to select ADET ON. Refer to the curcuit diagram in the CW OPERATION section of your manual to allow you to enable the keyed keyer output to be diode ANDed and used to key the K2. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "Indy" From: "Indy" To: Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2003 13:16:45 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] keyers... Regarding a recent post about keyers to use with the K2, or K1 for that = matter, my favorite was omitted, perhaps it is not well known. Island Keyer II, by Jackson Harbor Press... what's not to like? It has all the features of the famous Super-keyers, and then some, = including programmable command keys, a bug debouncer circuit for the = pesky scraping dit contacts, additional emmulation modes, much more = memory space, and the kit costs substantially less. He even responded = to a programming need I had by adding a command to the chip for me! http://jacksonharbor.home.att.net/ham.htm I am also enjoying using his Son-of-Zerobeat, a visual zeroing device = with seven LED's. Usual disclaimers, I am in no way attached to JHP. 72, Fred kt5x / w5ya K2 # 700 +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 14:22:43 -0500 To: Kfivebgb at aol.com, elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond Subject: [Elecraft] Re: External Keyer w/K2 Hi Rod: >Without even realizing it, you solved a dilemma I've had with my K2 from >day one. Firstly though, I do hope life is treating you well and that >things are looking up for you. It's so good to see you back on the reflector. Things are 'good' once again. Still recovering, but I'm feeling much better and now working on getting me 'spizzer' back, so I can do a LOT more things I now have backed up in the hopper... hehehe! Can't wait to hear what I was I 'magically' solved... >So, you're asking yourself, "What's his dilemma?" Well, very simply put, >it was solving how to key my K2 with an external keyer. I've never been >fond of internal keyers and am even less fond of the K2's internal keyer. >On the other hand, I have to admit that the internal keyer in my Argonaut >V comes awfully close to my Idiom Press CMOS 4. Anyhow, I've read, read >and re-read the page in the K2 manual regarding using an external keyer. >For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why they showed the diodes. To >make bad matters worse, unless I'm blind, there's no mention made anywhere >about going into the menu as you so thoroughly described. Guess I got lucky... The way I did mine, since I have rigs which use both 1/4" and 1/8" plugs, was to make a 'tweenie' (to go 'tween' the keyer and the rig), which has a 1/4" stereo FEMALE jack on one end and a 1/8" MALE stereo plug on the other, with about 4" of 2-wire shielded cable inbetween. I wired the 1/4" jack directly to the cable and then (carefully) installed the two diodes into the body of the 1/8" plug. this way, when I want to key the K2, I just plug the keyer's 1/4" plug into the tweenie and I'm all set to go. I set AUTO DET to ON, so I can also plug a paddle directly into the jack if I don't need to key from an external keyer and I don't have to change any menu settings. Handy for when I'm traveling and don't being the CMOS 4 with me. >Thanks to your comments on today's Elecraft reflector, you've greatly >simplified my life. I'd already made up a cable to connect the CMOS 4 to >the TT, so now I can use the same one to the K2 and just change the menu. >Fantastic! No more being misery with the K2's internal keyer. I've found the K2's internal keyer to be quite adequate for much of my operation, but I generally prefer a slightly lighter weighting than the K2 can provide, so using an external keyer handles this for me. 73, and have fun. Tom Hammond N0SS +++++++++++++++++