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QRPworks SideKar Extreme User Manual

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QRPworks
™
SideKar Extreme
User Manual
SideKar Extreme User Manual
rev 2.1
Page 1 of 87

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Summary of Contents for QRPworks SideKar Extreme

  • Page 1 QRPworks ™ SideKar Extreme User Manual SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 1 of 87...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Overview SideKar Extreme Installation Keyboard Choices Starting Up Using the SideKar Extreme Buttons The Keyer Inside Transmitting Creating and Editing Text Messages Creating and Sending Rig Macros Editing Stored Text Messages/Macros Summary of Message Editing Operation: Stored Text Message/Macro Summary...
  • Page 3 Compatibility with Other Products Updating the Firmware Technology Support Acknowledgements Troubleshooting Tips Appendix A: QRP Labs Classic QCX CAT Port Summary of Keyboard Commands Summary of Logging Commands Firmware Revision History Index SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 3 of 87...

  • Page 4: Overview

    Overview Thank you for your purchase of the QRPworks SideKar Extreme. Its purpose is to enhance your operating experience whether portable or in your home shack. It can be used with any rig, but has specific interfaces to the: ...
  • Page 5  Frequency and Mode are automatically populated in the log The SideKar Extreme provides many features for the portable operator, whether out on the trail, in a park, on vacation, or at home.

  • Page 6: Sidekar Extreme Installation

    KX3 just by changing a few simple brackets. KX3 Installation The SideKar Extreme is designed to mount on the right side of the KX3, above the antenna BNC connector. . 1. On the right side of the KX3, remove the black flat head Philips screw in the upper back position, closest to the A/B button.
  • Page 7 Install supplied shoulder screw and washer 3. Loosen, but do not remove, the thumbscrew for the KX3 right foot. Fold the KX3 foot under the KX3 so it is not extended. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 7 of 87...
  • Page 8 SideKar Extreme. Note the bracket is not symmetrical. The longer slot goes against the SideKar Extreme and the shorter slot goes against the KX3. If it is reversed, the SideKar Extreme can slide down too far and hit the antenna BNC connector.
  • Page 9 This hole is not used – Do Not insert a screw in it 6. Position the SideKar Extreme so the installed shoulder screw on the KX3 is in the round portion of the keyed slot and flat against the KX3.
  • Page 10 Align the Shoulder Screw in the round opening 7. Slide / wiggle the SideKar Extreme down until the notch at the bottom of the SideKar Extreme bracket is under the KX3’s thumbscrew head. If the SideKar Extreme hits the BNC connector, the bracket is installed backwards.
  • Page 11 4. Lightly tighten the KX3 thumbscrew, and then swing the KX3 foot out to further tighten the foot. The SideKar Extreme should now be snug against the side of the KX3. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 11 of 87...
  • Page 12 KX2 Installation The SideKar Extreme sits on the top back of the KX2. 1. On the KX2, remove the Elecraft swinging foot and set it aside for later installation on the SideKar Extreme. Install 2 supplied thumbscrews into the holes in the back of the KX2, as shown.
  • Page 13 Extreme Short side against the Long Side against the SideKar Extreme 3. Slide the 2 brackets on the SideKar Extreme under the thumbscrews on the back of the KX2. Tighten the thumbscrews. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 13 of 87...
  • Page 14 SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 14 of 87...
  • Page 15 Desktop Installation To use the SideKar Extreme on a surface without mounting it on a rig, a tall leg is recommended. It’s available at www.QRPworks.com Remove the small flat head screw at the top center of the SideKar Extreme. Install the tall leg with a thumbscrew in its place.
  • Page 16 (or equivalent). Plug one end in the QCX CAT port and the other end in the SideKar Extreme’s “FT-Q” port, located on the right side of the SideKar Extreme. Do NOT plug it into the RS232 Rig port on the top of the SideKar Extreme. The QCX CAT port is 5 volts, not RS232 levels.
  • Page 17 K3s into the K3s RS232 port. Use a DB9-M to 3.5 mm cable (available from QRPworks) from the DE9 adapter to the SideKar Extreme KX Rig port. Do not connect the radio cable if the PC cable is in use.
  • Page 18 For the DC connector, connect the DC positive voltage to the center pin.  Connect a USB keyboard to the SideKar Extreme KYB port on the right. This is used for transmitting and controlling the rig. A wired or wireless keyboard may be used.
  • Page 19 NOTE: The QCX and QSX must always be connected to the FT-Q port on the SideKar Extreme NOT the RS-232 port on the top. QRPworks is not responsible for any damage to the SideKar Extreme or the QCX if the wrong serial port is used. Elecraft KX3/KX2/K3/K3s Settings: For the SideKar Extreme to display transmitted text, the KX3 firmware must be at MCU version 2.19 or later.
  • Page 20 Refer to the Data Modes section in the rig’s manual PX3, KXPA100, P3, KPA500, KPA1500 Connections: The SideKar Extreme is always at the end of the serial connections. Basically, it takes the place of a PC. So it gets connected where the PC would be connected.

  • Page 21: Keyboard Choices

    QCX Settings: No specific settings are needed. Keyboard Choices The SideKar Extreme can be used with a wired or wireless USB keyboard. Please note that the wireless keyboard must be a 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard, and NOT a Bluetooth keyboard. Plug the wireless receiver dongle received with the keyboard into the KBD port.

  • Page 22: Starting Up

    Starting Up When the SideKar Extreme is powered on, you will see a welcome screen briefly. For reference, the firmware version is displayed on this screen: The internal WinKeyer will then be initialized. Upon success you will see: If you see this screen instead, the WinKeyer initialization has failed.
  • Page 23 If the rig is not decoding and displaying characters, then the SideKar Extreme screen will be blank. If the SideKar Extreme does not connect to the rig and you troubleshooting tips expect a connection, please see the SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1...

  • Page 24: Using The Sidekar Extreme Buttons

    “Button 1 Set” or “Button 2 Set”. The function is now assigned to the button you held, and will be remembered even when powered off. To assign the second button, reset the SideKar Extreme (Alt- R) and repeat this process. The default functions shipped are: ...
  • Page 25 KX3 / K3 / K3S only) 12. SideKar Extreme Shows SideKar Same as Alt-V Voltage Extreme voltage and SideKar Extreme Serial Number 13. Date/Time Enters date/time Same as Alt-D 14. Exit Exits this function list SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 25 of 87...

  • Page 26: The Keyer Inside

    The Keyer Inside The SideKar Extreme can send CW to any rig that has a straight key input. The keying functions are provided by the powerful K1EL WinKeyer, and its features are at your fingertips. The SideKar Extreme offers the following keyer features: ...
  • Page 27 In this mode, the WinKeyer functions from the keyboard are NOT available. Use the rig’s controls instead. 2. No Connection from the SideKar Extreme to the rig via the ACC port Plug your paddle into the PADDLE port on the right side of the SideKar Extreme and connect a mono or stereo cable with 3.5mm connectors (right-angle is best) from...
  • Page 28 For Non-Elecraft rigs, plug your paddle into the PADDLE port on the right side of the SideKar Extreme and connect a mono or stereo cable with 3.5mm connectors (right-angle is best) from the KEYOUT port to your rig’s key input. Set the rig to straight key for the paddle keying mode.

  • Page 29: Transmitting

    2. Use the SideKar Extreme’s WinKeyer to send CW. Connect your paddle to the Paddle input on the right side of the SideKar Extreme and connect the KeyOut to your rig’s key input. Set the rig to have a straight key input, and not a paddle input.
  • Page 30 10 messages. Each message can be up to 80 characters. There are 2 SideKar Extreme modes offered to send text using the keyboard.  Immediate Mode – characters are sent to the rig as they are typed on the keyboard.
  • Page 31 To transmit text, type on the keyboard. The characters will appear on the bottom line of the SideKar Extreme display, and be sent to the rig when: 1. The number of buffered characters typed reaches the number set using ALT-O…or…...
  • Page 32 PSK63, RTTY, CW). As such, there is no way to differentiate upper and lower case letters. All letters are sent using lower case. The SideKar Extreme uses the same features in the rig, and the result, as you might have guessed, is the same. All characters are sent lower case, regardless of whether you type upper or lower case on the keyboard.

  • Page 33: Creating And Editing Text Messages

    Creating and Editing Text Messages The SideKar Extreme has 20 memory locations for either text messages or rig macros. Any of the 20 can be used for either. Each of the 20 text messages or rig macros can be 80 characters each.
  • Page 34 If you want to cancel the editing of a message, press the ESC key at any time. The SideKar Extreme will return to the normal mode. The LED will go out and you will see the following message briefly: SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1...
  • Page 35 Naming Text Messages The SideKar Extreme provides a way to name a message. The name will then be shown in the message summary screen as a handy reminder. To name a message, simply enter the name as the first characters followed by a colon “:”. Everything to the left of the colon is the message name and is not sent to the rig.
  • Page 36 To send a stored text message, just press the F or Alt-F key of the message to be sent. The sent message will appear on the SideKar Extreme screen as it is being sent by the rig. If you press an F key more than once, or multiple F keys in sequence, the messages will be sent in sequence (chained).

  • Page 37: Creating And Sending Rig Macros

    For the KX3, the macros can be written in the KX3 Utility, and two of the macros can be assigned to the PF1 or PF2 buttons on the KX3. The SideKar Extreme expands that by allowing you to create and store 20 macros, 80 characters each in the SideKar Extreme, and executing them with a simple keystroke.
  • Page 38 Creating or Editing a Rig Macro: You can create and edit messages and rig macros from your PC or Mac has been added by using the QRPworks Message Management Utility program, available free on the QRPworks.com website (click on Support).
  • Page 39 If you want to cancel the editing of a macro, press the ESC key at any time. The SideKar Extreme will return to the real-time receiving mode. The Status LED will go out and you will see the following message briefly:...
  • Page 40 Note: If naming a macro, do not put a space between the colon(:) and the first character. Or a space in front of any command, for that matter. Correct: .RTTY:FA00014080000;MD6;DT2;SWH17;PC005; Incorrect: .RTTY: FA00014080000;MD6;DT2;SWH17;PC005; SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 40 of 87...

  • Page 41: Editing Stored Text Messages/Macros

    Insert, where a new character is inserted to the left of the cursor. The cursor will be a blinking box.  Replace, where a new character replaces the character at the cursor. The cursor will be an underline. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 41 of 87...
  • Page 42 Messages and macros can be 80 characters. Note: the Win key can be used instead or the Ins key. This is to accommodate small keyboards without Ins key. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 42 of 87...

  • Page 43: Summary Of Message Editing Operation

    Stored Text Message/Macro Summary If you don’t recall which text message or macro is stored where, the SideKar Extreme can help. While in the normal mode (Status LED off), press Page Down or Page Up on the keyboard, and the first 16 characters of the first 4 messages or macros will be shown.

  • Page 44: Reserved Message / Macro Characters

    : - (colon) used to separate the name of the message or macro from the actual message text or macro command. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 44 of 87...

  • Page 45: Summary Of Message Summary Operation

    Keyboard You can assign functions “Send Msg 1” and “Send Msg 2” to the PB1 or PB2 buttons to immediately send message 1 or 2. Using the SideKar Extreme Buttons to learn how to configure the buttons to do this.

  • Page 46: Call Sign Entered

    Call Sign Entered The SideKar Extreme gives you the ability to capture another station’s call sign and have it sent out automatically in messages and automatically populate the log. You may be familiar with this feature in most contest loggers and PSK31 or RTTY programs.

  • Page 47: Grab & Go

    Grab & Go™ ™ The SideKar Extreme has a unique feature call Grab & Go which helps you to maintain the flow in contests or regular QSOs. Grab & Go allows you capture (grab) a station’s call at the same time you are responding on the air. This is instead of typing the other stations call in the Enter Call screen (Alt-C) and then sending it subsequently.

  • Page 48: Contesting

    Press the message F key again for the rest of the message to be sent Contesting While the SideKar Extreme is not a substitute for a full contest logging program, it can help with sending your contest exchange and the general flow of many contests.
  • Page 49 DXpedition (for running stations) 2. In the Log screen, when you enter a call and press TAB, the SideKar Extreme will check for duplicates in the log. Remember a dupe is defined differently for each contest. For example, for Field Day, it is the same call on the same band and same mode.
  • Page 50 (“599 SFL”) or name and state (“Steve NY”), the exchange can simply be put in one of the 20 text message locations (F1:F10, Alt-F1:Alt-F10) and sent with a single keystroke. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 50 of 87...
  • Page 51 If the contest exchange contains a QSO serial number, the SideKar Extreme has a feature to help. To use the serial number feature,  Use the “#” (without the quotes) in a text message where you want to send the serial number. For the following examples, assume the next serial number is 234.

  • Page 52: Logging

    Logging Some basic logging features are available when using the SideKar Extreme. While it does not try to replicate a full blown log or contest logging program, it does allow you to capture the basic QSO information easily and export it to a standard ADIF file.
  • Page 53 To access the SideKar Extreme log, press Alt-L. You will then see the following logging functions screen: L: to log a new QSO. There is room for 1000 QSOs. F: to find an existing QSO in the log. Enter all or part of a call.
  • Page 54 IOTA needs to use the ADIF tag “MY_IOTA” Selecting the reference type selects the proper ADIF tag for output. See the QRPworks ADIF Utility manual on the QRPworks website (under Support, Utilities) for more information on creating an ADIF file.
  • Page 55 Page Up / Down keys. Logging a New QSO To log a new QSO, enter the SideKar Extreme Log by pressing Alt-L, and then L to Log a QSO. The QSO log screen will then be shown To navigate from field-to-field, press TAB.
  • Page 56 In version 1.9 of the Utility,  RST RCVD is now added as an ADIF field. The format of the 10 character Exch field in the QRPworks log is now Rcvd / Sent  If a / character is found, the characters to the left of the /...

  • Page 57: Logging Activities Using References

    4 characters for RTTY. This will be automatically filled in with the mode selected at the time you accessed this screen. Logging Activities using References The SideKar Extreme provides features for operators in a number of activities to manage various references, such as: ...
  • Page 58 In the following screenshot example: 2 SOTA Summit Refs are entered, both with a short note Number 02, Pikes Peak, is selected as the active reference. Note the asterisk indicating so. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 58 of 87...
  • Page 59 S to select it)  Now go to the log, find the QSO, and hit Enter to re- save it. The currently active reference will now be saved with that QSO. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 59 of 87...
  • Page 60 Selecting the reference type selects the proper ADIF tag for output. Note: Once an ADIF export is done, you’ll need to reset the rig and SideKar Extreme to resume normal operations. The easiest way to do this is to power both off, then power on the rig first.

  • Page 61: Rig Specific Features

     QRP Labs QCX, QSX (planned) For rigs interfaced with the SideKar Extreme you can use the Quick QSY feature to change frequency and mode very quickly. (The QCX mode is always CW as it is a CW only rig).
  • Page 62 Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, K3S  QRP Labs QCX, QSX (planned) For displaying rig decoded text, the SideKar Extreme takes advantage of the innovative rig feature whereby the rig decodes incoming data and displays the decoded text on a scrolling 8-character display at the bottom right of the rig’s screen.
  • Page 63 Some users prefer to see the decoded text on the PX3, but use the messaging, macros and log on the SideKar Extreme. Press Alt-T to toggle between receiving decoded text or not. The default is to receive text, and is set to receiving the text each time the SideKar Extreme is powered up.
  • Page 64 The text on the screen is now frozen, not changing. Note: even though the screen is frozen, behind the scenes the SideKar Extreme is still collecting text from the rig. So when you go back to normal, real-time receiving, you’ll see the most recent text received.
  • Page 65 To resume real-time receiving, while in the Freeze/Scroll mode, TAP the Freeze button again. Or if using a keyboard, press Alt-F or ESC. You will briefly see the following message: SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 65 of 87...
  • Page 66 Back to real- Freeze/Scroll or Alt-F or time receiving Transmitting Applicable to:  Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, K3S  Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, FT^-897  QRP Labs QCX, QSX (planned) SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 66 of 87...
  • Page 67 FSK-D, it will send RTTY.  If it is set to CW, it will send CW You just type and the SideKar Extreme and the rig will take care of the rest. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1...

  • Page 68: Lcd Backlight Brightness

    In the SideKar Extreme, the first 4 levels are a group that are lower brightness levels, and more appropriate for running on a battery. The remaining 3 higher levels are more suitable when not running on a battery.

  • Page 69: Setting The Date And Time

    Setting the Date and Time The date and time are automatically used by the logging function to record the date and time of each QSO. With the SideKar Extreme on in the normal receiving mode, press Alt-D. o Enter the Date in yyyymmdd format o Enter the 24 hour time in hhmm format o Switch between date and time using the Tab key.

  • Page 70: Battery Replacement

    Battery Replacement The CR2032 button battery is used to maintain the time and date when power is removed from the SideKar Extreme. It typically lasts for 5 years. To replace it:  IMPORTANT: DO NOT REMOVE THE BATTERY OUT OF THE HOLDER BY LIFTING OR PRYING THE BATTERY UP.
  • Page 71 Twist so the right side which doesn’t have contact on top of the battery comes up first. Important reminder: DO NOT put any upward force on the battery holder! SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 71 of 87...

  • Page 72: System Reset

    System Reset If you want to reset the SideKar Extreme, press Alt-R. Then press “Y” to confirm the reset or “N” or ESC to cancel the reset. The reset is similar to turning the unit off and then on again.

  • Page 73: Compatibility With Other Products

    For the Elecraft products, in general, it is connected as the last device in the serial (ACC) connection chain.  PX3 – connect the SideKar Extreme to the ACC1 (PC) port on the PX3. For the SideKar Extreme to display decoded text from the KX3, the text decode function on the PX3 must be turned off.
  • Page 74 Unplug the 3.5mm serial data from the KX2ACBL adapter. Then, plug one end of the cable for the SideKar Extreme into the Rig port of the SideKar Extreme and the other end into the KX2ACBL adapter port you had just disconnected.
  • Page 75 You will no longer be controlling the amplifier using the PA mode On/Off from the KX2 menu.  Note: Pressing the ATU button on the KX2 will still tune the KXPA100 amplifier as before. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 75 of 87...

  • Page 76: Updating The Firmware

    Contact page if an update is needed. Technology The SideKar Extreme is not just a larger screen. Inside is a PIC microcontroller. It is a computer on a chip, complete with CPU, memory, and EEPROM. Firmware running on the microcontroller controls the presentation and all functions of the SideKar Extreme.

  • Page 77: Troubleshooting Tips

    If you experience issues connecting to the rig, the following procedure is recommended. Verify the rig baud rate is set to 38400. a. Turn off the rig b. Turn off the SideKar Extreme via the on/off switch c. Turn the rig on first. d. Wait a few seconds e.
  • Page 78 4. (Elecraft) When I send using a keyboard or a paddle, the rig is sending the characters, but I don’t see the sent characters on the SideKar Extreme screen, regardless of the Alt-E (echo characters) setting. Make sure the KX3 firmware is at MCU version 2.19 or later.

  • Page 79: Appendix A: Qrp Labs Classic Qcx Cat Port

    FT-Q port on the SideKar Extreme NOT the RS-232 port on the top. QRPworks is not responsible for any damage to the SideKar Extreme or the QCX if the wrong serial port is used. This schematic can also be found on our website at www.QRPworks.com.
  • Page 80 SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 80 of 87...

  • Page 81: Summary Of Keyboard Commands

    Alt-N Set transmit buffer Option Alt-O References (ex. SOTA Peaks) Alt-P Quick QSY Alt-Q Reset the SideKar Extreme Alt-R Show the KX3, KX2, K3, K3S Status (voltage, Alt-S current, temp) Toggle between receiving decoded text from the rig Alt-T or not SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1...
  • Page 82 Send text messages/macros 11-20 F11 or Alt-H Help Enter Edit Mode. While in Edit mode, save message F12 or Alt-Z or macro Page Up / Down or Display text message/macro summary Arrow Up/Down SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 82 of 87...

  • Page 83: Summary Of Logging Commands

    Summary of Logging Commands TAB or up/down Move from field to field arrows Enter Save the QSO Find Next QSO (after first is Alt-Arrow Down found) Alt-X Delete the QSO displayed SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 83 of 87...

  • Page 84: Firmware Revision History

    Minor fix when logging, then wiping the call 2.0.3 (Alt-W) and then backspacing Add an interface to the QRP Labs QCX 2.1.6 family of rigs, plus a minor display bug fix. SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 84 of 87...

  • Page 85: Index

    Alt-H, 72 editor, 41 Alt-I, 51 Alt-K, 21 Alt-L, 53 Alt-M, 26 Alt-N, 51 firmware revision history, 84 Alt-O, 30 firmware updates, 76 Alt-P, 58 firmware version, 22 Alt-Q, 61, 66 SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 85 of 87...
  • Page 86 81 summary of keyboard edit naming rig macros, 35, 39 commands, 83 no current message, 34, 38 summary of logging edit commands, summary of message operation, 43 SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 86 of 87...
  • Page 87 Yaesu FT 817, -818, -857, -897 mode, 30 installation, 16 transmitting text – immediate xmit Yaesu FT-817, -818, -857, -897 connections, 17 mode, 30 settings, 21 troubleshooting tips, 77 updating the firmware, 76 SideKar Extreme User Manual rev 2.1 Page 87 of 87...

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