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Morse Tutor Mode.
If using a paddle key squeeze both paddles when turning on the oscillator or if using a straight key
just hold it down on power up. Once turned on release the key within a second or you will enter
setup mode. The tutor will now start sending 5 figure letter groups,( first time used, after that it will
remember the last used mode) if you now hold the key down or hold the left hand paddle it will
switch to random numbers, next press it will switch to Prosigns, then next mode which is all of the
above mixed. One more press and you get a more interesting mode, Callsigns, this mode sends
random international callsigns but each callsign will be sent at a slightly different speed and pitch (if
VT is turned on) , just to make things a little more realistic. The next mode is typical Contest mode, a
callsign followed by the standard '5NN' and then a 3 or 4 digit serial number, sometimes this serial
number will use Cut numbers (instead of '0' it sends 'T' and instead of '9' it send 'N'), again with
random speed and pitch like the callsign mode.
When changing modes the tutor will first send a Morse letter at a higher pitch tone that identifies
the new mode ('L' =letters, 'N'= Numbers, 'P' = Prosigns, 'M'= Mixed, 'C'= Callsign, and 'CT' =
Contest)
A worthwhile tip. There is no point trying to learn the code with a slow character speed, you will only
need to relearn the sound of each letter again when you get on air. It's an easy mistake to learn the
code with character speeds that are so slow you learn by counting the dots and dashes. This is a
mistake. From day one learn the sound of each letter, DO NOT count the elements of each letter.
Yes it will seem harder at first but it's not a race and the rewards are much higher. So I recommend
you use a character speed of around 17 wpm which is a realistic speed used by many operators in
the real world. (Start at the speed you want to get to and just increase the gap to start with) I will
not be cruel and expect you to start learning Morse at such speeds so the speed control in this mode
will allow you to set a gap of your choice upto 3 seconds between characters, this will make the task
of learning much easier without you falling into the counting trap! In the setup guide I have
explained how to set the Character speed to a suitable value.
Another new feature is the AUX output connection. This is a fixed low level sinewave output that
can be connected to a computer for practice over the internet via Zoom etc. Another use of this
output is to use it to test your sending, connected to a PC running software like CWGet, FLdigi or
many others that will decode Morse. This way you can see if what you're sending makes sense,
decoders typical struggle with hand sent Morse so if you can get yours decoded you know it's good!
The version 4 also gives a convenient headphone output connection point too. The volume on the
headphone socket goes via a limiter to protect your hearing, it will still be more than enough ! (Read
the note above about using normal headphones not electronic Noise reduction types)
The tutor functions and other features make this practice oscillator unique and exceptional value.
There is an on-board trimmer pot for pitch adjustment. With the exception of the sockets all the
other controls are board mounted. The uCPO will drive a standard 8 ohm (or higher impedance)
speaker.
IF making adjustment to the pitch do so while in TUTOR Mode or you will not hear the pitch change
as you make adjustments. To maintain accurate Morse timings the pitch control is only read at start-
up in practice oscillator modes so if you try to adjust the pitch while in these modes the trimmer
control is not read until you turn the uCPO off and back on.
www.kanga-products.co.uk
uCPOv4 universal Code Practice Oscillator Full Kit V1.2
Page 4
29/08/23
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