microHAM DXP User manual
microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENT
1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 3
2 - PANEL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Front Pan l ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
R ar Pan l ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3 - HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Cabl s Conn ction and Initial S tup .................................................................................................................................... 6
Display D scription and Basic Op ration .................................................................................................................... 7
4 - SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Und rstanding DXP op ration ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Audio D vic s ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
S rial Ports ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
S rial Ports Find r......................................................................................................................................................... 10
5 – SIGNALS CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................................................ 11
6 – SETUP MENU................................................................................................................................................................... 13
K yboard ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
CW Op ration - WinK y................................................................................................................................................. 17
7 – FIRMWARE UPDATE....................................................................................................................................................... 18
8 - HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 19
9 - PACKAGE CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................... 20
10 - WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................................................... 20
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ....................................................................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX A – DB15 TRANSCEIVER CONNECTOR ..........................................................................................................22
APPENDIX B – RFI Consid rations ..................................................................................................................................... 23
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
DXP is a lightweight transceiver-to-computer U B interface with high dynamic range and low noise 24-bit
audio ADC and DAC to facilitate high quality F K and Digital operation (FT8, RTTY, JTxx, P K31, etc.). CW
operation is supported by the time-proven WinKey CW keyer developed by K1EL, in version WKv3.
DXP is the first microHAM interface entirely utilizing tandard U B Class Devices for its U B operation. This
means, that drivers are already incorporated in all current major computer operating systems, no driver
installation is necessary. DXP does not need our U B Device Router for operation.
DXP is fully powered from a standard U B port while maintaining full galvanic isolation between computer
and transceiver. The relay-free construction of DXP provides quiet operation based on an optoMO part
replacing the traditional output relay. CAT interface is jumper-free set up from the menu. The DB15F system
connector is fully compatible with previous microHAM interfaces: U B II, U B III, DK, and DK II and uses the
same DB15 cables.
General:
•ingle U B connection to computer for power, data and audio
•Complete "Computer ↔ Transceiver ↔ Amplifier" galvanic isolation
•Internal 24-bit USB Audio
•Standard USB Audio Class device – no custom driver required
•Asynchronous data transfer, internal low phase noise LO -145dBc/Hz @1kHz
•High dynamic range 100 dB typical, 95 dB minimum
•Extremely low noise floor as low as <10 µV effective
•Real-Time audio input level monitoring on built-in display
•ilent operation without relays
•U B Class compatibility (Audio & CDC), no drivers required for Windows 10, macO and Linux
Radio control (CAT):
•Up to 115200 Baud
•Integrated menu driven (no jumpers) level converter for CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, or R -232 levels
•upports most Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, Yaesu and other radios
Digital (FS /AFS ):
•24-bit, high dynamic range, very low distortion analog inputs
•Dual channel receive capability
•Ultra low noise floor, below the noise floor from any current transceiver
•Front panel transmit/receive level control
•UART based, zero jitter F K output
•Resamples computer standard 45.0 Baud rate for accurate 45.45 Baud HAM RTTY speed
•Intelligent diddle stuffing to eliminate random gaps between characters for best decoding
performance
•upports data codes with 5/6/7/8 data bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits
•ample accurate support for audio based P-F K keying
•Adjustable F K keying polarity
•U B keyboard support for stand alone F K transmission with type ahead function
CW:
•Genuine WinKey™ version 3 chip
•Front panel speed knob, stand alone operation
•ample accurate support for audio based Q-CW keying
•U B keyboard support for stand alone CW transmission with type ahead function
•ix (6) user programmable memories
Other:
•Isolated, high voltage optoMO based PAPTT keying output, no clicking relays
•Huge filtering for maximum RFI immunity, Metal/Aluminum case, Free firmware upgrades
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
2 - PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front Pan l
1. PWR
POWER LED lights when U B power is applied. Flashing in tand-by.
2. CW
LED flashes with CW output.
3. FSK
LED flashes with F K output.
4. SPEED
CW speed control. Range (MIN, MAX) is defined by WinKey software.
5. PTT
LED lights when PTT from logger or digital modes program is active.
6. TX AUDIO
LED lights when TX Audio from logger or digital modes program is active.
7. RX AUDIO
LED lights when RX Audio to logger or digital modes program is active.
8. TX
ets display and right knob to adjust TX driving level. Invokes and closes ETUP menu
when pushed together with right RX button. Left button for navigation in the setup.
9. DISPLAY
10. RX
ets display and right knob to adjust RX level. Invokes and closes ETUP menu when
pushed together with left TX button. Right button for navigation in the setup.
11. KNOB
Multipurpose knob for adjusting TX and RX audio level. Pushing toggles between MAIN
and UB RX level, sets parameters in the setup.
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R ar Pan l
1. RADIO
DB15F connector for radio connection. ee Appendix A for details
2. KEYBOAD
U B A connector connecting external U B keyboard or thumb drive for firmware updates.
3. COMPUTER
U B B connector for computer connection. Uses standard U B A-B cable.
4. PADDLE
6.3mm (¼") paddle input connector
TIP = Dit, RING = Dash, LEEVE = Ground
5. FOOTSW
RCA foot switch (default) or PTTIN input connector, function can be set in setup.
Active when closed to ground.
TIP = ignal, HELL = Ground
6. PAPTT
RCA keying output for Power Amplifier. Active output goes to ground.
Connector: RCA TIP = ignal, HELL = Ground
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
3 - HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Cabl s Conn ction and Initial S tup
Installation of DXP consists of hardware and software parts. First, it is necessary to setup the hardware.
1. Turn off the radio and make the rear panel of the DXP accessible.
2. Plug the DB15M of the radio cable set into the RADIO connector on the rear panel of the DXP.
Connect ALL connectors from the cable set to the matching jacks of your transceiver.
3. Connect your paddles to the PADDLE jack.
4. Connect your power amplifier keying input to the PAPTT jack.
5. Connect U B cable to the COMPUTER jack and other end to the computer's U B jack.
Sinc DXP is a USB pow r d d vic (do s not r quir xt rnal pow r conn ction)
it should b automatically turn d ON now.
6. Push TX and RX buttons together to enter ETUP menu.
Use ← (TX) and → (RX) buttons to find menu item 1.1 CAT TYPE. Rotate right (encoder) KNOB
to select proper CAT levels of your transceiver.
•CIV – all Icom transceivers
•RS232 – all modern transceivers with DB9 CAT control jack (Elecraft, Kenwood, Yaesu, etc)
•FIF232 – old Yaesu transceivers: FT-100, 736, 747, 757GXII, 767, 817, 840, 857, 890, 897,
FT-900, 980, 990, 1000, 1000D
•IF232 – old Kenwood transceivers: T -140, 440, 450, 680, 690, 711, 790, 811, 850, 950
Confirm selection by pushing knob.
7. If you use a foot switch, connect the foot switch to the FOOT W jack.
If you do not use foot switch, or prefer to have your foot switch connected to the transceiver,
connect transceiver's PTT output (TX GND, END, LINEAR, REMOTE etc …) to the FOOT W
jack using proper cable. FOOT W input needs to be set for alternate PTTIN function in menu
4.2 to avoid “stuck in TX” effect. Locate menu 4.2 FS JACK and select PTTIN by rotating knob.
8. Leave ETUP by pressing TX and RX buttons together, initial hardware setup is done.
You can turn on the radio.
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Display D scription and Basic Op ration
The display of DXP provides real time information about incoming RX audio level, its gain or attenuation,
TX output level, indicates CAT data transfer, a clipping warning if the RX input level is too high, and
provides data output monitoring for CW and F K. It also serves as user interface for setting DXP
operating parameters in ETUP menu.
There are five real time screens, three fixed and two automatic. The automatic screens are output
monitors for CW and F K – when data are sent, that data is shown scrolling through the display. When
there is no more data to send the display returns to the last used fixed screen.
Fixed screens are TX audio screen, RX MAIN audio screen for the main receiver of your transceiver and
the RX UB audio screen for UB receiver, if your transceiver has two receivers. The TX screen is
invoked by pressing TX button. The number next to the VU-METER indicates the currently set output
level as a percentage of the maximum available output from DXP.
Adjusting TX level is individual for every radio. The golden rule is that the level should be set for
maximum RF output power at minimum or no ALC drive. This can be easily accomplished by observing
the RF output meter and ALC meter on your transceiver simultaneously. Adhering to this rule assures
that the output signal is as clean as it gets without excessive IMD products and as strong as you set by
RF output level on your transceiver.
RX MAIN screen is invoked by pressing the RX button. You can alternate between RX MAIN and RX
UB screens by pressing the knob. The number next to the VU-METER on these screens indicates
digital gain or attenuation in dB of the input signal fed to the computer for audio processing in digital
mode programs. The CLIP sign on the top right corner of the display indicates that the level of signal
into the DXP is too high. If you see this sign, you need to decrease the receive audio output signal level
in your transceiver menu. ome programs like W JT-X for FT8 mode require a certain level of noise for
processing, use knob to adjust for the recommended level. In most other cases, setting 0-10dB gain
provides the best performance for weak signal operation in RTTY or other digital modes.
Pressing both TX and RX buttons at the same time enters the DXP ETUP MENU which enables to
adjust the operating parameters of DXP. Individual ETUP MENU items are described separately in the
DXP ETUP MENU chapter.
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4 - SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
DXP uses U B Audio Class compatible audio devices and U B Communication Class (CDC-ACM)
compatible serial port devices. These U B classes are natively supported by all current operating
systems (Windows 10, macO , and Linux) therefore there is no need to install any external drivers. The
given operating system already includes the necessary drivers for each U B class and installs them
automatically when DXP is connected to the U B jack on computer for the first time. True plug-and-play.
Windows versions prior Windows 10 (since Windows XP P3) provide a half way support for CDC serial
ports - they contain the appropriate driver but do not install it automatically. They will require an external
definition file (INF file) for the device to be recognized. For DXP installation on Windows XP P3 up to
Windows 8.1, download the definition file (DXP.inf) from our web pages and follow the installation
procedure described in erial Ports chapter.
Und rstanding DXP op ration
DXP connected to the computer appears in operating system as two stereo audio devices (input and
output) and three, purpose specific serial ports.
Audio D vic s
There are two audio devices - the output (TX) device and input (RX) device.
Output (playback) audio device is stereo, supporting 16 or 24-bit depth at 16/24/48 kHz sample rates.
In the operating system it is labeled as DXP (Windows), DXP TX (macO ), or microHAM DXP Analog
Audio Output (Linux). Volume sliders and mute boxes on this device are intentionally disabled (even if
still present for class driver compatibility) and the level adjustment is limited to pressing TX button and
turning the multi-functional encoder knob on the DXP front panel.
•Left output channel is used to send audio modulation to the transceiver and has to be chosen as
the TX audio device in the digital modes programs.
NOTE: Most transceivers (especially Yaesu) have to be switched to a dedicated digital mode PKT, DIG,
DATA etc … to accept audio modulation from external accessory input.
Most U B enabled transceivers have their audio data input set to U B by default. You will need
to change the input to ACC (the external modulation input can be named differently) in the
transceiver's setup menu.
•Right audio channel is processed in the internal D P detector and its output can be used as an
OOK keying source for CW (Q-CW) or F K (P-F K). Right channel features are disabled by
default but can be turned on in ETUP menu.
Input (recording) audio device is stereo, providing 24-bit depth at 48 kHz sampling rate. In the operating
system it is labeled as DXP LINE (Windows), DXP RX (macO ), or microHAM DXP Analog Audio Input
(Linux). Again, volume sliders and mute boxes on this device are intentionally disabled and levels
adjustment restricted to pressing RX button and turning the knob on the DXP front panel.
•Left input channel carries main receiver audio of the connected transceiver and should be used
as primary receiving audio device in digital mode programs.
•Right input channel carries sub receiver audio if DXP is connected to a transceiver with two
receivers. Right audio channel of DXP input device can be used as RX audio device in a second
instance of digital mode program to monitor split frequency or activity on different bands.
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S rial Ports
DXP automatically installs three (3) serial ports on host computer for connection to your favorite logging
or digital modes program. Installation process on Windows 10, macOS and Linux is automatic, serial
ports use U B CDC class compatible drivers built-in to the operating system.
These three ports have dedicated functions for:
•transceiver CAT control
•FSK sending data for RTTY
•WinK y CW/F K control and sending.
Windows 10, macOS
No action required, ports are install automatically.
On Windows the ports are labeled “COM(x)”, on macO “usbmodem(xxxxx)” where x stands for the
port’s number.
Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8
Windows versions prior Windows 10 did not support U B CDC serial ports automatically. After
connecting DXP, “New Hardware Detected” dialogue pops up, asking for a driver (in our case definition
file). This definition file can be downloaded from our website:
http://www.microham.com/Downloads/DXP.inf
When DXP is plugged in for the first time and the “New Hardware” window appears, select manual
installation (Have Disk option) and direct the operating system to the path with the downloaded DXP.inf
file. This procedure will repeat three times, one for each serial port.
NOTE: Windows XP must have ervice Pack 3 installed, older ervice Packs have a bug in the
U B CDC driver. Versions other than Windows XP P3 are not supported.
Linux
No driver installation is required on Linux operating system; the new ports are labeled “ttyACMxx” where
x stands for the port’s number. However, to make the ports accessible for applications and operate
correctly, an initial setup step is required. By default, most Linux distributions run a core application
called “ModemManager.” The problem is that Modem Manager sees the creation of any /dev/ttyACM*
device as "Oh, a new modem appeared. I am the modem manager and I have to claim exclusive access
to it by opening it right away." If you want to avoid sending useless modem data to your interface and
radio (as you certainly do), you can do that for specific “modem” (your DXP) through udev. The
procedure is described here:
http://linux-tips.org/t/prevent-modem-manager-to-capture-usb-serial-devices/284/2
DXP identification numbers are: VID=0483 PID=a2f6
Alternatively, if you don't need Modem Manager (usually you don't), you can uninstall Modem Manager
in terminal:
sudo apt-get remove modemmanager
Then, to make new ports accessible to your applications you have to set permissions:
sudo chmod a+rw /dev/ttyACM*
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S rial Ports Find r
For simple identification which port number (Windows) or port name (macO , Linux) has been assigned
by operating system to either CAT, F K and WinKey port, you can install and run a simple application,
DXP Ports Find r, which will list the DXP serial port assignments on your computer. The only purpose
of this application is to identify the serial ports. It is not necessary to run it for normal operation, just to
setup logger/digital mode software or troubleshooting.
Windows (all)
Download dxp-win.zip package and unzip dxp.exe application to
your desktop. You can download the application from our
website – Downloads section, or directly from this link:
http://www.microham.com/Downloads/dxp-win.zip
DXP Ports Finder will scan serial ports on your computer and
display the COM port numbers assigned by the operating
system to the individual DXP serial channels.
If you want to change port numbering, go to Device Manager | Ports (COM & LPT) and double click on
port you want to change. Go to Port ettings tab, click the Advanced button and change the COM port
number at the bottom drop down box. Make sure each COM port listed in Device Manager has a unique
number; ports must not overlap.
macOS
Download and open dxp-mac.dmg image and move DXP
application to your Applications folder or Desktop. DXP
Ports Finder will scan serial ports on your computer and
display usbmodemxxxxx port names assigned by operating
system to individual DXP serial channels. You can
download the application from our website – Downloads
section, or directly from this link:
http://www.microham.com/Downloads/dxp-mac.dmg
Linux
Download Ubuntu version of DXP Ports Finder, other
distributions were not tested. You can download the application
from our website – Downloads section, or directly from this link:
http://www.microham.com/Downloads/dxp-ubuntu.tar.gz
Before you install DXP Ports Finder itself, you have to install the
necessary libraries in terminal for correct operation.
sudo apt install libwxbase3.0-0v5
sudo apt install libwxgtk3.0-0v5
sudo apt-get install --reinstall libcanberra-gtk-module
Then unpack and run DXP Ports Finder
tar xvzf dxp-ubuntu.tar.gz
./dxp
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
5 – SIGNALS CONFIGURATION
In order to get DXP to operate properly with your logger or digital mode software, it is necessary to
make the correct port assignments and configure the output signals. Logger or digital mode programs
communicate with your transceiver thru serial ports and audio ports created by DXP.
The basic rule is that the port selected in your logger or digital mode software must match the respective
DXP port for that function. CAT interface port in logger must be set to the port number or name of the
CAT port in DXP; the F K port in your RTTY program to the port number or name of the F K port of
DXP; and the WinKey interface port (if your logger supports WinKey) must be set to the port number or
name of the WinKey port in DXP.
F dback to op rator
DXP uses the front panel lights and display to provide feedback to operator for all port data.
CAT communication is indicated on top left corner of the display by two arrows. The arrow pointing to
the right indicates data flow from the computer to the transceiver and the arrow pointing to the left
indicates data flow from the radio to the computer. Normally you should see both arrows indicating
proper communication.
F K data is indicated by the green F K light on the front panel of DXP. If the data is meaningful it is
also shown as scrolling text on display.
WinKey data is not shown but if data are correct outgoing CW output is indicated by the CW light on
front panel as well as by scrolling text on display.
If your digital mode application has opened the receive audio input, that is indicated by the red AUDIO
RX light on the front panel. To receive audio you always need to set DXP LINE, DXP RX, or DXP Audio
Input as the receive (input) audio device in your digital mode software. If you do not see this light during
receive, your application is not set for the correct RX audio source.
If your digital mode application has opened the transmit audio output, that is indicated by yellow AUDIO
TX light on the DXP front panel. To transmit audio, you must set the transmit audio device (output) in
your digital mode software to l ft chann l of DXP, DXP TX, or DXP Audio Output. If you do not see this
light during transmit the TX audio is not set correctly in your digital mode program.
In addition to the audio, CAT, F K and WinKey ports whose functionality is fixed, you can use
additional, user controlled signals. These signals can be individually enabled or disabled in DXP etup
Menu.
Right audio channel can be used as source for CW or RTTY (F K) operation if such functionality is
supported by your program (e.g. Fldigi, cocoamodem, etc.).
Each serial port has a configurable DTR signal (RT signals are not used because Windows limits them
to handshake use). These DTR signals on each port can be individually set as PTT, on/off CW keying,
or on/off F K keying sources. The use of PTT keying is recommended and provides much more
predictable and timely performance than PTT over CAT (transceiver CAT commands). However, on/off
keying for CW and F K should be used only if your favorite logger does not support real (UART) F K
keying and has no support for WinKey.
The diagram on the next page provides a self explanatory overview of all signals available on computer
and their relationship to the user settings defined in the DXP etup Menu.
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DXP Control ignals Routing Diagram
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CAT PORT
WINKEY PORT
FSK PORT
CAT DTR
CAT DATA
WINKEY DTR
LEVEL
CONVERTER
1.1 CAT TYPE
1.2 CAT DTR
CAT
WINKEY
WKv3
WINKEY DATA
1.3 WINKEY DTR
CW
CW
CW
PTT
PTT
FSK DTR
FSK
UART
FSK DATA
1.4 FSK DTR
FSK
FSK
FSK
PTT
DXP RX
DXP
AUDIO ADC
AUDIO DAC
AUDIO IN MAIN
AUDIO IN SUB
LEFT
RIGHT
AUDIO OUT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEVEL
DETECTOR
2.1 QCW
YES
2.2 PFSK
YES
PTT
PTT
Computer USB DXP
8.2 WK FSK
microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
6 – SETUP MENU
The etup Menu provides a very convenient way to configure the DXP interface functions without
opening the DXP or using any computer program. Each menu item has a scrolling help on the display’s
top line, thus you won't need to resort to the manual - AFTER you read the following chapter at least
once :-)!
To enter the etup Menu press the TX and RX buttons at the same time. Use the same “two button”
press to leave setup. etup is divided to numbered individual menu items; to switch between menu
items press either the RX or TX button. To change menu content, turn the knob. Menu 1.1 is an
exception, the selected CAT interface must be confirmed by pressing the knob, and then leaving that
menu item or leaving the menu entirely. Functions in other menu items change instantly, as the knob is
turned.
1.1 CAT TYPE
•selects hardware levels of CAT interface.
•NONE/R 232/IF232/FIF232/CI-V
NOTE: The election must be confirmed by pressing the knob and leaving the menu item!
1.2 CAT DTR
•selects the function of the CAT port DTR signal
•NONE/PTT
Recommendation: use as PTT with loggers supporting DTR PTT on CAT port
1.3 WINKEY DTR
•selects WinKey port, DTR signal functionality
•NONE/CW/PTT
Use as the CW source with loggers that do not support WinKey
1.4 FSK DTR
•selects F K port, DTR signal functionality
•NONE/F K/PTT
Use as the PTT source with loggers that support F K UART, e.g. MMTTY
2.1 QCW
•enables/disables right audio channel for CW keying
•NO/YE
2.2 PFSK
•enables right audio channel for F K keying
•NO/YE
3.1 FSK INVERT
•inverts F K keying output
•NO/YE
3.2 FSK 45Baud
•select output data rate for 45Baud RTTY speed
•45.00/45.45
Use 45.45. Computer has no way to select exact 45.45 Baud rate speed, only 45.00. By setting this
option to 45.45, DXP will very accurately resample 45.00 to 45.45 Baud which is the standard for
amateur radio RTTY operation.
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3.3 FSK DIDDLE
•enables BLANK character insertion to F K output on idle
•NO/YE
elect YE . DXP will always insert BLANK character into output when output buffer is empty for
whatever reason. This keeps output data stream continuous and greatly helps the receiving decoder
since a continuous steam assures presence of 1.5 stop bits which is the only quick synchronization mark
if data is corrupted due to Q B or QRM.
3.4 FSK UOS
•enables insertion of FIG shift after space followed by a number
•NO/YE
YE selection recommended as it improves reliability. Valid only for F K input from attached keyboard.
3.5 FSK ECHO
•enables echo of transmitted characters on F K port back to the computer
•NO/YE
It is a novel feature not yet supported by any RTTY package. It provides exactly timed echo of
transmitted F K data back to the logger in order to accurately and instantly control T/R switching (PTT
control). The echoed character is always sent back to computer when it is fully shifted to the radio. Tell
your digital mode application vendor about this feature.
4.1 PAPTT Tail
•defines, for how long (delay) the PAPTT output will be held after PTT to radio is released
•0-200ms
4.2 FS JACK
•defines FOOT WITCH jack function
•FOOT W/PTTIN
If set to FOOT W, DXP generates both PTT and PAPTT outputs during TX. Input expects real
footswitch connected to F jack.
If is set to PTTIN, DXP generates only PAPTT output during TX. PTT I NOT sent to the radio in order
to avoid “stuck in TX” effect. Input expects PTT (TX GND, END, Key Out, Remote, etc.) output from
radio.
et to PTTIN if you are using VOX or PTT over CAT and your amplifier keying is connected to PAPTT.
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5.1 KB LAYOUT
•defines layout of attached keyboard layout
•QWERTY/QWERTZ/AZERTY
5.2 TYPE AHEAD
•enables keyboard entry method
•NO/YE
If set to YE , characters typed on keyboard are buffered and sent from the buffer only after a space key
is pressed. If set to NO, each character is sent instantly.
8.1 WK UPDATE
•allow firmware updates for internal WinKey chip
•NO/YE
If you would like to update the firmware of the internal WinKey chip, set this item to YE .
Run WK3Tools utility provided by K1EL and follow firmware update procedure described in WK3Tools
Guidebook. Once firmware is updated, click the Exit button in WK3Tools, return menu item 8.1 to NO,
and leave the menu. Disconnect and reconnect the U B cable to restart DXP; verify the correct WinKey
firmware version is displayed on DXP boot screen.
If you run the update without setting this menu item to YE , the update utility fails with a timeout. In that
case, WinKey needs to be reset first. To achieve that, disconnect and reconnect DXP to U B, and then
proceed as described above.
8.2 WK FSK
•switches WinKey output from CW to F K
•NO/YE
If set to YE , DXP redirects WinKey KEY port to F K output of DXP instead of CW. It allows use of the
new WinKey 3.1 F K feature to send F K from the chip in standalone mode.
9.1 Windows XP
•switches between asynchronous or synchronous mode of audio data output
•NO/YE
If you are using DXP on Windows XP, you must set this option to YE , otherwise audio output will not
work and you may experience B OD. Windows XP did not support asynchronous (better) U B audio
downstreaming.
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K yboard
A standard U B keyboard can be connected to the U B-A connector on the back of DXP. Letters, typed
on this keyboard, are played either as CW, or as F K characters allowing to operate RTTY without
computer with radio having built-in RTTY decoder e.g. IC-7300. If you wish to use DXP without a
computer you can power it from any U B power bank.
Keyboard layout can be changed between QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY, in the 5.1 KB LAYOUT
menu item in the DXP ETUP.
To switch between CW and F K, press the CAP LOCK key on the keyboard. The current mode is
indicated on the display and also on the CAP LOCK LED on the keyboard – OFF for CW, ON for F K.
There are two modes of keyboard operation, controlled by the 5.2 TYPE AHEAD menu item – if NO is
selected, characters are played as they are pressed on the keyboard; if YE is selected, characters are
buffered until space or ENTER is pressed and then played back.
Pressing E C in either mode stops transmission immediately, and clears the buffers.
Pressing F10, croll Lock, or Backspace toggles between RX and TX.
Please note, that some complex keyboards – especially those embedding other functions such as an
embedded display or touchpad – may in fact be a complex U B device, e.g. embedding an U B HUB,
and these may not work with DXP. imple and cheap U B keyboards usually work well with DXP.
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CW Op ration - WinK y
CW operation in DXP is accomplished through genuine WinKey chip, a unique external CW processor
developed by teve Elliot, K1EL. DXP uses WinKey version WKv3.
WinKey operates in one of two distinct modes: Host Mode or tandalone Mode. After powering up, DXP
places WinKey into Host Mode. The user can switch to tandalone Mode by pressing and holding the
leftmost button on top of DXP for at least 5 seconds until WinKey indicates entering tandalone Mode
by playing ‘MN’ prosign (dah-dah-dah-dit). The user can switch back to Host Mode by pressing and
holding the rightmost button on top of DXP for at least 5 seconds, releasing the button when the display
indicates so.
In Host Mode besides performing the usual keyer action for the paddle WinKey can communicate
through its serial port. This means that it reports all played characters and also changes of WPM as the
peed control knob is turned so that DXP can display both. In this mode, DXP can send characters
typed on a connected keyboard to WinKey which then plays them as CW at the set speed. Also in Host
Mode, WinKey can be controlled through the WinKey erial Port from PC from any of the popular logger
programs, which support WinKey operation (for details on this operation refer to your logger program’s
manual). In Host Mode, the buttons on top of DXP are not operational - except for the leftmost button,
holding it enters the tandalone Mode.
In tandalone Mode while the usual keyer function for paddle is still retained WinKey stops
communicating through serial port. This means that WinKey won’t report changes of WPM when turning
the peed control knob (thus DXP can’t display it) and it won’t play characters entered through the
keyboard connected to DXP. Changing mode to tandalone while a logger program is connected will
also stop communication with the logger program.
However, in tandalone Mode, WinKey can play back stored messages simply by pressing one of the
buttons on top of DXP. To store a message, start by pressing and holding the leftmost (command)
button until WinKey plays a ‘R’. Then press the button for which you want to store a message, WinKey
plays ‘E’. tart sending the message on the paddle maintaining proper spacing between characters and
words (WinKey plays an ‘E’ to notify a word spacing). When finished, press the leftmost (command)
button, and WinKey responds with ‘R’, storing the message. Now, simply pressing the given button will
play back the whole message at once. For standalone use without computer, you can power DXP from
any U B power bank.
In tandalone Mode WinKey allows not only message recording and playback but also control of all its
internal parameters by using just the control button and paddle. For details, please refer to the WinKey
datasheet at https://www.hamcrafters2.com/files/WK3_Datasheet_v1.3.pdf.
A new feature introduced in WK v3.1 is F K support. WinKey can send F K output for RTTY in both
Host and tandalone Modes. Please refer to the WK3 datasheet for details and operational instructions.
NOTE: In tandalone mode is necessary to issue command X and Z to swap output because by default
WK chip sends F K on PTT line and PTT on KEY line. At the same time it is necessary to redirect KEY
line to F K output by turning YE menu 8.2.
NOTE: witching between F K and CW in Host Mode is fully automatic. et F K output to either KEY1
or KEY2 in your logger.
WinKey internal parameters, settings, and the preset messages can be also changed using the free
WK3Tools Utility, https://www.hamcrafters2.com/WK3tools.html. After running the program, start by
clicking “ et Com Port” and selecting the DXP WinKey erial Port. The program connects to WinKey
and you can then click Read WK to read out the current settings, modify them, and then store them
back by clicking Write WK.
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
7 – FIRMWARE UPDATE
DXP firmware is updated by loading it from an U B FLA H (“thumb”) drive:
1. Copy the update file dxp.upd to the root directory of a U B FLA H drive. Don’t place the update
file to any subdirectory. Don’t rename the file.
2. Disconnect the U B cable powering DXP.
3. Push and hold the RIGHT (RX) button, then connect the U B cable powering DPX. The POWER
and F K LEDs will light and the red RX AUDIO LED starts to flash. The display will remain blank.
4. Insert the U B FLA H drive to the U B-A connector on the back of DXP. TX AUDIO, the PTT
LEDs will light briefly while the update file is getting recognized and loaded into DXP. This
process should not take more than a couple of seconds. The new firmware will be started
automatically.
5. Remove the U B FLA H drive from DXP and continue operating.
If the update process fails the LEDs will indicate the possible cause of failure:
•PTT LED flashes – dxp.upd file not found in the root directory of U B FLA H drive.
•TX AUDIO LED lit, RX AUDIO LED flashes – connected device is not recognized as standard
Mass torage Class U B FLA H drive. This might be a nonstandard device, a complex device,
e.g. embedding an U B HUB (such as the older U3 “smart drives”, or the FLA H/fingerprint
combinations, etc.), or simply a different device such as a keyboard, connected by mistake.
•PTT LED lit, TX AUDIO LED flashes – U B FLA H disk’s format is unknown. This may happen,
when the FLA H disk is partitioned or formatted in an unusual way. Use simple and low capacity
U B FLA H disks, which usually come with traditional simple partition table and FAT file system.
Please note, that current supplied through the U B-A connector is limited to approximately 100mA, and
does not allow using traditional rotary U B disks.
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
8 - HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
USB: U B 2.0 Full speed, isolated
CDC – serial ports
UAC1 asynchronous/synchronous downstream, max. 24-bit/48kHz
asynchronous upstream, 24-bit/48kHz
Pow r consumption: U B – less than 250mA
Radio Port: RxD, TxD – max. 115200 Baud
Levels: FIF-232, IF-232, CI-V, R -232
CW: open collector, max 30V/400mA
FSK: open collector, max 30V/400mA
5/6/7 bit data, 1/1.5/2 stop bits, up to 300 Baud
PTT: open collector, max 30V/400mA
PA PTT: optoMO , max. 300VAC/VDC @ 0.1A
Foot Switch/PTTIN: active when closed to ground, max load: 1 mA at 3.3V
Audio Lin Output: 600 Ohm, max. 200mVp-p
AC coupled
Audio Lin In: 10K Ohm, max 3Vp-p
dual channel ( tereo)
Dynamic Range: min. 95dBA, typ. 105dBA
THD: 0.0012%
IMD+Noise: 0.006%
AC coupled
Dim nsions: W 150mm x D 105mm x H 30mm
W ight: 0.35 kg
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microHAM © 2019 All rights reserved
9 - PACKAGE CONTENTS
The product includes DXP interface 1pc, and U B cable 1pc.
If the shipment is incomplete, please contact your supplier or us at the following address:
E-mail: [email protected]
fax : +421 2 4594 5100
by Post: microHAM s.r.o.
Nadrazna 36
90028 Ivanka pri Dunaji
SLOVAKIA
10 - WARRANTY
microHAM warrants this product for two (2) years. The product must not be modified in any way or the
warranty is voided. Cables are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
60 days.
What is cov r d: During the warranty, microHAM, s.r.o., will repair or replace defective product at their
sole discretion. You must send the unit postpaid with a copy of the original invoice to the distributor from
whom you purchased the product. microHAM will pay return shipping.
What is not cov r d: This Limited Warranty does not cover (1) correction of installation or software
errors in the user's computer(s), (2) damage caused by misuse, negligence, user modifications or failure
to follow the user manual, (3) connection to improper or excessive voltage or voltage surges, (4) the
incorrect installation of any cables connected to the device by the user or (5) weather related storm,
lightning or electrostatic discharge damage.
microHAM DXP Ports Find r (the software) is provided “as is” without guarantee of compatibility with
any specific operating system, computer, peripheral or accessory.
microHAM assumes no liability or responsibility for damage to other devices or injuries to persons as a
consequence of using our products.
If the terms of the above warranty are not acceptable, return the unit, all associated documents and
accessories in the original unopened package, prepaid, to microHAM or to your supplier for refund less
shipping and a restocking fee.
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