The N0XAS PicoKeyer Kit

New Version!

The PicoKeyer complete kit contains everything you need to build a stand-alone Morse code keyer or code practice oscillator. You can build it into your next homebrew rig, or even retrofit it into your favorite commercial rig! At under 1.3" x 2" (sized to fit comfortably into an Altoids® Tiny Tin), you can stuff this tiny board into some pretty tight spots. The latest PicoKeyer chip and all the parts you need are included, along with a high quality double-sided printed circuit board (in our sexy new blue color) with plated-through holes and silkscreened component outlines.

Code practice oscillator?? Yep! Since the PicoKeyer Kit includes a small on-board speaker and works with single or dual lever paddles and straight keys, you can use yours as a code practice oscillator to learn Morse with a straight key - or to learn to use a paddle or "squeeze" keyer if you want! You can even use "bug mode" to simulate a semi-automatic key and master this mode as well. Of course the on-board speaker is pretty small, so don't expect to use it in a noisy environment. You can always add an audio amp and larger speaker.

For more pictures see http://www.botkin.org/dale/project_pictures.htm and http://www.hamgadgets.com/

The PicoKeyer is an advanced, super low power, super-small iambic keyer with a long list of standard features. The newest FLASH memory technology allows me to offer free updates - if I offer future program enhancements or fixes, just return your chip with a buck to cover shipping and get your chip updated to the latest revision.

Here are the main features of the PicoKeyer Kit:

• Low voltage operation - from 2.5 to 5.25VDC
• Ultra low current operation - typical sleep current well under 0.1µA, only 1-2mA when keying. A single lithium coin cell can last many months, or a few years depending on use.
• Low parts count for quick, hassle-free assembly. Most builders with some experience report the average time to assemble is about 15 minutes. Figure under an hour even for beginners.
• PCB-mounted, 1/8" jacks for your key and rig
• On board lithium coin cell battery (included) and battery holder
• On board speaker for sidetone
• Dual 2N7000 keying output MOSFETs work with all solid-state rigs and some tube gear, handles up to 60 V positive or negative.
• Simple one-button "menu" setup, change menu settings using your paddle
• Dot and dash memories for easy code with perfect timing and spacing
• Works equally well with single-lever or dual-lever keys using iambic "squeeze" or non-iambic keying
• Dual Speed feature - Speed is adjustable from 5 to 60WPM from the menu, no pot required. Add a pot (optional, available at extra cost or use your own) and adjust from 5 to 63 WPM, and revert to the stored speed at any time!
• Variable pitch audio sidetone can be turned OFF or ON
• MCW mode Now you can practice Morse on the air with your friends using 2M or 70cm FM (See the Connection Kit to make it even easier)! Use the keying output to key the PTT line of your FM rig, and feed sidetone audio to the mic for on-air code practice.
• Adjustable weight
• Selectable iambic A or B as well Ultimatic, semi-automatic "Bug" and straight key modes
• Improved Tune mode lets you use the paddles to turn a steady carrier OR stream of dits on and off. Now you can have both hands free for station adjustments.
• Beacon mode allows repeating messages with user-specified delay up to 99 seconds - great for calling CQ or for beacons and "fox" transmitters.
• Paddle switching - effortlessly select left or right handed operation without switching wires or turning the key upside down.
• Straight key autodetect - plug in a straight key and cycle power, and the keyer will automatically use straight key mode with all memories available!
• Four message memories hold up to 60 characters each, and can be chained together in any order to make up to a 240 character message. Message #1 can be set to auto-start when power is applied, great for propagation beacons. Some message commands include:
  • /R (repeat word) saves memory space
  • /B (beacon) causes the message to be repeated at regular intervals
  • /SU (speed up) and /SD (speed down) temporarily increment or decrement the sending speed
  • /P Message pause - insert a pause to manually send RST or other information in the middle of a saved message.
  • QSO/serial number can be inserted in a message, repeated, auto-incremented and decremented. You can set or reset the QSO number from the setup menu. Counts up to 65536, which should be enough for the biggest contests.
  • /Fn will set letter spacing to send part or all of a message slower than normal (great for contest exchanges or calling CQ)
  • Improved message chaining - Now you can chain from any message to any other message using the /1, /2, /3 and /4 commands
• Cut numbers can be selected for QSO numbers in stored messages. Zeros, nines, both or neither can be selected.
• Optional leading zeros can be sent for QSO numbers less than 3 digits.
• Saved messages can be appended or edited (to some extent).
• Simplified programming of messages and easier playback. No more button/paddle combinations!
• Transmitter QSK delay compensation - Lengthen elements by a preset number of milliseconds to correct for transmitters that tend to shorten dits and dahs in QSK mode.
• Provision for an on-board Zener regulator (now included) if you wish to power your keyer from a DC source other than the battery or a regulated 3 to 5 Volt source.
• NO BATTERY BACKUP REQUIRED to retain settings or memory!
• Easy to integrate into new homebrew or kit rigs, or add it to your older equipment.
• "Factory Reset" option to restore all default settings to your PicoKeyer

The PicoKeyer uses FLASH and EEPROM memory to store all settings and message memory, meaning NO backup batteries and NO lost settings.

You'll receive the PicoKeyer chip, a high quality double sided, silkscreened printed circuit board with plated through holes, all parts needed to build a complete keyer (you supply the enclosure) and detailed building and operating instructions. Note that this is an electronic kit. You will need some basic soldering tools and skills, such as a small pencil-type soldering iron, small wire cutters, and good quality solder.  Most builders report that assembly takes around 15 to 30 minutes; even a novice builder should be finished in well under an hour. Once the simple assembly is finished, the keyer may be mounted in an enclosure using the panel-mount key and radio jacks. All parts carry a 90 day warranty. Of course complete printed documentation is included, and a PDF copy of the documentation can be downloaded by clicking here.

Your PicoKeyer can handle up to 60 Volts positive or negative keying, which will handle all solid-state and some tube transmitters. For this you will need to mount your Picokeyer in a non-conductive box, or simply reverse the wires on the cable to your rig.  If you want to use your PicoKeyer with an older tube rig using cathode or grid block keying with over 60V on the key jack, you will need an adapter to handle the high voltage side. Visit www.HamGadgets.com to see the UKA-2 kit, which will handle virtually any solid state, grid block or cathode keyed rig up to 400V. No jumpers or rewiring needed, just plug it in and go!  You will also find the Connection Kit, which makes it super-easy to use your PicoKeyer to drive a larger speaker or a handheld transceiver for code practice sessions.

If you want the optional 12mm diameter, 50K linear panel-mount potentiometer for speed control, add $2.00 to your payment and tell me to include it.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MUST BE PAID VIA PAYPAL OR CHECK DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK.  NO NON-US CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS OR TRANSFERS.  Sorry, but it has become just too much hassle to deal with picking up WU payments or paying bank fees for payments from DX banks.  ATTENTION BIDDERS IN ITALY:  I like Italian hams, and have many happy hams in Italy using my PicoKeyers and other kits.  However, deliveries to Italy have been extremely slow, sometimes more than 60 days.  If you bid on this item, I will ship promptly - but please don't send me messages in two weeks wondering where your kit is, ask the Italian Customs & post office.  There is no tracking information available for Air Mail shipments.