QRPworks SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual
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QRPworks SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual

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QRPworks
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SideKar Decoder Edition
User Manual
SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual
rev 1.0
Page 1 of 88

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  • Page 1 QRPworks ™ SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 1 of 88...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Overview ................... 4 SideKar Decoder Edition Installation ..........6 Keyboard Choices ................23 Starting Up..................25 Using the SideKar Decoder Edition Pushbuttons ......26 The Keyer Inside ................28 Transmitting ..................31 Creating and Sending Text Messages ..........35 Creating and Sending Rig Macros ..........38 Editing Stored Text Messages/Rig Macros ........43...
  • Page 3 Acknowledgements .................78 Troubleshooting Tips ..............79 Appendix A: QRP Labs Classic QCX CAT Port ......81 Summary of Keyboard Commands ..........83 Summary of Logging Commands ..........85 Firmware Revision History .............86 Index ....................87 SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 3 of 88...

  • Page 4: Overview

    Overview Thank you for your purchase of the QRPworks SideKar Decoder Edition. 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 CAT interfaces to the: •...
  • Page 5 20 rig macros using CAT commands to the rig to control just about every aspect of it. The SideKar Decoder Edition provides many features for the portable operator, whether out on the trail, in a park, on vacation, or at home.

  • Page 6: Sidekar Decoder Edition Installation

    KX2 and KX3 just by changing a few simple brackets. Elecraft KX3 Installation The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 7 of 88...
  • Page 8 Note the bracket is not symmetrical. The longer slot goes against the SideKar Decoder Edition and the shorter slot goes against the KX3. If it is reversed, the SideKar Decoder Edition can slide down too far and hit the antenna BNC connector. SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0...
  • Page 9 This hole is not used – Do Not insert a screw in it 6. Position the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition down until the notch at the bottom of the SideKar Decoder Edition bracket is under the KX3’s thumbscrew head. If the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition should now be snug against the side of the KX3. SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 11 of 88...
  • Page 12 Elecraft KX2 Installation The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition. 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 Decoder Edition under the thumbscrews on the back of the KX2. Tighten the thumbscrews. SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0...
  • Page 14 SideKar Extreme shown installed, but the SideKar Decoder Edition is installed the same way. SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 14 of 88...
  • Page 15 Desktop Installation To use the SideKar Decoder Edition on a surface without mounting it on a rig, a swivel leg is recommended. Called a Kickstand, it’s available at www.QRPworks.com Remove the small flat head screw at the top center of the SideKar Decoder Edition.
  • Page 16 Serial Port” port, located on the right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition. Do NOT plug it into the RS232 Rig port on the top of the SideKar Decoder Edition. 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 Decoder Edition KX Rig port. Do not connect the radio cable if the PC cable is in use.
  • Page 18 QRPworks. When using the custom cable from the Yaesu ACC port to the SideKar Decoder Edition “Rig – 5 Volt Serial Port” port on the right side, turn the SideKar Decoder Edition on FIRST before plugging in the cable.
  • Page 19 To Yaesu rig, using the custom cable from QRPworks SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 19 of 88...
  • Page 20 3.5mm cable supplied (or equivalent). Plug one end in the QCX CAT port and the other end in the SideKar Decoder Edition’s “Rig – 5 Volt Serial Port” port, located on the right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition.
  • Page 21 Volt Serial Port” port on the SideKar Decoder Edition NOT the RS-232 port on the top. QRPworks is not responsible for any damage to the SideKar Decoder Edition or the QCX if the wrong serial port is used. Elecraft KX3/KX2/K3/K3s Settings: For the SideKar Decoder Edition to display transmitted text, the KX3 firmware must be at MCU version 2.19 or...
  • Page 22 Refer to the Data Modes section in the rig’s manual PX3, KXPA100, P3, KPA500, KPA1500 Connections: The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 23: Keyboard Choices

    • No specific rig settings are needed. Keyboard Choices The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 24 USB Keyboard Port SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 24 of 88...

  • Page 25: Starting Up

    A connection is established after the SideKar Decoder Edition sends a command to the rig and the rig responds appropriately. If the SideKar Decoder Edition does not connect to the rig and troubleshooting tips you expect a connection, please see the SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0...

  • Page 26: Using The Sidekar Decoder Edition Pushbuttons

    Using the SideKar Decoder Edition Pushbuttons The 2 buttons labeled PB1 and PB2 on the top are multipurpose and can be configured to perform your 2 most favorite functions with a just the press of a button. This is useful to access functions more quickly or just to use a function without touching the keyboard.
  • Page 27 11. SideKar Decoder Shows SideKar Edition Voltage Decoder Edition voltage and SideKar Decoder Edition Serial Number 12. Date/Time Enters date/time Same as Alt-D 13. Exit Exits this function list SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 27 of 88...

  • Page 28: The Keyer Inside

    The Keyer Inside The SideKar Decoder Edition can send CW to any rig that has a straight key input. The SideKar Decoder Edition offers the following keyer features: • Speed Change – use the left/right arrows on the keyboard, or press Alt-S and enter a specific speed.
  • Page 29 ACC port Plug your paddle into the PADDLE port on the right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 30 For Non-Elecraft rigs, plug your paddle into the PADDLE port on the right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 31: Transmitting

    The keyer speed and all other keyer functions will be determined by the rig. 2. Use the SideKar Decoder Edition’s CW keyer to send CW. Connect your paddle to the Paddle input on the right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition and connect the KeyOut to your rig’s key input.
  • Page 32 10 messages, and Alt-F1 though Alt-F10 for the second bank of 10 messages. Each message can be up to 80 characters. There are 2 SideKar Decoder Edition modes offered to send text using the keyboard. • Immediate Mode – characters are sent to the rig as they are typed on the keyboard.
  • Page 33 To transmit text, type on the keyboard. The characters will appear on the bottom line of the SideKar Decoder Edition display, and be sent to the rig when: 1. The number of buffered characters typed reaches the number set using ALT-O…or…...
  • Page 34 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 Decoder Edition uses the same features in the rig, and the result, as you might have guessed, is the same.

  • Page 35: Creating And Sending Text Messages

    Creating and Sending Text Messages The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 36 If you want to cancel the editing of a message, press the ESC key at any time. The SideKar Decoder Edition will return to the normal mode. The LED will go out and you will see the following message briefly: SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0...
  • Page 37 Naming Text Messagess The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 “:”.

  • Page 38: Creating And Sending Rig Macros

    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 Decoder Edition 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 39 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 Decoder Edition expands that by allowing you to create and store 20 macros, 80 characters each in the SideKar Decoder Edition, and executing them with a simple keystroke.
  • Page 40 20 messages/macros. You can save the sets on your PC and download a selected set of 20 messages to the SideKar Decoder Edition all at once. Alternatively, you can use the SideKar Decoder Edition keyboard as follows: In the normal mode (Status LED is off), press F12 or ALT-Z.
  • Page 41 If you want to cancel the editing of a macro, press the ESC key at any time. The SideKar Decoder Edition will return to the real-time receiving mode. The Status LED will go out and you will see the following message...
  • Page 42 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 42 of 88...

  • Page 43: Editing Stored Text Messages/Rig 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 43 of 88...

  • Page 44: 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 Decoder Edition 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 45 First 16 characters Message Press Page of the previous 2 Summary Up or messages/macros Mode Arrow up are shown Message Back to normal Summary Press ESC mode Mode SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 45 of 88...

  • Page 46: Reserved Message / Macro Characters

    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 Decoder Edition Buttons to learn how to configure the buttons to do this.

  • Page 47: Call Sign Entered

    Call Sign Entered The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 48: Grab & Go

    Grab & Go™ The SideKar Decoder Edition has a unique feature call Grab & ™ which helps you to maintain the flow in contests or regular QSOs. Grab & Go allows you to capture (grab) a station’s call at the same time you are responding on the air.

  • Page 49: Contesting

    Press the message F key again for the rest of the message to be sent Contesting, While the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 50 DXpedition (for running stations) 2. In the Log screen, when you enter a call and press TAB, the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 51 (“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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 51 of 88...
  • Page 52 If the contest exchange contains a QSO serial number, the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 53: Logging

    Logging Some basic logging features are available when using the SideKar Decoder Edition. 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 54 Main Logging Functions To access the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 55 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 56 Page Up / Down keys. Logging a New QSO To log a new QSO, enter the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 57 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 58: Logging Activities Using References

    Lighthouses, and other special outings. But it doesn’t have to be an official reference. It could be something simple as “vacation” or “Field Day”. This feature of the SideKar Decoder Edition allows you to • Store up to 4 References (maximum 16 characters each) •...
  • Page 59 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 59 of 88...
  • Page 60 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 60 of 88...
  • Page 61 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 Decoder Edition to resume normal operations. The easiest way to do this is to power both off, then power on the rig first.

  • Page 62: Rig Specific Features

    Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, FT-897 • QRP Labs QCX family of rigs For rigs CAT-interfaced with the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 63 QRP Labs QCX, QSX For displaying rig decoded text from Elecraft KX line or K3, the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 64 For rigs that do not decode text or do not have a CAT interface to the SideKar Decoder Edition, the SideKar Decoder Edition can decode CW by feeding audio from the rig (typically from the headphone jack) to the Audio In jack on the SideKar Decoder Edition.

  • Page 65: A Word About Cw Decoding

    While receiving text, the Status LED above the display will be off, indicating the SideKar Decoder Edition is in the normal, real-time receiving mode. Note: You may find it easier to tune in a specific signal by placing a rig in the FINE TUNE Mode rather than COARSE Mode, if available.

  • Page 66: Scrolling Back

    (LED is off), press Alt-F (Freeze) or tap a button if it is set for the Freeze mode. When shipped the SideKar Decoder Edition left button is set to Freeze when tapped. Two things will then happen: a. The amber LED will turn on, indicating the...
  • Page 67 Note: even though the screen is frozen, behind the scenes the SideKar Decoder Edition 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. To scroll back to view the previously saved lines (up to 8), while in the Freeze/Scroll mode (amber LED is on), HOLD the button assigned to Freeze.
  • Page 68 VFO A setting on the rig. • if it is set to FSK-D, it will send RTTY. • If it is set to CW, it will send CW SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 68 of 88...
  • Page 69 You just type and the SideKar Decoder Edition and the rig will take care of the rest. Note the QCX is CW only To send CW to a non-interfaced rig (no CAT connection or CAT does not support transmitting characters), use a stereo cable with 3.5mm connectors from the SideKar Decoder...

  • Page 70: Lcd Backlight Brightness

    In the SideKar Decoder Edition, 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 71: 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 Decoder Edition 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 72: Battery Replacement

    Carefully pry out the battery, being careful not to put any upward force on the battery holder. Remember to hold it down on both sides! • Replace the battery…positive side up • Replace the cover and screws. SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 72 of 88...
  • Page 73 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 73 of 88...

  • Page 74: System Reset

    System Reset If you want to reset the SideKar Decoder Edition, 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 75: Compatibility With Other Products

    Compatibility with Other Products Here’s how to use the SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition to the ACC1 (PC) port on the PX3.
  • Page 76 2.5mm TRS) of the KX2ACBL adapter. • Turn on the KX2 • Turn on the SideKar Decoder Edition and let it connect. • Turn on the KXPA100 amplifier by manually using the “On/Off” switch on the front of the KXPA100.
  • Page 77 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 77 of 88...

  • Page 78: Updating The Firmware

    Contact page if an update is needed. Technology The SideKar Decoder Edition 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 Decoder Edition.

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting Tips

    Verify the rig baud rate is set to 38400. a. Turn off the rig b. Turn off the SideKar Decoder Edition via the on/off switch c. Turn the rig on first. d. Wait a few seconds e.
  • Page 80 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 Decoder Edition screen, regardless of the Alt-E (echo characters) setting. Make sure the KX3 firmware is at MCU version 2.19 or later.

  • Page 81: Appendix A: Qrp Labs Classic Qcx Cat Port

    FT-Q port on the SideKar Decoder Edition NOT the RS-232 port on the top. QRPworks is not responsible for any damage to the SideKar Decoder Edition or the QCX if the wrong serial port is used. This schematic can also be found on our website at www.QRPworks.com.
  • Page 82 SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 82 of 88...

  • Page 83: Summary Of Keyboard Commands

    Alt-N Set transmit buffer Option Alt-O References (ex. SOTA Peaks) Alt-P Alt-Q Quick QSY Reset the SideKar Decoder Edition Alt-R Change keyer speed Alt-S Toggle between receiving decoded text from the rig Alt-T or not SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0...
  • Page 84 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 84 of 88...

  • Page 85: 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 Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 85 of 88...

  • Page 86: Firmware Revision History

    Firmware Revision History Version Changes 2.0.0 Initial production release SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 86 of 88...

  • Page 87: Index

    25 Alt-W, 47 freezing the display, 66 Alt-X, 28, 54 F11, 74 F12, 66 keyer inside, 28 grab & go, 48 keying options, 29 Help, 74 logging, 53 SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 87 of 88...
  • Page 88 Mode, 33 immediate mode, 32 viewing characters sent, 34 quick qsy, 62 troubleshooting tips, 79 reserved characters, 46 voltage check, 70 rig macros creating and sending, 38 editing, 43 SideKar Decoder Edition User Manual rev 1.0 Page 88 of 88...

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