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| New IC chip installed |
I recently upgraded the IC chip in my K1ELWinkeyer USB to version 3, it was only a 10.00 upgrade that gave me some nice
advantages over the old IC chip. It was a very straight forward change out as
the IC chip was not soldered in place.
One of the main advantages is this IC chip has the ability (via supplied
software) to be upgrade over the internet. As new functions become available in
the future the upgrade is just a click away. Some of the other new features are:
1.
With WK3tools downloadableprogram software you can store messages and retrieve messages. For example in
contests you can store the contest exchanges, give the file the name of the
contest. In the future when setting up for the contest just download the file
to the keyer and your 4 push buttons (that can be preprogramed for 8 messages)
can be used for that contest. When the contest is done simply reprogram the
keyer with the file for calling CQ.
2.
You can custom configure the
keyer for 2 separate users or like me if you’re the only one using the
keyer…..then have one configuration for contesting and one for QSO’s.
3.
You can now adjust the side
tone frequency which is not a big deal for me but for some it may be.
4.
You can put your rig into tune
with just the pressing of 2 of the Winkeyers top buttons the command and PB4
buttons.
5.
During the transmission of a
message a simple tap of the keyer will stop the message.
6.
When and if you operate the
unit from an internal battery the battery life has been extended by less drain.
7.
Finally on the K1EL’s website
under the software tab you will find some great finds. WK3tools, Winkeyer3 test
app, WKscan that finds out what comport your Winkeyer is using, WK remote app
and a software tools that is in the development stage and according to the
website soon to be released a Winkeyer
QSO simulator app,
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| With added volume and headphone jack |
These are just a few of the changes in the
new IC chip to get a full rundown go to K1EL’s site where you can read thingsin more detail.
You may notice from the picture, if you are
familiar with the insides of the Winkeyer USB that is I have done some upgrades
to the unit of my own. I removed the internal speaker and added a headphone
jack, I also added a volume control for the headphones.
2 comments:
Mike, can you buy WinKeyer USB from a Canadian source? So I wouldn’t have to pay shipping to Canada and customs?
Don VE3DQN
Good morning Don, I sent you an email as well but if it did not make it I will also comment here. The Winkeyer is a great little unit and I have tried many others in the past but this unit is very reliable and very user friendly. Now to answer your question.....no there is no Canadian source for the Winkeyer it will have to be purchased via the U.S. The only other option is to watch for one on the KW swap shop on the net.
73 and thanks for reading the blog.
Mike
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