microHAM microKEYER User manual

microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
microKEYER
microHAM
fax. [phone]
e-mail : [e-mail]
homepage : www.microham.com
Version 7.5
5 December, 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 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 5
4 PANEL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 6
Front Panel ................................................................................................................................. 6
Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................. 7
5 INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................. 9
Macintosh (OS-X) Installation ..................................................................................................... 9
Windows (Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7) Installation ................................................. 10
Installing microHAM USB Device Router ......................................................................... 10
Connecting microKEYER....................................................................................................10
Configuring microHAM USB Device Router ..................................................................... 11
Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports ............................................................................ 12
6microHAM 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............................................................................................ 22
Ports: CW ............................................................................................................. 23
Ports: PTT & 2
nd
PTT............................................................................................. 24
Ports: Foot Switch ................................................................................................ 24
Ports: WinKey ....................................................................................................... 25
Ports: Control ........................................................................................................25
Audio Switching Tab ................................................................................................... 26
Audio Mixer Tab ..........................................................................................................30
PTT Tab .......................................................................................................................33
CW/WinKey Tab ..........................................................................................................35
CW/FSK Messages Tab ..............................................................................................36
DVK Tab ......................................................................................................................37
Keyboard Tab ..............................................................................................................38
7 SETTING AUDIO LEVELS ............................................................................................................... 39
Configuring microKEYER for your radio ................................................................................... 39
Setting audio levels in Windows 2000 and Windows XP ................................................. 40
Setting audio levels in Vista and Windows 7 .................................................................... 41
8 SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 42
9 EXTERNAL KEYBOARD/KEYPAD ................................................................................................ 43
10 HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................... 45
11 PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................................................... 46
12 WARRANTY .......................................................................................................................................46
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................................. 47
APPENDIX A – DB37 Radio Connector ....................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX B – RFI Considerations .............................................................................................. 50
APPENDIX C – Tracking .............................................................................................................. 51
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
 No COM nor LPT port necessary, just one USB port and sound card
 Complete "Computer <-> Radio" galvanic isolation
- bidirectional transformer isolation of sound card and radio
- optical isolation of ALL digital signals -> Radio Control, CW, 2xPTT, FSK, PA from USB port
 Compatible with all MS Windows based logging or control software
- the special microHAM "USB Device Router" program creates virtual COM ports which allow full
functionality with your favorite logging program
- customizable presets allow instantly changing micro KEYER parameters to match the program
currently in use
 Integrated computer control port for all radios CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, RS-232
- fully supports Icom, Kenwood, TenTec, Yaesu and other radios
- no separate level converter required
 Integrated K1EL WinKey™ chip with extended capabilities for superior CW
- front panel speed knob
- nine (9) user programmable memories
- PS/2 keyboard/keypad support for direct CW sending
- PS/2 keyboard/keypad support for instant CW message playback and function handling
- PS/2 keyboard or keypad CW works without computer connection
- precisely timed auto PTT
- selectable side tone
- all parameters are stored in nonvolatile memory and reloaded on power up
 FSK keying output
- capable of sending 5/6/7/8 bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits
- support for PS/2 keyboard for direct RTTY transmission without computer connection
 Unique Mic/Sound Card/Radio audio switching
- configurable audio priority microphone routing for SSB/Contest/SSTV
- two audio outputs, one for radio front MIC IN and second for rear LINE IN
- front panel audio level controls for setting both the computer and radio levels
 Independent keying buffer for Power Amplifier
- extended range solid state output for modern PA or QSK
- relay isolated output capable to key vintage PA with negative keying
 Footswitch input with programmable functions
- programmable PTT assertion delay in 1ms steps
- selectable muting of CW and/or FSK when footswitch is closed
 Programmable second PTT output for extended keying capabilities
- PTT2 output for digital modes with "muted mic" function
 Hot Switch protection with user defined timing
- T/R sequencer for PTT keying outputs
- unique, hot switch protected FSK keying
 Strong RFI immunity
- integrated chokes and filters for best RFI immunity
- advanced shielding and circuit design for RFI product suppression
 Connections:
- USB, Sound Card - 3 x 3.5mm (1/8"), Microphone - RJ45, Radio - DB37
- Paddle - 1/4", PS/2 - MiniDIN6, Footswitch - RCA, Amplifier keying – RCA
 Dual color LEDs for easy visual feedback of CW/FSK and PTT1/PTT2
 Metal/Aluminum case, powder coated and silk screened
 Free, time unlimited, firmware/software upgrades via Internet
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
2 - IMPORTANT WARNINGS
If you power microKEYER from an external power supply,
ALWAYS check the polarity of the 13.8 V power supply.
If you use microKEYER with more than one transceiver,
ALWAYS be sure the proper microphone is connected to the RJ45 jack
BEFORE connecting the DB37 RADIO cable.
If your radio includes upgradeable firmware,
DO NOT perform any upgrade through microKEYER.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
3 – INTRODUCTION
microKEYER ("MK") is an all mode computer to transceiver interface.
The computer is connected to MK using three (3) standard audio cables and one A-B USB cable.
The transceiver and MK are connected by a single radio cable terminated on one side by a DB37M and on
the other side by plugs appropriate for the specific transceiver. The cable carries power for MK, audio, CAT
control and keying. A second cable from the DB37 connects to the transceiver’s microphone jack.
The remaining connectors on the rear panel of the MK support optional accessories like foot switch, paddle,
microphone, and keypad.
MK works with or without a computer. Switching between modes is fully automatic.
If a computer is not connected or not running MK uses customizable "power up" settings. In this mode MK
functions as a CW memory keyer with a PS/2 keypad, drives all PTT outputs and provides a PTT
sequencer controlled by the foot switch or microphone PTT. With an external PS/2 style keyboard MK also
provides keyboard generated CW and RTTY.
If a Windows PC running the "microHAM USB Device Router" program is connected, MK also functions as
a computer interface. It transfers all digital and analog signals generated by computer applications between
the computer and transceiver. Software compatibility is insured by using virtual serial ports. Router
continuously monitors these virtual ports and transfers the data by USB to the MK. MK processes this data
and sends it to the physical ports of transceiver as CAT, CW, FSK, and PTT functions.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
4 - PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front Panel
(1) – SPEED: CW Keyer Speed. Range (MIN, MAX) is defined by software
(2) - CW/FSK LED
RED color indicates the CW output is active
GREEN color indicates the FSK output is active
(3) - PTT1/PTT2
RED color indicates when PTT1 (front) is active
GREEN color indicates when PTT2 (rear) is active
YELLOW color indicates when both PTT1 + PTT2 are active
(4) – COMPUTER: Controls the audio level to the computer sound card LINE IN
(5) – RADIO: Adjusts the audio from the computer to the transceiver
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Rear Panel
(1) – RADIO: DB37F connector for radio connection – a detailed description is in Appendix A
(2) – RE/SS: PA output mode switch for PA output.
RE - Relay contact
SS - Transistor collector
If the slide switch is in the SS position, the switching
transistor (open collector) is connected to the PAPTT
jack. The transistor can switch up to 48V/0.8A. This
position is appropriate for all modern Power Amplifiers
with electronic keying. Check the manual of your amplifier
to be sure the power requirements of the PTT circuit do
not exceed transistor rating. If the power requirements
exceed the transistor's capabilities, move the slide switch
to the RE position. This position connects the relay to the
PA PTT RCA. Maximum rating for the relay is: 48V
AC/DC @ 1A.
TIP: If you are not sure about keying requirements of your amplifier, use the RE position.
(3) - PA PTT: PTT output for Power Amplifier. Output depends on RE/SS switch position.
RCA jack
TIP - Signal
SHELL - GND
(4) – REMOTE: MiniDIN6 for PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 keypad.
(5) – USB: USB B connector for computer connection. Connect a standard USB A-B cable.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
(6) - MIC EXT: 3.5mm (1/8") connector for external microphone input.
TIP - Microphone input
RING - NC
SHELL - Microphone Ground
NOTE: When using the 3.5mm connector, the RJ45 microphone input is muted, but all controls on
the microphone connected to RJ45 (buttons, PTT) will operate normally.
(7) – MIC: RJ45 jack for microphone.
If the original radio microphone uses a connector other than an RJ45 an adapter is provided in
the cable set. All microphone controls are connected to the DB37 Radio connector
(pins 12-15 and 30-33)
(8) - LINE OUT: 3.5mm (1/8") jack – connects to computer Line Out
TIP - Signal
RING - NC
SHELL - Signal Ground
(9) - LINE IN: 3.5mm (1/8") jack – connects to computer Line In
TIP - Signal
RING - NC
SHELL - Signal Ground
(10) - MIC IN: 3.5mm (1/8") jack – connects to computer Mic In
TIP, RING - Signal
SHELL - Signal Ground
WARNING: DO NOT use a mono cable between MIC IN and the computer Mic Input
(11) – PADDLE: 6.3mm (1/4") stereo female for paddle input.
TIP - DIT
RING - DAH
SHELL - GND
NOTE: The paddle sense can be reversed using Router settings
(12) – FOOTSWITCH: RCA foot switch input. Active when closed to ground.
TIP - Signal
SHELL - GND
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
5 - INSTALLATION
Installing the microKEYER consists of several steps:
1) Prepare microKEYER to work with your transceiver.
2) Install the necessary driver software for your operating system.
3) Configure the driver and/or application software for your specific system
4) set the audio levels
Connecting microKEYER
1. Turn off the radio and make microKEYER's rear panel
accessible.
2. Plug the DB37M on the radio cable set into the RADIO
connector on the rear panel of the microKEYER.
3. Connect ALL connectors from the cable set to the matching
jacks on the rear panel of your transceiver. Each connector
on the radio interface cable is marked same as the jack on
your transceiver.
Use only a microphone designed for use with your
radio. Using the wrong microphone can damage the
microphone, the radio or microKEYER.
4. 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.
5. Connect your paddles to the PADDLE jack.
6. If you use a foot switch, connect it to the foot switch jack.
7. connect microKEYER to the sound card using the three
supplied audio cables:
SOUNDCARD OUT:
connect to the Line Out of the sound card
SOUNDCARD IN:
connect to the Line In of the sound card
SOUNDCARD MIC:
connect to the Mic input of the sound card
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 “MICROSOFT WINDOWS (Windows 2000, XP,
Vista, & Windows 7) INSTALLATION.”
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
Mac OS X INSTALLATION
1. Insert the microHAM CD in your CDROM/D D
drive and navigate to Drivers/OS-X or use your
web browser to go to
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/ CP.htm and
down load the latest driver image for OS-X.
2. Open FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_14.dmg by
clicking on it.
3. For OS-X 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6 open
FTDIUSBSerialDriver_10_4_10_5_10_6 and follow
the instructions to install.
4. Plug in the USB cable
5. Turn on the radio or external power supply.
6. Follow the instructions for your software to configure the application to work with micro KEYER.
NOTE: To access all the capabilities of microKEYER, your OS-X software must be written to use the
microHAM Keyer Protocol or µH Router by Kok Chen, W7AY.
MICROSOFT WINDOWS (Windows 2000, XP, Vista, & Windows 7) INSTALLATION
Installing microHAM USB Device Router
1. 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.
2. If you download an updated package, click on
"urouter_release_xx_xx.exe" (xx_xx is version)
to start the installation.
3. 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.
4. When the Router installation is completed, plug
in the USB cable when instructed, click "Finish"
to launch Router for the first time and proceed
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
to configuring Router for your station and software.
Configuring microHAM USB Device Router
The microHAM USB Device Router (Router) program provides a Windows compatible configuration tool for
microHAM USB interfaces and software interface to other Windows applications (logging software, digital
mode software, etc.). The software interface is provided as Virtual Serial Ports.
To configure and use microKEYER with Windows compatible application programs it is necessary to have
installed the USB driver, started the Router, and applied power to microKEYER (turn on the radio). Router
must then be configured to match the requirements of the application (logger or digital mode) software.
microKEYER Status
When the USB driver is installed correctly and microKEYER
is turned on Router will show a device tab with a GREEN
check beside the device name (microKEYER).
When Router shows a YELLOW “X” instead of a green 

,
it means the USB driver is correctly installed but
microKEYER 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. 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 for proper operation. The device configuration tabs (in the
red rectangle) are used to setup each part of microKEYER.
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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 microKEYER 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 each function you wish to
use (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 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 a device which also uses virtual serial
ports (external USB devices, bluetooth devices, mobile phones, PDAs 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 removed 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 virtual ports in
Router at once. Select "Virtual Port | Delete All" then
create the ports again. Any missing port number
should appear.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
6. 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: microKEYER 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: (Not used with microKEYER)
Customizable band edge boundaries used to drive the band data output. BCD codes can be customized
for driving antenna switches or bandpass filter control. This setting is not used with microKEYER.
Options | Digital Band Map: Customizable band limits for digital mode operation. This setting is used to
automatically select VOICE or DIGITAL audio switching and the proper PTT output (PTT1/PTT2). The
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 and TenTec
transceivers although it is also applicable 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. (Not used with microKEYER)
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 logger 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 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 the virtual ports will be closed and application software will be
unable to communicate with microKEYER 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, 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 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 (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
disconnected devices with a RED “X” on 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.
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microHAM © 2010 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, CW/WinKey, and PTT
tabs to microKEYER's EEPROM. If microKEYER is operated without connection to the computer it
will use the settings stored in EEPROM. If microKEYER is connected to a computer running
microHAM USB Device Router, Router's settings will be used but default settings will be retained in
EEPROM.
Upload Firmware: microHAM will occasionally release updates to the firmware in microKEYER. 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/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 in which you saved the new
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 microKEYER 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 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 © 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: 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 seven (7) tabs for configuring microKEYER. Each tab controls part of microKEYER's functions.
Except for the CW/FSK Messages tab, any change is applied immediately to microKEYER. Changes in the
Messages are only applied in response to the Store or Store All buttons.
● Ports – used to assign virtual ports for use by application programs.
● Audio Switching – used to configure microphone and sound card audio routing based on operator
preference, application sound card handling and operating mode
● Audio Mixer – used to set levels of each channel of the sound card
NOTE: The Audio Mixer is not available under Windows Vista or 7. Those operating systems do
not allow an application like Router overall control of the sound device.
● PTT – used to configure T/R (PTT) keying, keying sequencer and footswitch operation.
● CW/WinKey – used to configure the internal CW keyer when the application is not using WinKey.
● CW/FSK Messages – used to configure internal CW and FSK messages
● DVK – used to configure Router's Digital Voice Keyer
● Keyboard – used to configure CW and FSK operation with the PS/2 keyboard or numeric keypad.
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
PORTS TAB
The virtual ports must be associated with a specific function or device channel (e.g., radio control, CW,
PTT, etc.). These assignments should match that of the application. Ports should be assigned first in
Router then in the application (e.g., logging or digital mode program).
Correct port assignment is critical for proper operation with application software.
microKEYER supports ten functions:
● CAT - 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)
● WinKey (uses RxD and TxD)
● Control (uses RxD and TxD)
NOTE: Do not assign virtual ports for a channel (function) which is not used by the
application. It is unnecessary and wastes resources.
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microHAM © 2010 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 application.
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. 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 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.
Disable router queries – When this box checked, Router will not poll the radio for frequency and mode
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microHAM © 2010 All rights reserved
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.
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.
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).
Port: Defines a virtual or hardware serial port for an SDR radio used with the MK. The CAT
connection in microKEYER is disabled. This function is not currently supported.
SDR Tracking:
Tracking: This function allows an external receiver to track the transceiver attached to the
microKEYER .
NOTE: The transceiver attached to microKEYER 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 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.
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