microHAM Digi Keyer II User manual

microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
DIGI KEYER II
microHAM
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
homepage: www.microham.com
Version 7.9
5 Decenber, 2010
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
1. FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 3
2. IMPORTANT WARNINGS ................................................................................................................ 4
3. PANEL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 5
Front Panel .................................................................................................................. 5
Rear Panel ................................................................................................................... 6
4. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................ 7
Preparing for Use................................................................................................................. 7
Macintosh (OS X) Installation............................................................................................... 8
Windows (Windows XP, Vista, 7) Installation ....................................................................... 9
Installing microHAM USB Device Router...................................................................... 9
Configuring microHAM CODEC ................................................................................. 10
Configuring microHAM USB Device Router ............................................................... 11
Creating and Using Virtual Ports ................................................................................ 12
5. microHAM USB DEVICE ROUTER ............................................................................................... 13
Menu: Router .............................................................................................................. 13
Menu: Preset .............................................................................................................. 14
Menu: Device ............................................................................................................. 15
Menu: Virtual Port ....................................................................................................... 16
Menu: Help ................................................................................................................. 17
Device Configuration .................................................................................................. 17
Ports Tab............................................................................................................... 18
CAT& 2
nd
CAT ............................................................................................... 19
FSK & 2
nd
FSK ............................................................................................. 21
CW ................................................................................................................ 23
PTT & 2
nd
PTT .............................................................................................. 23
Foot Switch ................................................................................................... 24
Squelch ......................................................................................................... 24
WinKey...........................................................................................................25
Control............................................................................................................25
Audio Tab.............................................................................................................. 26
Audio Mixer ......................................................................................................... 27
PTT Tab.................................................................................................................29
CW & WinKey Tab ................................................................................................31
CW Messages Tab ................................................................................................32
FSK Messages Tab ...............................................................................................33
Keyboard Tab ........................................................................................................34
System Settings Tab .............................................................................................35
6. SETTING AUDIO LEVELS ............................................................................................................. 35
7. EXTERNAL KEYBOARD/KEYPAD ................................................................................................ 38
8. SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 40
9. PACKAGE CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. 40
10. WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................... 41
11. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 42
Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX A – CONNECTORS ............................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX B – RFI Considerations ........................................................................................... 45
APPENDIX C – Tracking ........................................................................................................... 46
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
 No serial or parallel port required:
 just one USB cable between your computer and DIGI KEYER II
 Fully integrated: Sound Radio Control, true FSK, CW and PTT
 Computer sound card is not used
 Complete "Computer <-> Radio" electrical isolation
 transformer isolation between sound circuits and radio
 optical isolation between USB port and of ALL digital signals:
Radio Control, CW, PTT, FSK, PA PTT, & LNA PTT
 Standard Sound Device - no custom drivers:
 The microHAM CODEC is an industry standard device recognized by
Windows, Mac OS X and LINUX. There are no custom device drivers
to install and no compatibility problems with your favorite applications.
 Sound card connection for micro2R
 Integrated control port for all radios: CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, RS-232
 fully supports Elecraft, Icom, JRC, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, and Yaesu radios
 Dual Channel Receive:
 supports dual receive with transceivers like the Icom 7800, Yaesu FT-9000,
FT-5000, FT-2000, FT-1000D/MP/Mark V, Kenwood TS-2000, and Elecraft K3.
 independent, front panel level controls for each receiver
 Front Panel Level Adjustments:
 Pots for Transmit level, Main Receiver level and Sub receiver level
 no need to fumble with Windows Mixer to control levels
 Integrated K1EL WinKey™ chip with extended capabilities
 front panel speed knob
 nine (9) user programmable memories
 internal paddle buffer for improved reliability.
 PS/2 keyboard support for direct CW generation.
 PS/2 keyboard/keypad support for instant CW message playback
 PS/2 keyboard/keypad CW work without a computer connection
 auto PTT
 selectable side tone
 all parameters are stored in EEPROM and reloaded on power up
 FSK keying output
 capable of sending 5/6/7/8 bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits
 PS/2 keyboard support for direct FSK transmission without a computer
 PS/2 keyboard support for instant FSK message playback
 PS/2 keyboard works without a computer connection
 Sound card Right channel audio detector and FSK/CW driver
 FSK output for FLDIGI "pseudo-FSK" and cocoaModem OOK mode
 Provides a "hard keyed" CW output for software that generates only audio (sidetone) CW
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
 Independent keying buffers for Power Amplifier and LNA switching
 extended range solid state output for low voltage T/R lines or QSK
 relay isolated output for vintage PA with negative voltage T/R lines
 Bypass LNA before activating both PTT circuits for EME or scatter
 Footswitch input with programmable functions
 programmable PTT activation delay in 1ms steps
 selectable muting of CW and/or FSK when footswitch is closed
 Squelch input for signaling to computer
 two inputs, one is active low, second is active high
 ideal for Echolink and remote interfacing applications
 No external power adapter (where the radio provides auxiliary power)
 No noisy DC to DC converters
 USB and Sound chip are powered from the computer USB port
 Controller is powered from transceiver or transceiver power supply
 Strong immunity from RFI
 integrated chokes and filters for best RFI immunity
 advanced shielding and circuit design to suppress RFI generation
 Input/Output connectors
 Computer: USB, Radio: DB15, Paddle: 6.3 mm, Sub RX: 3.5mm
 Footswitch: RCA, PA PTT: RCA, LNA PTT: RCA, PTT IN: RCA,
 PS/2: MiniDIN6, u2R: 2x3.5mm
 Metal/Aluminum case, powder coated and silk screened
 Free firmware/software upgrades via internet
 165 mm (w) x 110 mm (d) x 44 mm (h)
2 - IMPORTANT WARNINGS
You must set the CAT level jumpers inside the DIGI KEYER II
before using it for the first time.
If you power DIGI KEYER II from an external power supply ALWAYS
check the polarity of the external 13.8 V supply.
DO NOT use the same external power supply for DIGI KEYER II and
your transceiver unless DK II receives power from the transceiver.
If your radio includes upgradeable firmware,
DO NOT perform any upgrade through DIGI KEYER II.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
3 - PANEL DESCRIPTION
FRONT PANEL
(1) – POWER
YELLOW color indicates when power is applied to the “Radio” connector.
(2) – CW SPEED
WinKey speed control. Range (MIN, MAX) is defined by software
(3) – CW
LED flashes with CW output
(4) – Q-CW/P-FSK
LED flashes with Right channel Audio output when properly configured for ON/OFF Keying
(5) – TX
Transmit Audio Level
(6) – FSK
LED flashes with FSK output. On indicates “closed” regardless of mark/space polarity.
(7) – PTT
LED lights when PTT is active
(8) – RX MAIN
Adjusts receive audio level from the main receive (left) channel.
(9) – LINE
LED lights the sound card Line input is selected and flashes when the mic input is selected.
(10) – SC
LED lights when an application opens the internal sound card for output.
(11) – RX SUB
Adjusts receive audio level from the sub- receive (right) channel.
(12) - SQL
LED light when SQUELCH is open (if supported by the transceiver)
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
REAR PANEL
All connectors for connecting the computer, radio and accessories are located on the rear panel.
(1) RADIO: DB15F connector for radio interconnection – a detailed description is in Appendix A
(2) MIC: 3.5mm jack for microphone input from micro2R
(3) USB: USB B connector for computer connection. Connect the supplied USB A-B cable.
(4) SUB RX: 3.5mm jack for connecting audio from a second receiver
(5) PS/2: MiniDIN6 for PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 numeric keypad, resistive Keypad, or Aux CI-V output.
(6) PTTIN: RCA for PTT Out (Amplifier PTT) from transceiver.
(7) PA PTT: PTT output for Power Amplifier
Ground during transmit, TIP – Signal, SHELL - Ground
If the jumper is in the SS position, the switching transistor (open
collector) is connected to the PA PTT jack. The transistor can
switch up to 45V/0.8A. This position is appropriate for modern
Power Amplifiers with electronic keying. Check the manual of
your amplifier to be sure the power requirements do not exceed
the transistor rating. If the requirements exceed transistor rating
set the jumper to the RE position - this position connects the
relay contact to the output jack. Maximum rating for the relay is:
48V AC/DC @ 1A.
NOTE: The RE/SS labels are REVERSED in DIGI KEYER II.
The picture below shows jumpers in the RE position.
TIP: If you are not sure about the keying voltage of your PowerAmplifier or
LNA, use the RE position.
TIP: the RE/SS jumpers are located on the edge of the circuit board in front
of the PA PTT and LNA PTT jacks.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
(8) GND: Terminal for connection to station ground.
(9) OUT: 3.5mm jack for output to micro2R
(10) PADDLE 6.3mm (1/4") stereo female for paddle input.
TIP: DIT RING: DAH SLEEVE: GND
NOTE: The paddle sense can be reversed using Router settings
(11) FOOTSW: input for optional foot switch (manual PTT)
(12) LNA PTT: PTT output for controlling Low Noise Preamplifier or Receive antenna switching.
See PAPTT for jumper assignments and specifications.
4 - INSTALLATION
Installing DIGI KEYER II consists of several steps:
1) prepare DIGI KEYER II to work with your radio
2) installing the necessary driver software for your operating system
3) configure the microHAM CODEC and USB Device Router for Windows (if applicable).
Preparing DIGI KEYER II for Use
1. Remove the top cover from DIGI KEYER II and set the CAT jumpers as shown in the following chart.
The CAT interface jumpers must be configured to select the proper level for each radio type.
RS-232 levels: all transceivers with RS-232 CAT
(DB-9 or DB-25) interfaces.
IF-232 levels: Kenwood: TS-140, 440, 450, 680,
690, 711, 790, 811, 850, 940, 950
FIF-232 levels: Yaesu FT-100, 736, 747,
757GXII, 767, 817, 840, 857, 890, 897, 900,
980, 990, 1000, 1000D
CI-V levels: all Icom radios except IC-7800 and
IC-7700 using RS-232 and all TenTec rigs with
3.5mm connector
NOTE: the CAT interface is not configured at the factory.
Jumpers are shown configured for RS232 levels.
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IF232
CI-V
FIF232
RS232

microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
2. For Icom transceivers, install the ICVOX jumper locate behin the
PTT IN jack. Otherwise, connect your transceiver PTT Out (linear) to
the PTT IN jack using the appropriate cable.
3. Connect your amplifier PTT (if used) to the PA PTT jack and set the PA
PTT RE/SS jumpers appropriately.
4. Connect your keyer paddles to the PADDLE jack.
5. If you use a foot switch, connect the foot switch to the FOOTSW jack.
6. Plug the DB15M on the radio cable set into the DB15 (RADIO) connector on the rear panel of DIGI
KEYER II and connect each connector from the cable set to the appropriate jacks at the rear panel
of your transceiver. Each connector on the radio interface cable is marked same as the matching
jack on your transceiver.
7. If the radio cable ends with leads for external power, connect these leads to a 12-16V DC power
supply. Be sure to observe the proper polarity.
NOTE: DO NOT use the same power supply as the transceiver.
8. Locate but do not connect the USB cable from DIGI KEYER II to your computer.
NOTE: If you will be installing on a Windows computer, skip to page 9.
Mac OS X INSTALLATION
1. Insert the microHAM CD in your CDROM/DVD rive an navigate to Drivers/OS-X or use your web browser to
go to http://www.ft ichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm an own loa the latest river image for OS-X.
2. Open FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_14. mg by
clicking on it.
3. For OS-X 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6 open
FTDIUSBSerialDriver_10_4_10_5_10_6 an
follow the instructions to install.
4. Plug in the USB cable
5. Turn on the ra io or external power supply.
6. Follow the instructions for your software to
configure the application to work with DigiKEYER
II.
NOTE: To access all the capabilities of DigiKEYER II, your OS-X software must be written to use the
microHAM Keyer Protocol or µH Router by Kok Chen, W7AY.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
MICROSOFT WINDOWS (XP, Vista, Windows 7) INSTALLATION
Installing microHAM USB Device Router
To install Router click on the Install USB Device
Router link on the installation CD or download the
most recent installation package from the web site:
www.microHAM.com/downloads.html.
If you download an updated package, click on
"urouter_release_xx_xx.exe" (xx_xx is version) to
start the installation.
The Windows setup utility will start and ask into
which folder Router and its supporting files should
be installed. Note: unless you have a very strong
reason to install Router elsewhere, please accept
the default location.
When the Router installation is completed, click
"Finish" to launch Router for the first time. Then
plug in the USB cable and proceed to configure
Router for your station and software.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Configuring microHAM CODEC
Windows will automatically install the USB Audio
Device driver to support the microHAM CODEC in
DIGI KEYER II.
Windows automatically selects any newly installed
audio device as the default device for Sound
Playback and Sound recording. This is undesirable
as Windows Sounds would be played through DIGI
KEYER II and onto the air!
In Windows XP, open "Sounds and Audio Devices" in
the Control Panel or right click on the Speaker icon on
the Taskbar and select Adjust Audio Properties. Reset
the Default device for Sound Playback and Sound
Recording to your computer's primary sound device.
In Windows Vista and Windows 7, open "Sound" in
the Control Panel or right click on the Speaker Icon on
the Taskbar and select "Playback Devices." Reset the
default to the Speakers of your computer's primary
sound device.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Configuring microHAM USB Device Router
The microHAM USB Device Router (Router) program provides a Windows compatible configuration tool for
microHAM USB Devices and software interface to other Windows applications (loggers, digital mode
software, etc.). The software interface is provided as Virtual Serial Ports.
To configure and use DIGI KEYER II with Windows compatible application programs it is necessary to have
installed the USB driver, started the Router, and applied power to DIGI KEYER II by turning on the attached
radio or external power supply. Router is then configured to match the requirements of the application
(logger or digital mode) software.
DIGI KEYER II Status
When the USB driver is installed correctly and DK II is powered
from a radio or external 12V DC supply Router will show a device
tab with a GREEN check beside the device name.
When Router shows a YELLOW “X” instead of a green 

, it
means the USB driver is correctly installed but DK II is not
receiving power from the radio or external supply.
When Router shows a RED “X” instead of a green 

, it means the
device is disconnected and Router does not see the USB part of
DK II.
This happens when the USB cable is unplugged or the USB driver is not correctly installed.
Initial Setup
Router must be used to configure DK II for proper operation. The device configuration tabs are used to
setup each part of the DK II – virtual ports for communicating with the application (Ports), audio levels,
PTT, WinKeyer, keyboard operation, stored CW/FSK messages and System configuration.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports
microHAM Router provides a set of virtual serial ports which allow Windows applications (loggers and digital
software) to work with DK II just as they would work with "real" (hardware) serial ports.
In order to use these virtual Ports, you must first create the ports and then assign a function (radio control,
PTT, CW, FSK, etc.) to each virtual port.
DO NOT define a port that is already in use (for example, COM1 or COM2 which are hardware ports on
many motherboards) or a virtual port used by another USB device. Even though Router will not allow using
a COM port number which is already present in the system (like hardware COM ports or internal modems),
sometimes these ports are hidden. If a device which also uses virtual serial ports (external USB devices,
bluetooth devices, mobile phones, PDA etc ...) is not connected to the computer when creating virtual ports
in Router, the ports can overlap and will not work properly when you connect such device.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Before you start creating virtual COM ports, attach all external devices you use
with the computer and allow them to connect to the system. Restart Router and then create the virtual COM
ports.
Virtual ports are created from the Virtual Port menu.
Create - Creates virtual COM ports. It is possible to
select more than one port at a time by holding the
Ctrl key on keyboard and clicking on COM port
numbers. Creating virtual ports may take a long time
(several tens of seconds), be patient.
Delete - Deletes any single virtual port.
Delete All - Deletes all previously created virtual ports.
Do not delete a virtual port until all applications using that port have been closed.
TIP: It is possible to select multiple ports at one time by
holding Control key on keyboard and clicking on the COM
port numbers.
TIP: If you have uninstalled another device which used
virtual ports and Router does not offer the released COM
port number, you will need to reset the virtual port bus. You
can do this by deleting all the virtual ports at once. Select
"Virtual Port | Delete All" and create the ports again. Any
missing port number should appear.
TIP: Do not create more virtual ports than your applications
require. Extra ports only tie up system resources and
make Router load more slowly.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
5 - microHAM USB DEVICE ROUTER
ROUTER MENU
Default Router Settings: used to completely reset Router to factory (default) settings.
"Default" removes all device tabs and deletes all stored configuration data, including all user presets.
from the Windows Registry.
TIP: DK II can be reset to the factory configuration by selecting Default Router Settings followed by
Device | Store as Power-up Settings to save the defaults to the keyer's memory.
Restore Router Settings: used to restore settings from a urs file created by the backup command.
A urs file can be used only with the device for which it was generated (the file contains the unit serial
number) on a computer with same port assignments.
WARNING: Restoring a backup replaces all current Router settings including presets, use it carefully!
Backup Router Settings: used to create backup urs file.
This file contains Router settings (including Presets) for all devices defined in Router.
Options | General
- Load Router on Start-up: when checked, Router will start automatically each time the computer is
started or rebooted.
- Start Router Minimized: when checked, Router will started minimized
Options | Band Map: - Does not apply to DIGI KEYER II -
Customizable band edge boundaries used to drive the band data output. BCD codes can be
customized for driving antenna switches or bandpass filter control.
Options | Digital Band Map: - Does not apply to DIGI KEYER II -
Customizable band boundaries for the digital mode operation. These settings are used for the (optional)
automatic selection of audio switching and PTT mode based on operating frequency. Careful selection
of the "Digital band" is necessary for transceivers which do not have a special mode for AFSK operation
or do not report the mode in the computer command set. This primarily effects Kenwood and TenTec
transceivers although it applies to some older Icom and Yaesu radios.
Options | Audio Devices:
- Don't use audio devices: when checked, Router does not use audio devices and the settings on the
Audio Mixer and DVK tabs have no effect.
- Manually assign audio devices: when checked, Router will allow the user to select audio devices
(sound card) in the appropriate fields at Audio Mixer tab and will actively control the audio devices
- Automatically assign microHAM audio devices: when checked, Router will automatically assign proper
audio device of the same name if multiple microHAM interfaces of the same kind are connected to the
one computer.
Options | DVK: - DVK is not supported by DIGI KEYER II -
- Voice message time limit: maximum time for each voice message up to 120 seconds.
- Sample rate: sampling frequency used during recording and playback of voice messages.
- Sample size: sampling size used during recording of voice messages. Sampling size primarily effects
audio quality of the messages. 16bit samples provide higher quality than 8bit.
Options | USB:
- Noise immunity: selects how many times an undelivered USB packet will be repeated before the USB
device is disconnected from the operating system.
- Response time: selects how long the USB chip in a device will wait for additional data before sending
data to the operating system.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Minimize: Clicking this will minimize Router to the
system tray at the bottom right corner of the
Windows Taskbar (the "System Notification
Area").
TIP: When Router is minimized you can restore it by double-clicking on the Router tray icon. You can
also restore Router by double-clicking on the Router icon on the desktop or restarting Router from the
Programs menu.
Exit: Clicking on this item will terminate Router.
NOTE: when Router is terminated, application software will be unable to communicate with
DIGI KEYER II and the radio.
PRESET MENU
The requirements of each program are different and each one may handle radio control, CW and PTT in its
own way. In some cases what works for one application may not work properly with another. To get
maximum performance from CW Keyer, you may wish to customize the settings for each application.
For easy switching among applications, Router supports up to 12
user definable Presets. Different configurations can be stored in
these presets and recalled almost instantly simply by clicking on the
preset button.
Each preset contains the settings for all devices connected to, and
controlled by, Router. For example, if Router controls a
microKEYER, a DIGI KEYER II and a USB Interface, each preset
remembers the settings for all devices including the assignment of
COM ports and the contents of all sub-tabs except the FSK/CW
Messages and DVK tabs.
NOTE: Presets do not appear until they have been saved by the
user using Preset | Save as. Example configurations for
several popular loggin and digital programs are availble in
Router's Help menu. Use “Help | Download Documents“ if
the setup guides are not available or are incomplete.
There are three ways to apply a preset once it is created:
1. Click on Preset and select the desired preset from the pull-
down menu.
2. Click on a preset button. To have buttons visible in Router, Preset | Show Buttons must be
checked. When the settings from a preset are applied, a green light located in the preset button is
lit. This green light is on ONLY when all settings in Router are same as those stored in the preset.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
3. By right clicking on the system tray icon when the Router is minimized.
The presets and the current router configuration are stored to the registry when
Router is closed and recalled when Router is loaded.
Save as - Saves the current Router settings to a preset for future use.
Rename - Allows renaming of an existing preset.
Delete - Delete chosen preset.
Show buttons - When checked, Router shows the preset buttons.
DEVICE MENU
Router can control several devices. This allows configuring the settings for all connected devices at one
time by using the Presets.
Each device has its own tab (page) in the main Router
notebook. The content of a device tab depends on
device type. Adding a device is automatic the first
time Router detects a supported device (USB driver).
Once detected, a device remains in Router even though device is disconnected. Each device is identified
by product identification number and a unique serial string.
Rename – Creates a custom device name. This is useful if
two or more devices are connected to the Router. For
example CW KEYER, micro Keyer and USB Interface II can
be renamed to more identifiable names as shown here..
Delete - Removes a device from the Router. Only
disconnected devices (those with a RED “X” on the device
tab) can be removed. To disconnect a device from Router,
unplug the USB cable from the computer or device.
Save Template - will save the current Router settings to template file.
When clicked, Router will open a standard File Save dialog window – the default location is
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\microHAM\cfg. If a hypertext (html) or plain
text (txt) documentation file of the same name as the template is present in the same directory, it will
be associated with the template.
Load Template – will automatically configure Router from a template (*.tpl file).
When clicked, Router will open a standard File dialog – the default location is: C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Application Data\microHAM\cfg - and the desired template can be chosen. When
Router loads a template, it looks for an html or txt file with the same name as the template in the
same directory. If such file is found, it is displayed.
TIP: Templates are a powerful tool for quickly configuring Router to work with a particular
application. Template files are interchangeable between computers and are well suited for cloning
setups when using the same application in multi-computer stations or for sharing custom setups
between users.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Upload Firmware: microHAM will occasionally release updates to the firmware in DIGI KEYER II. The
update may support news feature in Router or improve application compatibility. The recent public
version of the firmware is always available from www.microHAM.com/downloads.html.
To update firmware, download the firmware file to your computer, then click on Device | Upload
Firmware. A Windows file dialog will open; navigate to the directory into which you downloaded the
firmware file and select the file.
TIP: When you upgrade Router, the upgrade will include the latest firmware file. The new firmware
will be automatically uploaded to DIGI KEYER II when the new version of Router connects for the
first time, you have just to allow the upgrade when prompted.
VIRTUAL PORT MENU
It is necessary to create several virtual serial ports (COM ports) in order for a Windows application (logging,
control or digital mode program) to access microHAM devices.
Create - Creates virtual COM ports. It is possible
to select several ports at one time by holding the
Ctrl key on the keyboard and clicking on COM port
numbers. Creating a virtual port may take a while,
be patient.
Delete - Deletes any single virtual port.
Delete All - Deletes all previously created virtual
ports and resets Virtual Serial Port bus.
Do not delete a virtual port unless all applications
using that port have been closed.
Virtual Serial Ports can be reviewed in Device
Manager, under the ELTIMA folder.
NOTE: Properly working ports should not display
an exclamation mark (!).
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
HELP MENU
Manuals: Link to microHAM manuals located on your system.
Setup Guides: Link to software configuration guides for many common applications.
Cable Schematics: Link to cable diagrams.
Download Documents: Downloads microHAM documentation including updated manuals and setup
guides. You may specify the products for which you want documentation.
NOTE: Download Documents requires an Internet connection.
microHAM Home Page: Link to www.microHAM.com
microHAM Downloads Page: Link to www.microham.com/contents/en-us/d29.html
Show Tooltips: When checked, small, single line help is displayed below the mouse cursor.
Update Router: Download and install the most recent version of Router.
About: Shows the Router's internal version number
Change logs: Shows the Router and firmware changes.
DEVICE CONFIGURATION TABS
There are nine (9) tabs for configuring DIGI KEYER II. Each tab controls a part of the device functions. Any
change is applied immediately to DIGI KEYER II. Changes in Messages are NOT applied automatically. To
store them use buttons Store or Store All.
Ports - used to assign virtual ports to the DIGI KEYER II for use by applications.
Audio - used to configure on-off keying decoders (Q-CW/P-FSK) and CW side tone.
Audio Mixer – duplicates the Windows Mixer for DK II in Windows XP and 2000 only.
PTT – used to configure PTT outputs, timing and sequencer.
CW / WinKey – controls WinKey settings.
CW & FSK Messages – used to store and edit CW or FSK messages.
Keyboard - used to configure the optional PS/2 keyboard or Keypad.
System Settings – used to configure the optional Auxiliary CI-V output.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Ports Tab
Once the virtual ports have been created they must be associated with a specific device channel (e.g.,
Control, CW, PTT, etc.). These assignments should correspond to settings of the application software and
must be configured first in Router then in the application (e.g., logging program, MMTTY, MixW, etc.).
Proper configuration of the port assignments in this tab is critical for integration with logging and
digital mode softwre. Read the following information carefully.
DIGI KEYER II has eleven functions with indication of the state and settings applied by the host application
● CAT (uses RxD and TxD)
● 2
nd
CAT (virtual “fork” for the main CAT channel)
● FSK (uses TxD and optionally RTS/DTR for PTT)
● 2
nd
FSK (uses TxD and optionally RTS/DTR for PTT)
● CW (uses DTR or RTS)
● PTT (uses DTR or RTS)
● 2
nd
PTT (uses DTR or RTS)
● Foot Switch (uses CTS, DCD, DSR or RING)
● Squelch (uses CTS, DCD, DSR or RING)
● WinKey (uses RxD and TxD)
● Control (uses RxD and TxD)
General note: Do not assign virtual ports to those functions which are not used by the application. It is
unnecessary and only consumes resources.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
CAT PORT & 2
nd
CAT PORT
The CAT channel is used by application software to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and
many other parameters using a serial (CAT) protocol. Most modern radios implement some form of CAT but
almost every radio implementation is different. The functions controlled by the computer depend on the
particular application and radio.
NOTE: The port number assigned in Router MUST match the port number assigned in the host
application. First configure the virtual COM ports in Router then configure the application.
When a COM port is assigned in the Router but not
in the application (or the application is not running)
Router will indicate the channel is closed.
When an application opens the COM port assigned for control (usually at start-up), Router shows the
channel as open and displays baud rate, data bits, parity and number of stop bits used by the application.
For example, 4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.
Data flowing through the CAT channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow indicates data flow from the
application to the radio and a red arrow indicates data flow from the radio to the application.
TIP: If the application provides for PTT (T/R) keying by radio control (CAT) turn this function OFF.
PTT by CAT is not reliable because RFI can prevent the radio from switching back to receive. There
is a dedicated T/R switching channel for this purpose called PTT.
NOTE: If your radio does not support handshake (most do not). Configure DTR and RTS settings
in your application program (logger) for Always On or Always Off. Do not select “Handshake.”
For Router to determine the operating frequency
and mode, it must know what radio (CAT protocol)
being used. To select the radio, click the Set
button, choose your radio in the Radio combo box,
select communication speed in the Baud rate box,
and set the CI-V address for Icom and some
TenTec radios.
TIP: Disable theAutobaud function in any Icom Radio used with Router. Configure the radio,
Router, and your application software to operate at 9600 or 19200 baud.
Disable router queries – When this box checked, Router will not poll the radio for frequency and mode
when that information is not available from the communication between the application and radio.
NOTE: "Disable router queries" disables Router polling only when the port has been opened
by an application program. When the virtual port is closed, Router always polls the radio to
support the automatic switching functions of DIGI KEYER II. If it is necessary to disable all
polling, select one of the "none" options in the Radio box.
WARNING: DO NOT select "Disable Router queries" unless you have a specific reason to do so. Router
only polls for information that is not requested by the logger and does not interfere with logger polling.
Disabling Router queries may result in incorrect frequency and/or mode decoding and can have a serious
impact on overall operation.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
PW1 on radio bus – When this box checked, Router periodically generates an Icom "Transceive"
broadcast to keep the PW1 synchronized.
NOTE: Check this box if you have an IC-PW1 or other Icom compatible accessory physically
connected in parallel with the transceiver. Do not check this box if the only connection is to the
transceiver and the PW1 or other other accessory is connected to the accessory CI-V port
(described later).
Tracking:
Tracking: This function allows an external receiver to track the transceiver attached to DK II.
NOTE: The transceiver attached to DKII must be properly interfaced and CAT must be
functioning properly. Tracking does not work for “no radio” choices.
Radio: Specifies SDR receiver model.
Source QRG: Specifies whether the SDR will track the transceiver transmit or receive frequency.
Port: Specifies COM port used to communicate with the SDR.
Offset: Frequency offset between the receiver and transceiver. Default is 0Hz, resolution is 1Hz.
NOTE: For specific receiver configurations, please refer to Appendix C..
The bottom two-thirds of the Radio
window is a serial communication
monitor. The monitor uses colors and
tags to indicate which device is
responsible for the data. Black queries
(H1-TX or H2-TX) and gray radio
responses (H1-RX or H2-TX) are from
the "host" application (e.g., logger), H1
indicates the host application on the
main CAT port, H2 is the host
application on the 2
nd
CAT port. Green
packets (R-TX and R-RX) are
polls/responses from/to Router and not
routed to the application.
Router monitors the communication
when the host application performs
control and polls the radio periodically
for any missing information (VFO
frequencies and mode). Because
some applications do not poll the radio
regularly or completely, Router must
break this communication to update its internal state. In order to avoid confusing the application when
Router polls the radio, data from the application is buffered and sent to the radio after Router receives a
response to its query. If Router does not receive response to a poll within the time allowed or does not
understand the response, it displays "oldest query discarded" but forwards all data to the virtual serial port
to avoid confusing the application (logger).
Since USB transmits data in frames with a delay between frames, Router indicates frame boundaries with
three dots (...). When a packet ends with three dots it means that the data continues in the next frame.
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