microHAM microKEYER II User manual

microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
microKEYER II
microHAM
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
homepage: www.microham.com
Version 7.4
23 November, 2008
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microHAM © 2008 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 .................................................................................................................................... 8
Preparing microKEYER II for Use................................................................................................. 8
Installing microHAM USB Device Router ......................................................................................9
Configuring microHAM Codec .....................................................................................................10
Configuring microHAM USB Device Router ............................................................................... 11
Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports ..................................................................................... 12
5. microHAM DEVICE ROUTER ........................................................................................................... 13
Menu: Router .............................................................................................................................. 13
Menu: Preset .............................................................................................................................. 14
Menu: Device .............................................................................................................................. 15
Menu: Virtual Port ....................................................................................................................... 16
Menu: Help ................................................................................................................................. 17
Device Configuration Tabs ......................................................................................................... 17
Ports Tab ............................................................................................................................. 18
Ports: CAT & 2
nd
CAT ................................................................................................. 19
Ports: FSK & 2
nd
FSK ................................................................................................... 21
Ports: CW .................................................................................................................... 22
Ports: PTT & 2
nd
FSK .................................................................................................. 23
Ports: Foot Switch ........................................................................................................ 23
Ports: WinKey .............................................................................................................. 24
Ports: Auxiliary ............................................................................................................. 25
Ports: Control .............................................................................................................. 25
Audio Switching Tab ............................................................................................................ 26
Audio Mixer Tab ....................................................................................................................28
PTT Tab ................................................................................................................................31
CW/WinKey Tab ...................................................................................................................33
CW Messages Tab ...............................................................................................................34
FSK Messages Tab ..............................................................................................................35
DVK Tab ...............................................................................................................................36
Keyboard Tab .......................................................................................................................37
Display Tab ...........................................................................................................................38
System Tab ..........................................................................................................................39
6. Setting Audio Levels ........................................................................................................................ 40
7. System Considerations ................................................................................................................... 41
8. External Keyboard/Keypad ............................................................................................................. 42
9. HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 44
10. PACKAGE CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................... 45
11. WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................................... 45
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................................................................. 46
APPENDIX A – CONNECTORS ....................................................................................................... 47
APPENDIX B – RFI Considerations .................................................................................................. 49
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
General:
• single USB connection to computer
• stand alone CW and FSK operation
• Complete "Computer <-> Radio" galvanic isolation
• transformer isolation of sound card and radio
• optical isolation of radio signals
• Internal USB sound
• Wide range audio level: works with transceiver levels from 100 mV to 1.5 V
• Extremely low noise floor: as low as 0.7 mV effective
• High dynamic range: 84 dB typical, 82 dB minimum
• Supports Voice operation with microphone
• Standard Windows Audio Class device – no custom driver required
• compatible with most standard MS Windows based logging or control programs
Radio control:
• integrated level converter for CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, or RS-232
• up to 57600 Baud with handshake support
• supports most Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, TenTec, Yaesu and other radios
Other:
• Programmable LCD status display
• 2 Watt amplifier for monitor/sidetone
• CI-V output for controlling Icom compatible accessories
• Serial output for controlling generic peripherals
• user definable presets to recall all parameters for different control programs or contests
• all parameters stored in EEPROM and reloaded after power up
• integrated chokes and filters for maximum RFI immunity
• Metal/Aluminum case, powder coated and silk screened
• Free, no time limit firmware/software upgrades via Internet
Keying:
• optical isolation of all keying signals from computer
• Hot Switch PA protection with user defined timing
• programmable PTT assertion delay in 1ms steps
• T/R sequencer with extended capabilities
• separately sequenced keying outputs for low noise amplifier or receive antenna control
• supports VOX and CAT T/R switching
• wide range solid state or relay PA and LNA PTT buffers
CW:
• enhanced K1EL WinKey™ with paddle buffer
• front panel speed knob
• selectable side tone capabilities with "paddle side tone" function
• nine (9) user programmable memories
• application independent contest auto-numbering
• supports PS/2 keyboard for CW transmission with type ahead
• supports PS/2 keyboard or keypad for CW “memory keyer” and control
• PS/2 keyboard or keypad CW works without computer connection
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
Voice (SSB/AM/FM):
• front panel headset jacks
• rear panel hand/desktop microphone jack
• automatic microphone selection
• selectable preamplifiers allow electret and dynamic microphones in any combination
• Digital Voice Keyer with nine messages up to 120 seconds and unlimited “banks”
Digital (FSK/AFSK/PSK31):
• Dual channel receive capability
• transformers for DC isolation between radio and sound card
• low noise amplifiers for optimal decode level
• front panel level controls for each receiver
• front panel transmit level controls
• true FSK output
• supports data codes with 5/6/7/8 data bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits
• unique, hot switch protected FSK keying
• separate PTT output for digital audio mode operation with microphone muting
• nine (9) user programmable memories (FSK)
• supports PS/2 keyboard FSK transmission with type ahead and diddle function
• supports PS/2 keyboard or keypad for FSK message playback and control
• PS/2 keyboard/keypad FSK works without computer connection
2 - IMPORTANT WARNINGS
ALWAYS check the polarity of the 13.8 V power supply.
If you use microKEYER II with more than one transceiver,
ALWAYS be sure the proper microphone is connected to the RJ45 jack
BEFORE connecting the RADIO interface cable.
If your radio includes upgradeable firmware
DO NOT perform any upgrade through microKEYER II.
Remember, under Windows, microHAM USB Device Router must be running
anytime the interface is used (not just for setup). If Router is not running, the
virtual COM ports will disappear and the device cannot be accessed!
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
3 - PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front Panel
1. EXT MIC
Connection for headset mic, e.g. Heil ProSet
3.5 mm stereo - jumper select
TIP - Dynamic Mic RING - Electret Mic/Bias SHELL – GND
2. CWLED flashes with CW output
3. PTT1
LED lights when PTT1 (microphone connector) is active.
4. SC LED lights when the sound card is generating audio.
5. FSK
LED flashes with FSK output.
6. PTT
LED lights when PTT2 (transceiver accessory connector) is active.
7. LINE
LED indicates "Line input" (receiver audio) is active
8. POWER
LED lights when +13.8V is applied (power switch on).
9. CW SPEED
WinKey speed control. Range (MIN, MAX) is defined by software
10. TX Audio level to transmitter.
11. RX MAIN
Audio level from Main Receiver (left channel).
12. RX SUB
Audio level from Sub Receiver (right channel).
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
Rear Panel
1. DC 13.8V
Power Supply - 2.1 x 5.5 mm coaxial jack, center is +
IMPORTANT WARNING: Be sure to observe the proper polarity!
2. MONI
Mono output for monitor speaker
Connector: 3.5mm TIP - Audio RING – no connection SLEEVE – Ground
3. MICStation microphone (original).
Connector: RJ45 female
4. RADIO
DB37F connector for radio interconnections.
See Appendix A for details
5. MKD
Not Used.
6. USB
USB B connector for computer connection.
Standard USB A-B cable.
7. CI-V
Auxiliary CI-V output for controlling external devices using Icom transceive protocol
Connector: 3.5mm TIP – signal RING – no connection SLEEVE – Ground
8. iLINK
MiniDIN-6 for external control applications.
9. PTT IN
Transceiver PTT Out (Send)
used for sensing when transceiver has been switched to transmit by VOX or CAT PTT.
Connector: RCA TIP – Signal SLEEVE – Ground
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
10. PA PTT
PTT output for Power Amplifier.
Output (Solid State or RElay contact) depends on RE/SS
jumper position.
Connector: RCA, when active goes to ground.
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.
TIP: If you are not sure about the keying voltage of your Power
Amplifier 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.
11. GND
Terminal for connection to station ground.
12. SUB RX
Audio input from transceiver (second receiver - right channel).
Connector: 3.5mm TIP - Audio RING – no connection SLEEVE – Ground
13. POWER
Power Switch
14. 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
15. PS/2
MiniDIN6 for PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 keypad.
16. FOOTSW
RCA foot switch input. Active when closed to ground.
TIP - Signal SHELL – GND
17. LNA PTT
PTT output for controlling Low Noise Preamplifier or Receive antenna switching.
RCA jack TIP - Signal SHELL - GND
See: 10 – PA PTT
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
4 - INSTALLATION
Installing microKEYER II consists of several steps:
1) prepare MK II to work with your radios
2) install microHAM USB Device Router (the control and interface software)
3) configure microHAM CODEC
4) configure Router
5) set audio levels
Preparing microKEYER II for Use
1. Turn off the radio and make the rear panel of microKEYER II accessible.
2. Plug the DB37M of the radio cable set into the RADIO connector on the rear panel of the MK II. Connect ALL
connectors from the cable set to the matching jacks on the rear panel of your transceiver.
3. If your transceiver has dual receivers (FT-1000D, FT-1000MP, FT-2000, FT-9000, Orion, IC-7800, K3, etc.)
connect the fixed level audio output from the second receiver to the SUB RX jack
4. Connect the station microphone to the RJ45 MIC jack. If your microphone has a Foster
(round) connector, use the adapter supplied with the cable set.
If the station microphone uses an electret element (most Icom radios), open
microKEYER II and place the Electret jumper located just in front of the three trimmers
in the center of the board on both pins.
5. If you use a second microphone, connect your headset or boom
microphone to the 3.5 mm EXT MIC jack on the front panel.If the
headset or boom microphone uses an Electret microphone (e.g, Heil iC
elements and many computer headsets), open MK II and move the
DYN-EL jumper located behind the EXT MIC jack to the EL position.
NOTE: an electret element must be connected to both the tip and ring
of the 3.5 mm STEREO plug. A mono plug will work only with
SN#900 and above, close jumper at IC position.
6. Connect your paddles to the PADDLE jack.
7. For Icom transceivers, open MK II and install the ICVOX jumper located behind the
PTT IN jack. Otherwise, connect your transceiver PTT Out (linear) to the PTT IN
jack using the supplies RCA to RCA cable.
8. If you use a foot switch, connect the foot switch to the FOOTSW jack.
9. If your transceiver is capable of supplying +13.8 V at 500 mA on its Accessory port, you
may install the DB37 Power jumper located in the right rear corner just in front of the
+13.5 V DC jack.
NOTE: DO NOT use the DB37 Power jumper with Yaesu transceivers of if the
Accessory power is less than 12 Volts when transmitting (Elecraft K3).
10. Connect a 12 to 16V DC supply to the DC 13.8V jack.
Be sure to observe the proper polarity.
11. Locate but DO NOT connect the USB cable to the MK II at this time.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
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/contents/en-us/d29.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 configuring
Router for your station and software.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
Configuring microHAM CODEC
Windows will automatically install the USB Audio Device driver to support the microHAM CODEC in MK 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 MK II and onto the air!
For Windows 2000 or Windows XP. right click on the
Speaker Icon on the task bar and select "Adjust Audio
Properties" or open "Sounds and Audio Devices" in Control
Panel and reset the Default device for Sound Playback
and Sound Recording to your computer's primary sound
device.
For Windows Vista, right click on the Speaker Icon on the
task bar or open “Sounds” in the Control Panel, select
"Playback Devices” and reset the Default Playback device
to your computer's primary sound device.
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microHAM © 2008 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 (microKEYER II as well as DIGI KEYER, microKEYER, CW Keyer and USB
Interfaces)and software interface to other Windows applications (logging software, digital mode software,
etc.). The software interface is provided as Virtual Serial Ports.
In order to configure and use microKEYER II with Windows compatible application programs, you must be
running Router and have turned on microKEYER II. Router is then configured as required by the
application (logging, control or digital mode) software.
microKEYER II Status
When the USB driver is installed correctly and
microKEYER II is turned on 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
microKEYER II is not turned on.
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 microKEYER 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 microKEYER II for proper operation. The device configuration tabs (in
the red rectangle) are used to setup each part of the microKEYER II.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports
microHAM Router provides a set of virtual serial ports which allow Windows applications (logging and digital
software) to work with microKEYER 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 port to each function
you wish to use (radio control, PTT, CW, FSK, etc.).
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 that is used by another USB device. Even though Router will not allow
creating a virtual port on a COM port number which is already present in the system (like hardware COM
ports or internal modems), sometimes these ports are hidden. If another device that also uses virtual ports
(external USB devices, bluetooth devices, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) is not connected when creating virtual
ports in Router, the ports can overlap and will not work properly when you connect such device.
WARNING: Before you begin to create virtual ports, attach all external devices you are using with
computer and allow them to connected to the system. Restart Router and then create virtual ports.
Virtual ports are created and deleted 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 the Control key on keyboard and
clicking on the COM port numbers.
TIP: If you have removed another device which used virtual ports and Router does not offer the
released port number, you will need to reset the virtual port bus. You can do this by deleting all
virtual ports in Router at once. Select "Virtual Port | Delete All" then create the ports again. Any
missing COM port numbers should appear.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
5. microHAM USB DEVICE ROUTER
ROUTER MENU
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 deletes 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: (Not used with microKEYER 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: Customizable band boundaries for the digital modes used for automatically
selecting VOICE/DIGITAL settings for Audio Switching and selecting proper keying output
(PTT1/PTT2). Proper boundaries are necessary for transceivers which do not have a special mode
for AFSK operation or do not provide this information via computer control. This primarily effects
Kenwood transceivers although it is applicable to some Icom, Ten-Tec 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:
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.
NOTE: Select the same sample rate and size as used by your software to avoid message distortion.
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 interface will wait for additional data before sending
data to the operating system.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
Minimize: Clicking this will minimize Router to the system
tray at the bottom right corner of the Windows Task
Bar (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 in the Programs
menu.
Exit: Clicking on this item will terminate Router.
NOTE: when Router is terminated the virtual ports will be closed and application software will be unable to
communicate with microKEYER II and the radio.
PRESET MENU
The requirements of each application (logging, control and digital mode
programs) are different. Each program handles radio control, CW,
FSK, PTT, and the sound card its own way. In some cases, what works
for one application may not work properly with another. To get
maximum performance from microKEYER II, the user should create
customized settings for each application used.
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 CW Keyer 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 for various loggers are not available until they have
been saved by the user using Preset | Save as. For setup instructions
for various loggers refer to Setup Guide documents available in Router
Help menu (Use Help | Download Documents first if Help | Setup
Guides are not available or incomplete).
There are three ways to apply a preset once it is created:
1. Click on Preset and select tfrom 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 © 2008 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 (interfaces) connected to the
computer at the same time using the Presets.
Each device has its own tab (page) in the main Router
notebook. The content of each device tab depends on
the type of device. Adding a device is automatic when
Router detects a new device. Once detected, a device
remains in Router even though device is disconnected.
Each device is identified by 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 devices
that have been disconnected (those with a RED “X” on
device tab) can be removed. To disconnect a device from
Router, unplug the USB cable.
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 automaticaly 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.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
TIP: Templates are a powerful tool for quickly configuring Router to work with a particular
application. Template files are interchangeable between computers and ideal for cloning setups in
multi-computer stations or for sharing configurations between users.
Store as Power-Up Settings: - will store the current settings of the Audio Switching, PTT, CW/WinKey,
Keyboard, Display and System tabs to the microKEYER II's EEPROM. If microKEYER II is operated
without connection to the computer it will use the settings stored in EEPROM. If microKEYER II is
connected to a computer running Router, the power-up settings will be overridden by the Router
settings but the default settings are retained in EEPROM.
Upload Firmware: microHAM will occasionally release updates to the firmware in microKEYER II. The
update may support new features in Router or improve application compatibility. The most recent
public version of the firmware is always available from www.microham.com/contents/en-us/d29.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.
NOTE: When upgrading Router, the upgrade will include the latest firmware for microKEYER II. If the firmware
is newer than the currently installed firmware, Router will automatically ask for permission to update the
installed firmware the first time it connects to microKEYER II
VIRTUAL PORT MENU
It is necessary to create a number of 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 more ports at once by holding the Control
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.
NOTE: Properly working ports should not display
an exclamation mark (!).
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microHAM © 2008 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.
Download Documents: Downloads microHAM documentation including updated manuals and setup
guides. You may specify the products for which you want documentation.
NOTE: 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 Rotuer.
About: Shows the Router's internal version number
DEVICE CONFIGURATION TABS
There are eleven (11) tabs for configuring microKEYER II. Each tab controls part of microKEYER II's
functions. Except for CW Messages and FSK Messages, any change is applied immediately.
● Ports: assign virtual ports to the microKEYER II for use by applications
● Audio Switching: configures microphone audio routing based on operator preference,
application sound card handling and operating mode
● Audio Mixer: sets microHAM CODEC levels.
NOTE: The Audio Mixer is not available under Windows Vista. The application program must
control the sound card directly.
● PTT: configures T/R keying, keying sequencer and foot switch functions
● CW/WinKey: configures the internal CW keyer
● CW Messages: enter/store internal CW message memories
● FSK Messages: enter/store internal FSK message memories
● DVK: configure and control the level of Router's voice keyer
● Keyboard: configure operation of PS/2 keyboard or keypad
● Display: configures operation of the LCD display.
● System Settings: configures power control and operation of the auxiliary CI-V/serial ports
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
PORTS TAB
Once the virtual ports have been created they must be associated with a specific function or 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.
Correct port assignment is critical for proper operation with application software.
microKEYER II has 11 channels – each channel provides an indication of the settings applied by the
application and current state (e.g., or or off):
● CAT (uses RxD and TxD)
● 2
nd
CAT ( virtual “fork” for the main CAT channel)
● FSK (uses TxD for FSK and RTS for PTT if checked)
● 2
nd
FSK (uses TxD for FSK and RTS for PTT if checked)
● 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)
● Auxiliary (uses RxD and TxD)
● WinKey (uses RxD and TxD)
● Control (uses RxD and TxD)
NOTE: Do not assign virtual ports to the channels/functions which are not used by your applications.
It is unnecessary and only consumes resources.
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microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
CAT PORT & 2
nd
CAT PORT
The CAT channel is used by the application software to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and
many other parameters. The application communicates with the radio using a serial protocol. Although most
modern radios implement some form of serial control, nearly every radio implementation is different. The degree
of control available for each radio depends on that radio and the application (logger or digital program).
NOTE: The COM 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 applicaiton. For example,
4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.
Data flowing thru the CAT channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow indicates data flow from the host
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. In addition,
microKEYER II cannot control an amplifier when the application uses PTT by CAT since it has no way to
sense that the the application has placed the transceiver into transmit. There is a dedicated T/R
switching channel for this purpose called PTT.
NOTE: The virtual COM port does not use
handshaking signals. Configure DTR and RTS
settings in your application program (logger) to
OFF. Do not select “Handshake.”
In order for Router to determine the operating
frequency and mode, it must know what radio
(CAT protocol) is being used. To select the
radio, click the Set button. When the radio is
communicating properly with Router, click
Device | Store as Power-up Setting. This action
will store radio type into the MKII EEPROM and
provide frequency decoding and consequent
iLink device updates even if MKII is not
connected to the Router (aka Stand Alone
mode).
Choose your radio in the Radio combo box.
Then select communication speed in the Baud
rate box.
Note: The baud rate must match your radio.
All Icom and some TenTec radios require the
correct CI-V address. If everything is configured
properly, your radio’s current operating
frequency and mode should be displayed.
TIP: Disable the Autobaud function in any Icom Radio used with Router. Configure the radio, Router,
and your application software to operate at 9600 or 19200 baud.
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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 microKEYER. If it is necessary to disable all polling, select one of the
"none" options in the Radio box.
PW1 on radio bus – When this box checked, Router periodically generates an Icom "Transceive"
broadcast to keep the PW1 synchronized.
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 grey 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.
2
nd
CAT PORT
Beginning with version 7.0, Router provides unique control capability: the 2
nd
CAT Port is an intelligent data fork
(software 'Y' connector) that allows a second application to share control of the radio. Router monitors when
data is sent from each application and routes the radio's responses to the correct virtual port.
IMPORTANT: Both applications must use same communication parameters (baud rate, data length, parity and
number of stopbits) for proper operation!
Neither CAT port has priority. Polls/commands from each application are processed alternately. In order to
avoid collisions and avoid confusion due to unexpected data, responses from the radio are returned only to the
application that generated the command. Unsolicited data from the radio such as automatic frequency/mode
updates (Icom "transceive" packets or "Auto-information" data from Kenwood, Elecraft and recent Yaesu
transceivers) are forwarded to both CAT ports.
Due to physical limitation of data channel throughput on radio and the controller capabilities in various
transceivers, there are several important rules which must be observed.
● Total data throughput from both applications must not exceed maximum throughput of the radio control
port and transceiver controller. In other words, the polling rate from one application may need to be
decreased to provide data space for the second application and vice versa.
● Applications must be tolerant of delayed responses from the radio. Each logger must wait patiently for
radio response while another logger communicates with the radio.
● Due to protocol deficiencies in handling VFO split commands with many transceivers (particularly
Icom), split mode must be initated and ended by only one application and manual split control (from the
front panel of the radio) should not be used.
20