HamGadgets PicoKeyer-Plus Manual

Ultra low power morse memory keyer

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Ultra Low Power Morse Memory Keyer
The PicoKeyer is a single chip, automatic iambic Morse code memory keyer. Its small size, low
power requirements and robust set of features make it perfect for portable or QRP operation or for
integrating into transmitters or transceivers.
Dual MOSFET keying circuit will key
transmitters up to 60 V, positive or
negative
Simple one-button "menu" interface
Four 60-character message memories can
be chained together for longer messages
Works with any dual lever iambic paddle,
single lever keyer paddle or straight key
Dot and dash memories, automatic timing
and element spacing
Setup and message entry using your
paddle
Auto straight key detect, all message
memories available with straight key
"Bug" mode allows automatic dots with
manually formed dashes
Speed adjustable from 5 to 60 WPM via
menu OR speed control potentiometer
Speed control can be set to your preferred
speed range
Dual-Set Speed allows quick QRS/QRQ
and return to favorite speed
Adjustable weight
Variable pitch audio sidetone
Curtis "A" or "B", "bug" and Ultimatic
keying modes
PicoKeyer-Plus
PicoKeyer-Plus
Features of the PicoKeyer-Plus:
05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5)
Variable letter spacing
Tune mode with on/off carrier or automatic
string if dits for easy tuneup
Beacon mode with adjustable 0 – 99 second
repeat delay and optional power-on auto start
MCW mode for sending audio Morse over
voice radios
Memory "pause" command with automatic
resume allows manual insertion of RST etc.
into message
Auto-incrementing QSO / serial number can
be embedded in memory messages, with or
without leading zeros
Paddle switching - select left or right handed
operation
Variable transmitter QSK delay
compensation
Memory and parameter settings retained with
power off
Low voltage - from as low as 2.5 to 5.5V
Low current - typically under 1 mA when
keying, with automatic extreme low power
sleep mode.
All controls and connectors on board
Page 1 of 19

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Summary of Contents for HamGadgets PicoKeyer-Plus

  • Page 1 The PicoKeyer is a single chip, automatic iambic Morse code memory keyer. Its small size, low power requirements and robust set of features make it perfect for portable or QRP operation or for integrating into transmitters or transceivers. Features of the PicoKeyer-Plus:  ...
  • Page 2 Operating the PicoKeyer-Plus: Once your PicoKeyer-Plus is assembled, mounted in the cabinet and has the battery installed, it’s time to connect your paddles and transmitter or transceiver and take a little time to read this manual to learn how to use your PicoKeyer’s features.
  • Page 3: Power Control

    At this point the keyer will operate as a normal iambic keyer, sending dots and dashes with automatic spacing and timing according to paddle inputs and stored settings. Replacing the Battery The battery in your PicoKeyer-Plus should last for a long time – anywhere from several months to several years. Battery life depends on a few factors: ...
  • Page 4 You may want to use a stereo cable with a radio that requires a mono cable. There’s a very simple modification you can make to your PicoKeyer-Plus to accommodate this. The output (RIG) jack is a 3.5mm stereo jack, with only the sleeve and tip contacts used.
  • Page 5 Using Your Keyer with a Handheld or FM Rig (“MCW” Mode) One of the unique features of your PicoKeyer-Plus is MCW mode (menu option “T” for sidetone, select “M” for MCW). In this mode, the keying output can be used to trigger the PTT input of a VHF or UHF handie-talkie or FM mobile rig, allowing you to use your FM rig for Morse code.
  • Page 6 You will likely find it easiest to connect the keyer via the packet data connector. The schematic shows an optional audio level control potentiometer that may or may not be needed. Figure 4 - Keying FM mobile rigs PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 6 of 19...
  • Page 7: About Setup Mode

    Tap the setup button once when you are finished recording. The keyer will send R and the message number to indicate the end of the message. You can then Play the message back. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 7 of 19...
  • Page 8 CW message. You could store, “CQ /R/R DE /F2N0XAS /R/R K /F0/B”. Remember to set the letter spacing back to your normal setting.  To insert an extra word space in your message, use the special prosign character “1M” (.------). PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 8 of 19...
  • Page 9 In “Bug” mode, dots are made automatically with the correct spacing and length with one paddle input, while dashes are made manually with the other. If straight key mode is selected while using a paddle, either paddle input will key the transmitter. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 9 of 19...
  • Page 10 You can also perform a factory reset at power-on. The button is pressed when power is first applied, the keyer will send “RESET?” in Morse code. Tap either paddle to perform the reset, or press the button to exit without resetting. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 10 of 19...
  • Page 11: Before You Start

    Before You Start Your PicoKeyer-Plus kit was designed with the beginning kit builder in mind. With just a little care and practice, even a first time kit builder can complete the project in a relatively short time. You will need to gather a few tools and supplies together before beginning to assemble your kit.
  • Page 12 PCB. You can build your PicoKeyer-Plus kit to be powered by either the on-board coin cell battery or external DC power. During normal use, the supplied battery should last at least a year or two. If you wish to use external power, install the supplied Zener diode and resistor in Step 9 instead of the battery holder.
  • Page 13 For external power, leave the battery holder off and install the resistor and Zener diode instead. I recommend using the battery unless you are building your PicoKeyer-Plus into another piece of equipment such as a transmitter or transceiver. DO NOT use both external power and the battery – ever! To use the on-board coin cell battery, locate and install the battery holder.
  • Page 14 Orientation is important here! Insert the chip into the socket so that the notch and/or dot on the chip are on the same end as the notch in the socket and the notch outline on the PCB. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 14 of 19...
  • Page 15 If you have the optional cabinet, now would be a good time to mount your keyer in the cabinet. Make sure the speaker is underneath the holes drilled in the top cover. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 15 of 19...
  • Page 16 JP1 pin 3, OR the solder pad shown just to the left of the arrow. The PIC processor chip used in the PicoKeyer-Plus can drive small ear buds or headphones with 32 Ohms or greater impedance. For larger speakers or lower impedance headphones, you’ll need to use and external amplifier.
  • Page 17: Support Information

    Should you need support, have questions, have feature requests or bug/problem reports, please feel free to contact me via email at n0xas@HamGadgets.com. I will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible Troubleshooting Having problems during or after assembly of your kit? Don’t worry… it’s fixable! Here are some common problems and what to do about them.
  • Page 18 A: You have probably selected “MCW” mode. In this mode the keying output is used for PTT and audio is fed to an FM transmitter for on-air code practice with FM radios. Check the “T” menu setting. PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5)
  • Page 19: Schematic Diagram

    Audio tone JP1-7 DASH paddle input Speed pot Range Lo Xmit precomp. Delay Speed pot Range Hi Firmware Version Letter spacing 0-9 Command mode Cut numbers 0 / 9 Factory Reset Schematic Diagram PicoKeyer-Plus 05/25/2014 (Firmware V4.5) Page 19 of 19...

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