K1EL WKUSB-AF User manual
WKUSB-AF
with
WinKeyer3 IC & CPO
User Manual
www.k1el.com
Version 1.0
Introduction
K1EL WKUSB-AF User Manual WKUSB-AF
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This document will describe WKUSB-AF and its interfaces. All the information you will need to
connect WKUSB-AF to your station will be included in this manual along with specific guides for
getting it to work with N1MM+ Logger, HRD/DM780, N3FJP AC Log, FLdigi, and MRP40.
What is WinKeyer and why do I need it ?
Due to timing latencies inherent in multi-tasking operating systems like MS Windows, it is very
difficult to generate accurately timed Morse in software. All it takes is a higher priority task to
demand service and Morse generation will be delayed resulting in wrongly timed dits, dahs, or the
spacing between them. A WinKeyer based device, like WKUSB-AF, attaches to a PC’s USB port
and appears as a serial com port to an application running on the PC. The application, instead of
generating Morse in software, sends the letters to WinKeyer. The application has full control over
sending speed as well as weighting, spacing, and PTT generation. WKUSB-AF has a paddle
interface so a user can break in immediately to handle fast exchanges in contest situations.
Electrically isolated keying outputs provide safety and prevent ground loops. Two separate keying
outputs allow the user to run two different radios from one keyer without swapping cables. The
feature list below shows some of the advanced options supported by WinKeyer. Some WinKeyer
products, like WKUSB-AF, also provide a speed potentiometer interface so that an operator can
quickly change Morse transmitting speed.
WKUSB-AF Features
•USB 2.0 Interface with Mini type 3 connector •Uses K1EL’s latest WK3.1 IC
•Iambic CW Paddle Interface •Adjustable Speed 5-99 WPM
•Iambic A, B, Ultimatic & “Bug” paddle modes •Adjustable Weighting and dit/dah ratio
•Two separate keying outputs, configured as •Adjustable Keying Compensation
•Key1 with PTT or separate Key1 or Key2 output •Adjustable Letterspacing
•Solid state relay outputs rated at 350V @120 mA •Adjustable PTT lead in and tail delays
•Powered from a PC, charger, or battery USB port •Optional autospacing
•Internal Sidetone speaker or •Farnsworth spacing option
•CPO Sinewave sidetone audio output •Adjustable dit/dah ratio
•Front Panel Speed and CPO Volume Control •Inexpensive cabling options
•Embedded message commands •Paddle only sidetone
• Standalone Keyer Operation •Adjustable speed pot range
•Metal enclosure with RFI filtering •Power supply monitoring
•HSCW and QRSS Capability •Twelve stackable memory slots
•Standalone Practice Mode •Three multi-purpose front panel pushbuttons
•ESD protection on paddle and USB inputs •Automatic beacon capability
•RTTY FSK transmit mode •Firmware can be updated over USB
• CH340 USB Interface IC
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How is WKUSB-AF different than WKUSB ?
WKUSB-AF can be thought of as a WKUSB and our code practice oscillator (CPO) merged
together in one enclosure. This gives WKUSB the ability to produce a sinewave sidetone output
that can drive a speaker, headphones, or PC soundcard input. The volume and pitch of the tone
are adjustable. WKUSB-AF, like WKUSB, has an internal sidetone speaker that is used mainly for
entering standalone commands but it can also output transmit sidetone in case an external
speaker is not connected. WKUSB’s internal sidetone speaker is disabled by the standalone
command A. There are two control knobs on the front panel, one for speed control and one for
CPO audio volume. The speed control also doubles as a sidetone pitch control, press and hold
the M2 pushbutton and audio sidetone will be enabled. Adjust the pitch with the speed control,
when done press the CMD pushbutton. In a similar way, pressing and holding M3 will put WUSB-
AF in tune output mode. WKUSB-AF only has three message pushbuttons but by pressing two of
them you can send five messages. Lastly, WKUSB-AF is like WKmini in that it only has one
output jack which provides two individual key output ports or one key output port with PTT.
CH340 USB-IF
WKUSB-AF uses a CH340 based USB to serial interface which requires a CH340 USB driver as
described in Appendix B. The CH340 is a third generation controller which works just as well, if
not better, than an FTDI controller with drivers available for Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Product Warranty, Support, and Liability
WKUSB-AF is fully warranted to the original purchaser against defects in materials and
workmanship for one year after purchase. This warranty does not cover damage caused by
accident, improper care, or lightning damage. Please contact us before returning your WKUSB-
AF for repair and we will issue an RMA.
While every effort has been made to insure that the WKUSB-AF design is safe and the
documentation is clear and accurate, it is still possible to cause equipment damage or
incur personal injury if:
WKUSB-AF is not used as intended, WKUSB-AF is connected incorrectly, Safety
guidelines outlined in this document are not followed, or WKUSB-AF is modified in any
way.
K1EL cannot be held responsible in these or other similar events.
WKUSB-AF contains no user serviceable components or configurable jumpers. Please do not
tamper with or modify the internal circuitry of WKUSB-AF as this will void the unit’s warranty and
may result in unsafe operating conditions.
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Let’s Get Started ! - USB drivers
Don’t plug WKUSB-AF into your PC until you have read this paragraph !!
WKUSB-AF C uses a CH340 USB interface IC which is very reliable and easy to set up. Windows
drivers for this device can be found on the WKUSB-AF website. There are two versions; a self
installing .exe and a zip file containing the individual drivers as used by Windows Update. Please
read through Appendix B for our recommended install procedure.
WKUSB-AF Front Panel Controls
There are five controls on WKUSB-AF’s front panel:
The left rotary control is used to adjust the transmitting speed and CPO pitch.
Three pushbuttons are used to send/enter messages and enter standalone command mode.
The right rotary control adjusts sidetone audio volume when driving an external speaker.
WKUSB-AF Rear Panel Connections
There are four connectors on WKUSB-AF’s rear panel:
The Audio Out connector is an 1/8inch/3.5mm stereo jack which provides a sine wave sidetone
audio output with adjustable volume that is capable of driving headphones or speaker. WKUSB-
AF produces mono output which is wired to a stereo output jack. The left and right channels are
connected together internally. This allows the use of stereo headphones. Please do not connect a
mono plug into this jack this connector, it has to be a stereo type. A mono plug will short the audio
signal to ground. Refer to the diagram on the next page for illustrations.
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GND
Audio Out (L)
Audio Out (R)
GND
N/C
Mono Audio Output
Stereo and Mono output connector wiring.
The KEY OUT connector is an 1/8 inch/3.5mm stereo jack. It has two open drain outputs; Key1
and Key2/PTT1. It can be setup as a single keyed output with an optional PTT or as two
individual Key1 and Key2 outputs. The outputs are isolated from WKUSB-AF ground and other
signals by an optically coupled, solid state relay which insures a 5000V isolation barrier. The
outputs can switch up to +/- 350 V, at a current up to 120 mA. This rating usually allows keying of
a vacuum tube transmitter using grid block keying. However, for safety reasons please confirm
the keying requirements of the transmitter before connecting it to WKUSB-AF. The diagram below
illustrates the connector pinout.
Sleeve
GND
Key 2/PTT 1
Key 1
Ring
Tip
Key Out Connector
PTT is only provided for KEY1 and is off by default. It can be enabled by software configuration or
in standalone mode by WK3tools or paddle command.
Mini-B Interface Cable
The Paddle Input connector is an 1/8”/3.5mm stereo jack which will accept iambic or single lever
(sideswiper) input. A bug is not acceptable. The paddle inputs are activated when switched to the
common ground (GND).
GND
DAH
DIT
Paddle Connector
USB I/F
The USB connector is designed to mate with a Type A to
Mini-B cable. This cable is shown at left. The interface will
run at USB 1.0 and 2.0 speeds and will also work with USB
3.0 which is backward compatible with USB 2.0 interfaces
by design.
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WKUSB-AF Setup
Once the USB driver is installed and you have plugged WK into your PC, you can determine
WK’s port assignment using K1EL’s WKscan app: https://www.k1elsystems.com/WKscan.html.
The com port assignment can also be found using Device Manager as detailed in Appendix A.
WKscan Tutorial
Once you know WK’s com port, you are ready to run WK3demo.
WK3demo tutorial
WK3DEMO is a general purpose test application that can
exercise all of WKUSB-AF’s capabilities:
https://www.k1elsystems.com/files/WK3demo_42_setup.exe
Once the application is installed, start it up and you will see
the dialog box show at left. All you need to do to get started is
to set serial communications port. Click on Setup and the com
port selection list is shown. Only the currently active USB com
ports are shown. Select a WK com port identified by WKscan.
You can click on ? shown in the upper right corner of the
dialog box for a brief help menu.
Click on Open to connect to WKUSB-AF. If all is well, the
Open pushbutton will change to Close and the WK IC version
will be displayed. Click on Setup again and this time the Setup
dialog box will be displayed as shown on the next page. This
presents all of WK3’s various configuration options which can
be modified to your requirements.
After you have installed WKscan, start it
up and you will see the dialog box
shown at left. Click Scan and WKscan
will display all of the USB serial ports
found on the system. The ports will be
identified as unassigned, in use, or
attached to a WK device. In this example
we have a WinKeyer1 device on COM2
and a WinKeyer3 device on COM4.
Yes, multiple WKs can be operated from
a single PC running two applications.
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Click Cancel for now and go back to the main dialog box. Type into the lower keyboard entry
window and you will hear the text sent in Morse sidetone from WKUSB-AF’s internal speaker.
Enable Serial Echo in Setup and what you type will be echoed in the upper text window as sent.
Now hook up some paddles and test paddle entry. If Paddle Echo is enabled, letters entered on
the paddles will be echoed in the upper text window. Use the Setup Dialog to try different keying
options. You probably noticed that if you change settings on the Setup dialog box, you have click
Done and return to the main application to transfer those new settings to WKUSB-AF.
WKUSB-AF has two sidetone options. The built-in sidetone speaker operates just like it does in a
standard WKUSB. You can adjust the sidetone frequency and set it to sound for paddle entry
only. You could also turn internal sidetone off and use WKUSB-AFs CPO sidetone output instead.
Attach an external speaker or headphones and then set the sidetone volume control to a
comfortable level. Note that even when internal sidetone has been disabled, it will still be used for
standalone commands. External sidetone is not activated for standalone commands. To disable
CPO sidetone, turn the volume fully counterclockwise to effectively turn it off.
There are several speed pot options, Speed Pot Lock forces WKUSB-AF to only use the speed
pot for speed control. When Speed Pot Lock is unchecked, the Up/Down arrows next to the WPM
readout on the main dialog box can adjust the speed or you can directly enter a speed in the
WPM edit box. In other words, speed is controlled solely by the host application. This is how the
majority of PC logging and contest applications operate. Speed is controlled by keyboard
commands, macros, or messages with embedded speed commands. The name of the game in
contesting is to have one central user focus, that being the keyboard.
Although WKtest packs a lot of power in a small app, it is meant to be mainly a hardware test tool.
It gives you a good idea of what WKUSB-AF is capable of and assures you that it is operating
properly. The next logical step is to move on to a ‘real’ application, such as N1MM+. Before that
we will look the WK3tools application and how standalone operation works.
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WK3tools application
When a WinKeyer device is not controlled by a host application, it will run in standalone mode.
WKUSB-AF can be powered over the USB port or by a set of internal batteries. WKUSB-AF in
standalone provides a complete Morse keyer with lots of capabilities. Originally, configuration
changes could only be made using commands entered on the paddles. While it still has this
capability, WK3tools allows you to make these changes from a PC application.
https://www.k1elsystems.com/files/WK3tools_52_setup.exe
After installation, start the application and the following dialog box will appear:
It will be empty since you haven’t read in WK’s current configuration settings. When WK is
powered up for the very first time, all settings are loaded with defaults. To view these, connect
WK to your PC, set the ComPort, and click on ReadWK. After a couple of seconds the dialog box
will be updated to show you the current settings:
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Now you can go in and tailor the standalone settings any way you want. The biggest timesaver is
the ability to load messages. A tally of available message storage left is shown below the
message text windows. Even though the WKUSB-AF has only three message pushbuttons, it has
the capability to handle 12 messages in two banks. Messages 4 and 5, in each bank, are
accessed by pressing two buttons (see page 54). Message 6 is accessed by calling it from
another message. Don’t forget that you have to write the messages back to WK with the WriteWK
button when you are finished. If you want to test them, press the buttons on top of WK.
There is an option to setup standalone RTTY operation. Typically you would setup User 2 for
RTTY operation so you can easily switch between the modes without having to make changes by
paddle commands.
You can enter embedded commands by preceding the command letter with a /
For example a speed change can be embedded in a message like this:
/S20 CQ CQ CQ DE /S18 K1EL K1EL /S20
To insert a DN prosign simply enter two // as in K1EL//QRP
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Once you have saved messages and settings, they are ready for use. You can now disconnect
WK from the PC. You don’t need to use WK3tools again until you want to make changes. Don’t
forget you can still make quick changes to WK settings by using paddle commands, no PC
required. A detailed description of standalone paddle commands can be found in Appendix E.
WK3tools will only work with WinKeyers that have a WK3 or newer WK-IC. WKscan will tell you
the IC version. You will not be able to access a WinKeyer that has a WK2 or older IC.
Using WK3tools to Restore ‘Factory’ Settings
The ‘Restore to Defaults’ control loads the menu with original default settings. All of the control
settings are initialized and messages are erased. Don't forget to write these new settings back to
WK before you exit.
WK3tools Help File
A separate help document for WK3tools can be downloaded from the WK3tools webpage:
https://www.k1elsystems.com/files/WK3ToolsOperationGuide.pdf
Upgrading WKUSB-AF Firmware
WK3tools is used to install new firmware revisions. A special webpage is provided for WK3
upgrade information:
https://www.k1elsystems.com/WinKeyer_31.html
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RF Immunity
There are several RF filters included in the WKUSB-AF circuit design. Bypass capacitors on the
Key and PTT lines prevent RF from coming into WKUSB-AF. Bypass capacitors shunt any RF
arriving over the paddle leads, and an LC filter is employed on the USB power input. These
components also reduce WKUSB-AF RFI radiation.
PCs and associated peripherals can produce RF emissions on their own that may cause RFI to
your radio receiver. In addition, most keyboards have poor conducted RF emissions immunity
and operation can be compromised in high RF environments. To guard against this, additional
filtering may be required on the keyboard, usually a ferrite bead on the keyboard cable will
address this.
FCC Regulations Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Radio and Television Interference
Official FCC compliance testing is in process but has been verified by in
house testing.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You may also find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the FCC: "How to Identify and
Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.
Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant of this
equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications
Commission’s rules.
In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations shielded cables must be used with this
equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in
interference to radio & television reception.
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WKUSB-AF FAQ #1: What is Standalone Mode and how is it different than Host Mode?
The original Serial WinKeyer1 was designed to operate only while connected to a PC, under
control of a PC based application, this is Host Mode. WinKeyer1 obtained power directly from the
PC over unused RS232 control lines; if it was disconnected from a PC, it was inoperative. Soon
hams started putting batteries in WinKeyers and using them standalone, in other words, not
connected to a PC. This spawned many requests to add features to make a standalone WK more
useful. When WKUSB was designed, we decided to include a complete ‘second’ keyer in the box
and Standalone Mode was born. This second keyer shares the core ‘K1EL Keyer Engine’ with
Host Mode but in other respects it is independent. It can operate on battery power or connected
to a PC. It has its own settings memory and 12 message slots. Commands can be issued via
paddle commands or through the use of WK3tools. Standalone settings do not affect Host Mode
settings. In Host Mode, keyer settings are stored on the PC by the application and are loaded
when you connect to WKUSB-AF. In Standalone Mode the settings reside in EEPROM inside
WKUSB-AF. If you disconnect from an application, WKUSB-AF will automatically go into
Standalone mode and revert back to the saved settings from EEPROM.
WKUSB-AF FAQ #2: Does WKUSB-AF have internal batteries like WKUSB does ?
No, WKUSB-AF is powered only from the USB I/F connector. It has to be plugged into a PC, a
phone charger, or USB battery. Due to the extra power draw of the audio amplifier circuit,
WKUSB-AF does not go into full low power sleep like WKUSB does when not active. It does
reduce current draw in semi-sleeo mode to about 10mA.
WKUSB-AF FAQ #3: What about RTTY transmit, how does that work ?
Starting with WK version 3.1, RTTY transmit capability was added to WK. In addition to being
able to run hardware FSK RTTY with N1MM+, FLdigi, and WK3demo, you can also run RTTY
from a paddle in standalone mode. In depth details on how the RTTY API works can be found in
Appendix A on page 36. Setting up RTTY for N1MM+, FLdigi, and WKdemo are covered in this
document on pages 22, 32, and 33. Paddle mode RTTY is covered on page 60. WKUSB-AF is
only capable of RTTY FSK transmit, it does not have any RTTY receive capability.
Most importantly, you do not need to mess around with Arduino programming, sketches, or image
files to use WKUSB-AF in RTTY mode. The mode is included in the standard feature set of
WinKeyer 3.1.Changing back and forth between CW and RTTY is quick and easy,
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Connecting WKUSB-AF-SMT to your station
Minimally all you need to do is connect the USB cable from WKUSB-AF to a USB port on your PC
and connect the key output to the keying input on your rig. Since WKUSB-AF performs the keying
function it drives your rig in the same manner as a straight key. In other words there are only two
leads, ground and CW keying control. For that reason a keying cable is quite easy to build.
K1EL Systems sells a WKUSB-AF universal keying cable kit that covers 95% of keying
requirements.
Keying cable details
An 1/8” stereo plug is required at the keyer end while the other end will have a connector that will
mate to your rig’s key input. This is usually an 1/8 or 1/4 inch phone plug, we highly recommend
using a stereo plug at least at the transmitter end. A two wire cable is all that is required to key a
typical transceiver. The key line goes to tip and ground goes to the sleeve.
.
GROUND
No Connect
KEYLINE
sleeve
tip
ring
Transceiver/Transmitter end of cable
Some transceivers have two keying inputs, one for a paddle and a second for an external keyer.
A dedicated keyer input makes it easy, just plug WKUSB-AF in and go. In the single keyer input
case, make sure you disable the radio’s internal keyer, if it has one, and set it up for straight key
operation. You will also need to make sure that the radio is in full or semi break-in mode so the
transceiver will automatically change to transmit when it is externally keyed,
It’s always a good idea to test your keying cable before using it with WKUSB-AF. Plug the cable
into your transceiver and leave the keyer end unconnected. Now set up your transceiver for
external keying and then short the keyer cable end, tip to sleeve, with a clip lead. If this doesn’t
key the transmitter, then either the cable is not made correctly or the radio is not in break in
mode. If you get automatic dits or dahs, then the keyer in the radio is still enabled. Some
transceivers want you to use a stereo plug even if the internal keyer is disabled, it’s a good idea
to use a stereo connector at the radio end no matter what and leave the ring unconnected.
If you want to key a transmitter that uses vacuum tube finals, WKUSB-AF will usually work fine
because it has a solid state keying relay rated for +\-350V switching at 120ma. This covers grid
block keying but it probably will NOT be suitable for cathode keying. In any case always check
the transmitter’s manual for keying requirements before plugging WKUSB-AF in.
WKUSB-AF’s key output connector is electrically isolated from WKUSB-AF’s enclosure and
ground. This means that you can directly connect your transceiver to WKUSB-AF with PC
attached and not worry about ground loops or RF getting into your PC through WKUSB-AF. Make
sure your shack ground is adequate to prevent stray RF from coupling into the paddle or USB
interfaces which can result in host application hangs or disconnects.
PTT Connection
PTT will not be used in most radio setups. It is provided to run an external antenna switch or to
pre-key a linear amplifier. If you are just driving a barefoot transceiver, PTT will not be required.
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If you do need PTT, then WKUSB-AF provides useful functionality. PTT is asserted before KEY,
is held for the entire transmit interval, and released after KEY. Both lead-in and tail delays are
adjustable. If PTT is not working, make sure that it is enabled in your configuration.
Paddle Connection
If you decide to use a set of keying paddles with WKUSB-AF, they plug into the paddle jack input
on the rear of the unit. An 1/8 inch stereo jack is used on WKUSB-AF. If your paddles have a 1/4
inch size plug then a 1/8” to 1/4” stereo adapter will be necessary.
WK3demo is useful for verifying that WKUSB-AF is keying your rig properly. If you run into
problems, make sure you have selected the correct WK key output port. This is done in the
Output Config control in the WKdemo setup dialog box. Also check to make sure the connector is
fully plugged into the WKUSB-AF jack. The tune function is useful for signal tracing.
A cheap path to a keying cable
In today’s world of cell phones and portable music players, 1/8” stereo to 1/8” stereo cables are
very easy to find and are inexpensive. If your transceiver requires an 1/8” keying plug you are
done. If it needs a 1/4” plug, purchase an 1/8” to 1/4” stereo adapter.
An 1/8” stereo plug to dual RCA cable can be very useful. Find two RCA to 1/8” to 1/4” adapters
and you have a keying cable that can key two radios.
The point is that you can come up with just about any cable you need by juggling cable types and
adapters. Or buy one of our cable kits from us.
Note that 3.5mm and 1/8” connectors are the same size, so don’t let that confuse you.
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Troubleshooting hints
1) When I plug WKUSB-AF into a USB charger I don’t get the initial R sent in sidetone. This
means that that the WK3 IC is not starting up. Make sure the charger is working. If you are
using a USB charging battery be aware that most of these have a minimum working
current requirement. WKUSB-AF draws about 20 mA which may be below the turn on
threshold of the battery. If after double checking you don’t get the R, that signifies a fault in
the unit. Please contact K1EL for further instructions.
2) WKUSB-AF won’t key my radio. First check to make sure your keying cable is wired
correctly and then check to make sure it is plugged into WKUSB-AF’s KEY output. In
standalone mode, be sure you haven’t accidentally issued a TX Mute command.
3) I get dits or dahs only or CW letters are misformed. This usually happens when you have
not disabled your transceiver’s internal keyer. Make sure you have set the transceiver to
straight key mode. Usually this is controlled by a transceiver menu selection.
4) When I power WKUSB-AF up, I get one R in sidetone but nothing else works after that.
This is a sign that one of the dit or dah paddles is stuck low or there is short circuit in the
cable. Remove the paddle connector and see if that clears the problem. .
5) When I try to run WKUSB-AF from WK3demo I get the error message Attach WK: No
Echo. This means that the com port selected was a valid one but not the one that
WKUSB-AF is connected to. Check the port selection using WKscan or device manager
6) WKUSB-AF is plugged in but WKscan does not show a com port with a WK device. This is
a sign that either a USB driver has not been installed or the USB hardware on WKUSB-AF
is not working. It could be a bad USB cable or bad connection to the PC. Note that
WKUSB-AF’s USB interface is factory tested before a board is shipped so if it doesn’t
work the it’s usually the PC connector or cable. Make sure that the USB cable is fully
inserted at either WKUSB-AF or at the PC.
7) I get an “Access to Port xx denied” message. This probably means that one of the other
K1EL programs or a non-K1EL program is open, perhaps in the background out of sight,
and is still using the port, thereby locking out all other programs from accessing the port.
To solve this issue, be certain that all other programs are closed and then try again.
8) WKUSB-AF is ‘kicked off line’ while you are transmitting. There’s a good chance RF is
getting into the keyer or the PC disrupting USB communication between the PC and
WKUSB-AF. To solve this issue, first make sure the grounding system in your shack is
properly designed and has the shortest possible path to a ground rod outside. If that
doesn’t help, you can try a ‘band aid’ fix by installing snap-on ferrite “beads” on each end
of the keyer to PC USB cable.
9) I setup WKUSB-AF and all was working until the PC went to sleep overnight, now the host
app doesn’t see WKUSB-AF. The solution is to close the application and restart. WKUSB-
AF is designed to be USB compliant and handle the condition where the host PC goes to
sleep and then wakes up. Unfortunately, not all host applications are designed to preserve
the connection to WKUSB-AF. A working solution is to disable the PC from going into full
sleep in the PC’s Power Settings. Allowing only a display and hard drive to sleep will still
save a great deal of power while keeping the CPU awake to preserve USB connection.
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Paddle Input Priority
WKUSB-AF accepts input from either host port or paddle. Paddle input will always take priority
and will interrupt messages or Morse sent from a Host application. When a paddle break-in
occurs, any remaining message data will be cancelled.
USB Sense
WKUSB-AF is able to sense when the host PC it is connected to goes into standby at that time it
will go into standby as well. It will stay in this state until the PC comes out of standby. It then
wakes up and resumes. The caveat is that the host application must be able to properly handle
standby and not close any of its active serial ports. If the host app does not reliably handle
standby then the PC’s power settings should be set to prevent sleep mode. PC Display and hard
drive standby settings are not an issue since these don’t affect USB operation.
Serial Baud Rate
WK’s standard baud rate is 1200 baud with an alternate baud rate of 9600 selected by command.
This is all handled by the host application so there is no need or requirement to set the USB
port’s baud rate, stop bit, or parity settings. All of these things are configured automatically by the
host application when it opens and connects to WKUSB-AF.
Reset WK3/Restore Factory Defaults
There are cases when a host app misbehaves and can corrupt WKUSB-AF’s basic setup
parameters. We know of no app that does this but when under heavy use with RF floating around
unexpected things can happen, ESD is another issue that can cause this to happen. The easiest
way to restore WKUSB-AF’s EEPROM settings is through WK3tools. Unplug WKUSB-AF from
the PC and then plug it back in after 10 seconds. Start up WK3tools, set the com port and click
WKtest to be sure it can connect. Then simply click Reset to Defaults followed by WriteWK.
ASCII Code Assignments, Prosign Mapping
WKUSB-AF maps several unused ASCII codes to standard prosigns as shown in the table below.
Some abbreviations are not mapped (null), WKUSB-AF will ignore these. Codes below 0x20 are
commands, 0x30 to 0x39 are numerals 0-9, 0x41 to 0x5A are letters A-Z. All codes above 0x5D
are ignored except for | (0x7c) which is the ½ dit pad code.
ASCII Hex Prosign ASCII Hex Prosign
0x20 Is space . 0x2E Is period
! 0x21 Is mapped to (null) / 0x2F Is mapped to DN
“ 0x22 Is mapped to RR : 0x3A Is mapped to KN
# 0x23 Is mapped to (null) ; 0x3B Is mapped to AA
$ 0x24 Is mapped to SX < 0x3C Is mapped to AR
% 0x25 Is mapped to (null) = 0x3D Is mapped to BT
& 0x26 Is mapped to (null) > 0x3E Is mapped to SK
‘ 0x27 Is mapped to WG ? 0x3F Is question
( 0x28 Is mapped to KN @ 0x40 Is mapped to AC
) 0x29 Is mapped to KK [ 0x5B Is mapped to AS
* 0x2A Is mapped to (null) \ 0x5C Is mapped to DN
+ 0x2B Is mapped to AR ] 0x5D Is mapped to KN
, 0x2C Is comma | 0x7C Is ½ dit pad
- 0x2D Is mapped to DU
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N1MM Interfacing
You will first need to know your WKUSB-AF’s comport assignment, if you don’t know it, follow the
WKscan Tutorial on page 6 or use Device Manager as described in Appendix C (page 40). Be
sure to close WKscan after using it.
Start up N1MM+ and click on the Config Tab and then select the entry as shown:
This brings up the Configurer dialog box. This is where devices attached to N1MM+ are set up.
For this example we will set up a WinKeyer device on COM2.
1) Select COM2 from the drop down box.
2) Specify that it is a CW device by clicking the CW/Other checkbox
3) Continue on to the Com Port setup dialog box by clicking Set
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Clicking Set brings up the Com2 configuration dialog box. All we need to do here is click the
WinKey checkbox, leave all the other settings as is.
Now click OK to close the Com2 configuration dialog box which brings us back the Configurer
dialog box. Here we select the Winkey tab as illustrated below:
Clicking on the Winkey tab brings up the WinKeyer specific configuration dialog box which is
shown on the next page.
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There are very descriptive hints on most of the controls.
Winkey 2 options also apply to WK3 based keyers.
Disable Paddle Only Sidetone for initial testing purposes.
Winkey Speed Control has three options:
1) Ignore Speed Pot which only allows the host to control sending speed
2) Use Speed Pot which tells the host that the speed pot will set sending speed
3) Paddle & Keyboard where the host controls only the message speed
Lead and tail settings apply to PTT delay Keying compensation adjusts dit and dah spacing
relative to sending speed.
Hang Time is similar to PTT tail except that it is proportional to sending speed.
When you are finished, click OK and then another OK to close the Configurer. Now that we are
back to N1MM+ main control dialog box we can do some WKUSB-AF testing. First off select CW
mode by clicking on a band in the CW column:
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Now on the PC's keyboard enter CTL-T to put WKUSB-AF into tune mode. Cancel tune mode by
entering CTL-T a second time. With tune enabled you should hear sidetone coming from
WKUSB-AF. Now either enter CTL-K or select the CW Key Window as shown:
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