QRP Labs QCX User manual

QCX Transceivers
QCX/QCX+/QCX-mini 5W CW Transceiver kit
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
irmware version 1.07
This is the Operating Instructions manual for the QCX, QCX+ and QCX-mini CW transceivers.
All versions of the firm are are compatible ith all PCB revisions and all models of the QCX
family. Ho ever there are features hich are specific to certain models.
1) CAT control can only be used on the QCX+, QCX-mini, and the more recent PCB revisions of
the QCX (unless you have modified your older QCX to add the three components that facilitate the
CAT port).
2) Control of the LCD module LED backlight is only applicable to the QCX-mini and these settings
have no effect in the QCX and QCX+ models.
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Table of Contents
1. Overview of features..................................................................................................................................................3
2. isplay elements........................................................................................................................................................5
3. Operator Controls.......................................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Tune rate...............................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Keyer speed...........................................................................................................................................................7
3.3 RIT..........................................................................................................................................................................7
3.4 VFO mode..............................................................................................................................................................8
3.5 VFO A/B operaons...............................................................................................................................................8
3.6 Frequency Presets.................................................................................................................................................8
3.7 Automated message transmission mode..............................................................................................................9
4. Menu System............................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 Saving current operang parameters (VFO frequency etc).................................................................................10
4.2 Types of conguraon menu item.......................................................................................................................11
4.3 Eding a conguraon menu parameter.............................................................................................................11
4.4 Eding a LIST parameter......................................................................................................................................12
4.5 Eding a BOOLEAN parameter............................................................................................................................12
4.6 Eding a NUMBER parameter..............................................................................................................................12
4.7 Eding a TEXT parameter....................................................................................................................................13
4.8 Frequency presets menu.....................................................................................................................................14
4.9 Messages menu...................................................................................................................................................14
4.10 VFO menu..........................................................................................................................................................15
4.11 Keyer menu.......................................................................................................................................................17
4.12 ecoder menu...................................................................................................................................................21
4.13 Beacon menu.....................................................................................................................................................23
4.14 Other menu.......................................................................................................................................................30
4.15 Alignment menu................................................................................................................................................34
4.16 Test equipment.................................................................................................................................................38
4.17 CAT Control commands (PC remote operaon)................................................................................................41
5. Operaon reference “cheat sheet”...........................................................................................................................51
6. Resources..................................................................................................................................................................52
7. ocument Revision History.......................................................................................................................................52
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1. Overview of features
This 5W CW transceiver kit includes a large number of features defined by the firm are in the
ATmega328P microcontroller chip. The follo ing is a brief summary of the features to explore and
enjoy. Read the subsequent sections for more detailed information on these features.
Synthesised V O with rotary encoder tuning
The VFO is an Si5351A Synthesiser chip, configured by the microcontroller. A rotary encoder
tunes the VFO, ith a variable tuning rate. The radio includes t o VFOs, A and B. You can s ap
from one to the other, copy the contents of the active VFO to the inactive one, or operate Split
(Transmit on VFO A, receive on VFO B). There is also a RIT mode offering a receive offset of up
to +/- 9,999Hz. The CW offset is also adjustable, and CW-R (sideband s ap) mode is supported.
Memory features
There are 16 frequency presets for your favourite operating frequencies. Each frequency preset
can be edited in the configuration menu, or loaded/saved into/from the currently operating VFO.
Message mode
The firm are supports storage of 12 messages. Four of these are 100 characters long, the other
eight are 50 characters long. A single button click sho s the list of messages to send. Message
sending can be configured to send just once, or a configurable number of times, or indefinitely
repeating. The interval bet een transmissions is also configurable. The message feature can be
useful, for example, for setting up a repeated CQ call ith a pause bet een repeats, during hich
you can listen for any ans ers. As soon as you touch the key the message sending is canceled.
When message sending is in progress an ‘M’ character appears near the top right of the display.
CW Keyer
Operation ith a Straight key is possible, but the firm are also includes an Iambic keyer, for
connection of a paddle. The keyer can be configured to operate in Iambic modes A or B, or
Ultimatic mode. The keyer speed is variable both from the configuration menu and via a single
button press during operation.
With its solid-state, microcontroller operated transmit/receive s itch, the radio can operate in full
break-in “QSK” mode, or if you prefer, semi-break in.
CW Decoder
A CW decoder operates in the chip. This can be useful on air, particularly for ne comers to CW,
though it is never any here near as good in QRM or eak signal conditions as a good CW
operator using the et- are bet een his ears. The decoder has a “Practice” mode too, for you to
practice your CW sending ithout actually generating RF. The decoder can also be used to
conveniently enter text in the message storage, or for configuration of any of the other menu
items. The decoder can also be s itched off if desired.
CW, SKCW or WSPR Beacon mode
A beacon is included too, and this can be configured to operate in CW, FSKCW or WSPR mode.
O ners of the QRP Labs Ultimate-series eak signal mode transmitter kits ill be familiar ith the
operation of WSPR. A GPS module such as the QRP Labs QLG1 GPS receiver kit can optionally
be connected to this CW transceiver kit to provide frequency and time discipline, as ell as setting
the Maidenhead locator (from latitude and longitude) that is encoded in the WSPR message.
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S-meter and Battery voltage
An S-meter and battery voltage indicator can be enabled for display on the LCD. These are both
configurable to your needs. The battery voltage indicator ould be useful if you intend to operate
the radio portable on battery po er.
Real time clock
A real-time clock can be displayed at the bottom right of the LCD. The time can be set by
connecting a GPS receiver such as the QRP Labs QLG1 temporarily to the QCX. When po er is
disconnected from the QCX, the time is lost and ill start at 00:00 at next po er-up.
Built-in alignment tools
One of the nicest features of this CW transceiver kit, is the built-in alignment tools menu. The radio
can act as its o n signal generator, injecting an appropriate signal into the receiver front end, then
measuring the audio amplitude after single-sideband demodulation. The menu items allo you to
easily peak the Band Pass Filter adjustment, and to adjust the I-Q balance and audio phase shift
adjustments for best un anted sideband cancellation.
Built-in test equipment
For those times hen the assembly didn’t quite go as ell as e hoped, and e need to do some
debugging – the radio includes its o n suite of test equipment too! None of these items of test
equipment are going to replace a $100,000 lab any time soon – but they provide very useful
measurements for helping people ithout much test equipment, to debug the radio. They can even
be used for testing other projects too!
Voltage meter
RF Po er meter
Audio channel amplitude measurements
Frequency counter (0 to 8MHz)
Signal generator (3.5kHz to 200MHz)
CAT control - PC Control commands
The QCX kit also supports CAT control commands by a 38400 baud serial data interface (TTL
voltage levels). This implements a subset of the Ken ood TS-480 command set, ith one or t o
minor exceptions.
It is intended to allo easy operation of the QCX in conjunction ith logging soft are, hich
typically queries the transceiver to determine operating frequency and other operating parameters.
The CAT control interface also supports some basic control features for remote control of QCX if
required.
GPS Interface
The QCX kit has a GPS interface, hich is used for calibration, setting the real time clock, and for
frequency and time discipline and locator setting during WSPR operation. The GPS interface
(1pps and 9600 baud serial data) shares the same pins as the paddle dit and dah signals
(necessary due to limited processor I/O).
The GPS should ONLY be connected during oscillator calibration menus 8.11 and 8.12, or
when the beacon is enabled (menu 6.1 is ON). Connection at other times puts the radio into
practice mode (no R emitted) to protect the PA, and may also corrupt menu entries. You
may temporarily connect the GPS while in ordinary operation mode, for the purposes of
setting the real time clock.
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2. Display elements
The kit uses a 2 ro , 16 character LCD module. In the QCX and QCX+ models, this has a blue
backlight. The QCX-mini has a yello /green LCD module ith backlight that can be s itched off to
lo er current consumption.
The main display layout during ordinary operation ( hich ill be called “main operating mode”) is
sho n in the above photograph. The display during beacon or message transmission modes,
menu editing, alignment etc. differs. The main display elements are as follo s:
The receive VFO frequency is al ays displayed, to 10Hz resolution, at the top left. This
may be VFO A or VFO B. The nominally 700Hz CW offset is automatically applied.
Ordinarily this frequency is also used for transmission.
Tuning rate cursor: the underline appears under the digit hich is currently tuned by the
rotary encoder. In this example, the tuning rate is 100Hz per click, because the cursor is
under the 100Hz digit.
S-meter: these 4 characters display a basic (and not calibrated) S-meter. The scale is
configurable (see later description). The S-meter may be sho n or hidden.
Battery voltage: a battery icon appears to indicate the battery voltage in 7 user-definable
steps: from full to empty and 5 steps in bet een. It may also be sho n or hidden.
Transmit VFO: in SPLIT mode, the transmit VFO is displayed on the bottom ro of the
display.
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning): hen not in SPLIT mode, and hen the RIT is non-
zero, the RIT value is displayed in the bottom left ( here the photo sho s the VFO B
frequency). When RIT is non-zero, and hen not in SPLIT mode, the reception frequency is
the transmit VFO frequency ( hich may be VFO A or B) plus the RIT ( hich may be a
negative offset).
Decoded CW: The remaining space on the bottom ro is used for displaying the decoded
CW text. When RIT is zero, and you are not operating SPLIT, the hole 16 characters of
the bottom ro are used for the CW decoder display. When adjusting RIT or keyer speed,
only the right section of the screen is used for decoded CW. The CW decoder may be
disabled in the Decoder configuration menu.
Practice mode: hen in CW practice mode (actual transmitting disabled), a ‘P’ is displayed
to the right of the frequency on the top ro . If the practice mode as caused automatically
as a self-protection, by plugging in the GPS, a ‘G’ is displayed.
The bottom right 5 characters can also be used as a real time clock in HH:MM format,
hich is set either manually in the beacon menu “Set time” or via GPS serial data stream
parsing. The clock is enabled by the “Clock” item in the “Other” menu.
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3. Operator Controls
This diagram sho s the operating controls of the QCX+ radio as an example. All of the controls
except the Gain potentiometer have multiple functions, depending on the operating mode, menu
editing, etc. The tuning rotary encoder at the bottom right has a button on its shaft that is activated
by pressing it, and this button also has multiple functions.
In this document, the three buttons are referred to as “Select”, “Exit” and “Rotary”. The button
names “Select” and “Exit” respectively, refer to the common actions during configuration menu
editing. Select edits a menu item or steps do n into a sub-menu; Exit saves an edited menu item
or backs up to the parent menu.
It is ell orth remembering hile you are familiarising yourself ith the operation of the radio,
that if you get into any unexpected function or menu – you can nearly al ays press the “Exit”
button to cancel and get back to the main operation mode.
Each of the buttons may be pressed once, pressed t ice (a double-click) or pressed for a long-
hold. This facilitates three different functions for each button. In practice, the “Rotary” button is
stiffer and it is difficult to achieve a double-click; therefore the centre button double-click has no
function.
3.1 Tune rate
The rotary encoder tunes the active VFO. The rate of tuning is indicated by the underline cursor. In
the example belo , the underline cursor is under the comma bet een the 1kHz and 100Hz digits.
This means the tuning rate is 500Hz.
The available VFO tuning rates are 1kHz, 500Hz, 100Hz or 10Hz.
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A press of the “Rotary” button (in the rotary encoder shaft) causes the tuning rate to change, in the
cycle 1kHz -> 500Hz -> 100Hz -> 10Hz -> 1kHz etc.
The default tune rate up at start-up is a configuration item in the VFO menu (see later).
You can also press-and-hold the rotary encoder shaft button, then turn the rotary encoder to move
the cursor to the left or right; this allo s selection of steps up to 1MHz; turn the rotary encoder
ithin 0.3 seconds of the button press.
3.2 Keyer speed
The default keyer speed (in ords per minute) at start-up is a configuration item in the Keyer menu
(see later). During operation of the radio, the keyer speed can be easily adjusted. Click the
“Select” button once, and the speed ill be displayed on the screen:
A14,006,50
Speed 12
No you can adjust the speed using the rotary encoder. Press any button to return to the main
operating mode. You may operate the radio hile the Speed setting is sho n. You can also press
the rotary encoder shaft button to select sending a stored message, hile the Speed adjustment
setting is active.
Setting speed to 0 enables “Straight” Key mode regardless of the keyer mode setting; this is useful
for quickly being able to key do n for antenna tuning purposes. It is much easier than going into
the Keyer menu, selecting straight key mode, doing the tune up, then going back into the menu to
change to Iambic again. The normal configured keyer mode is automatically restored hen you
increase the speed above zero.
3.3 RIT
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) allo s the receive frequency to be adjusted hile the transmit
frequency (the displayed VFO frequency) remains the same. It is useful if the other station is off-
tune, or drifting; other uses include orking DX stations ho may be listening on a different
frequency some kHz a ay from their transmit frequency.
This radio transceiver allo s RIT values from -9,999Hz to +9,999Hz.
The default RIT at start-up is a configuration item in the VFO menu (see later). RIT can be easily
adjusted during ordinary operation by double-clicking the “Select” button:
No use the rotary encoder to tune the RIT. As you do so, you ill hear the RIT immediately
applied to the VFO.
The tune rate of the RIT control is again indicated by the underlined digit (here 100Hz). In order to
change the tune rate, press and hold the “Rotary” button (in the rotary encoder shaft) and turn the
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rotary encoder at the same time. You ill see the cursor move to the left or right 1 digit at a time.
Again, the cursor under the comma indicates 500Hz tuning steps.
To cancel RIT tuning (reset the RIT to zero), press the “Exit” button; this returns to main operating
mode and sets the RIT to zero.
To return to the main operating mode, press the “Select” button. No the RIT is displayed under
the VFO, for example:
A14,060,00
+0,300
Remember that cancelling RIT mode is easy, just double-click the “Select” button to sho the RIT
editing, then press the “Exit” button to cancel it ( hich means, set it to zero).
Transmitting is possible hile the RIT display is active. You can also press the rotary encoder
shaft button to select sending a stored message, hile the Speed adjustment setting is active.
3.4 V O mode
A single press on the “Exit” button changes the active VFO mode. There are t o independent
VFOs named A and B. There are three VFO modes for using these VFOs:
VFO A is active as transmit and receive VFO; if non-zero, RIT is applied during receive
VFO B is active as transmit and receive VFO; if non-zero, RIT is applied during receive
Split: VFO A is used for receive, VFO B is used for transmit; RIT is ignored completely
Split mode is often used by DX stations, they transmit and receive on separate frequencies.
3.5 V O A/B operations
Frequency s ap: the contents (frequency) of VFO A and B can be s apped by a single long key-
press to the “Exit” button. This can be useful hen setting up the VFO frequencies.
Copy VFO A to B: To copy VFO A to B, press the “Exit” button ith a long key-press then a single
short press. It is similar to tapping a CW ‘N’ slo ly on the “Exit” button.
Copy VFO B to A: To copy VFO A to B, press the “Exit” button ith a long key-press then a quick
double-press. It is similar to tapping a CW ‘D’ on the “Exit” button.
3.6 requency Presets
There are 16 frequency presets hich may be used for storing your favourite frequencies, or for
just temporary use, or ho ever you ish!
The presets are labelled 1 to 16, and can be individually edited in the Preset menu (see later).
Often it is more convenient to just save them from the current VFO frequency.
To sho the list of preset frequencies in normal operation mode, double click the “Exit” button. The
display no sho s something like this:
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A14,027,50
S 1 14,035,00 L
The top ro of the display sho s the currently active VFO frequency as usual.
The bottom ro sho s a “1” in the 4th character, this is the number of the preset displayed. The
next number (here 14,035,00) is the frequency stored in Preset 1.
Use the rotary encoder to scroll through the list of presets until you find the one you ant. Once
you have selected the desired preset, press one of the three buttons to Save, Cancel or Load the
preset, as follo s:
SAVE the current VFO to the selected preset, by pressing the “Select” button
CANCEL the preset operation (back to main operating mode), by pressing “Rotary” button
LOAD the selected preset frequency into the current VFO, by pressing the “Exit” button
The “S” in the first character and “L” in the 16th character at the far right, are intended as a
reminder of hich button to press to Save and to Load.
3.7 Automated message transmission mode
My favourite use of the automated message transmission mode is to send a CQ call repeatedly. If
a station ans ers, you can tap the key to cancel the message sending mode, then transmit.
There are 12 message memories. The first four memories are 100 characters long; the remaining
eight memories are 50 characters long.
In order to send a pre-saved message, press the “Rotary” button ith a single long press. The first
of the saved messages is sho n on the screen, for example if a CQ call is stored in Message 1,
you may have something like this:
A14,017,00
1. CQ CQ CQ DE G
The bottom ro sho s the message number at the far left (here it is message 1) follo ed by the
first part of the stored message. If it is blank, that means of course that you have not stored any
messages yet!
You can no use the rotary encoder to scroll back and forth bet een the 12 stored messages and
find the one hich you ant to transmit.
The message can be transmitted multiple times according to the “Repeats” parameter in the
Messages menu (see later description). The interval bet een the repeated transmissions is also
defined in the Messages menu, in the “Interval” parameter.
Once you have selected the message that you ant to transmit, press one of the three buttons as
follo s:
REPEAT: Transmit the message repeatedly by pressing the “Select” button
ONCE: Transmit the message only once by pressing the “Rotary” button
CANCEL: Cancel the messages operation by pressing the “Exit” button
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When REPEAT message transmission mode is activated, the number of repeats and the interval
bet een repeats is as specified by the Repeats and Interval parameters in the Messages menu.
The stored message transmission is sent at the currently defined keyer speed.
During the actual stored message transmission, you can immediately cancel the transmission at
any time by pressing the “Exit” button or by keying the transmitter ith the Morse key or paddle if
you are using one.
While the RIT or Speed adjustment modes are active, you may still operate the radio (key the
transmitter) and may also press the rotary encoder center shaft button to initiate stored message
sending.
4. Menu System
There is an extensive menu system ith more than 80 different configuration or operating
parameters stored in non-volatile memory (EEPROM). These are editable to control every aspect
of the radio’s behaviour.
The menus are organised into 9 groups as follo s:
1. Preset
2. Messages
3. VFO
4. Keyer
5. Decoder
6. Beacon
7. Other
8. Alignment
9. Test equipment
Save settings!
To enter the menu system, give a single long press to the “Select” button. Use the rotary encoder
to scroll back and forth bet een the nine sub menu groups listed. To enter one of them, press the
“Select” button. To return to the main operating mode, press the “Exit” button.
The golden rule hile in the menu system, is to press the “Select” button to go in to a deeper
menu level or edit an item, and the “Exit” button to back up.
In order to edit a menu item, navigate to the menu item then press the “Select” button to start
editing. When you have finished editing the item, press the “Exit” button to save it.
NOTE that changes to configuration parameters only take effect on the radio, hen you leave the
menu system and return to the main operating mode. During vie ing or editing of menu items, the
radio remains in receive mode on the currently selected VFO frequency. The exception to this is
certain alignment and test equipment tools, here these need to use parts of the radio.
4.1 Saving current operating parameters (V O frequency etc)
The final (10th) item “Save settings!” is a special item hich causes certain operating parameters
to be stored to EEPROM. These then are the defaults the next time you po er up the radio. This
is very convenient if you ant to recommence operating next time you s itch on, ith exactly the
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configuration your radio is in no . The controls sequence to save the settings is very simple. This
makes it easy and quick to save your current configuration hen you ish to s itch off the radio.
a) Single long press to the “Select” button, to enter the configuration menu system
b) Turn the rotary encoder one click anticlock ise to sho “Save settings!” on the screen
c) Press the “Select” button once more, to actually save the settings
The list of items saved is:
VFO Mode (A, B, Split)
VFO A frequency
VFO B frequency
Tune rate
RIT
RIT tune rate
Signal generator frequency
4.2 Types of configuration menu item
There are five types of menu configuration item, and editing these is a little different depending on
the type.
1) LIST: a fixed list of values applicable to that menu item, for example Keyer mode
2) BOOLEAN: an ON/OFF parameter, such as used to control hether the battery icon sho s
3) NUMBER: a numeric parameter such as a stored frequency preset
4) TEXT: a text configuration item such as a stored message
5) UNEDITABLE: some menu items are display-only, such as the alignment or test tools
4.3 Editing a configuration menu parameter
To start editing a parameter, navigate to the desired parameter in the appropriate menu, and then
press the “Select” button. When editing is active, you ill see a cursor appear under the digit being
edited. For example, here is menu item 2.13, the message repeat interval:
The underline cursor belo the 4 indicates that editing is active; turning the rotary encoder ill
change the parameter value.
When you are finished editing, press the “Exit” button to conclude editing. This saves the
parameter in the microcontroller’s EEPROM memory.
A flashing inverted cursor is also available, you can choose that in the “Cursor Style” parameter in
the “Other” menu (see later section).
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4.4 Editing a LIST parameter
Editing a list parameter is very simple, it is just a matter of turning the rotary encoder. The display
scrolls through the list items. For example, this is the Keyer mode parameter, menu 4.1:
Note that the editing indicator cursor appears under the leftmost character.
When you are happy ith your selection, press either “Select” or “Exit”, to save the change.
4.5 Editing a BOOLEAN parameter
Editing a BOOLEAN parameter is exactly the same as editing a LIST parameter, except that no
the list of items is al ays restricted to just ON and OFF (representing True/False).
4.6 Editing a NUMBER parameter
When editing a number parameter, the cursor underline appears under the currently edited digit.
The cursor starts at the far left (most significant digit). The rotary encoder tunes the digit. The
operation is very similar to tuning a VFO in ordinary operation. This example sho s editing the
default (po er-up) VFO A frequency:
To alter the “tuning rate”, you can either
a) Press the “Select” button to move the cursor to the next digit to the right OR
b) Press and hold the “Rotary” button, hile turning the rotary encoder shaft – this allo s you
to move the cursor left or right.
Editing of the number is concluded, and the number is stored to EEPROM, hen either:
a) You press the “Exit” button OR
b) You press the “Select” button so many times that the cursor falls off the right hand side
Yet another ay to input numbers, hich is a REALLY convenient ay, is to use the Morse key
and CW decoder! During editing of numeric parameters, the CW decoder is activated but only
decodes number characters 0-9. The CW decoder expects ell-timed CW, ith correct spacing
bet een ords and characters. The CW decoder expects you to key in the numbers at near to the
configured Keyer speed. If you start keying at a much different speed, the CW decoder ill adapt
to your keying but this may take several characters to “sense” your keying speed, so some
characters can be missed.
When you have keyed in the hole number, the number is automatically saved to EEPROM,
hich leaves editing mode. Once you are used to editing numeric parameters by keying in CW, it
becomes the easiest and fastest ay to edit menu parameters.
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4.7 Editing a TEXT parameter
An example of a text parameter you may ish to edit is the stored messages. For example, stored
message 2 is edited in menu item 2.2:
2.2 Message 2
CQ CQ CQ DE G0UP
By far the easiest ay to edit TEXT parameters is simply to use the CW decoder! As before, it
expects ell-timed CW, ith correct spacing bet een ords and characters. The CW decoder
expects you to key in the characters at near to the configured Keyer speed. If you start keying ith
a straight key at a much different speed, the CW decoder ill adapt to your keying but this may
take several characters to “sense” your keying speed, so some characters can be missed.
Editing of the parameter is concluded either hen you press the “Exit” button, or hen no more
characters are available for editing; for example, if you filled up the chosen Message memory.
It is also possible to edit a text parameter entirely ith the buttons and rotary encoder, though this
is usually a slo er ay to edit text parameters. O ners of the QRP Labs Ultimate3S (or earlier)
QRSS/WSPR transmitter kits ill already be familiar ith this style of editing text.
The text parameter supports all of the characters hich the Message keyer can encode, hich is
the same as the CW decoder can decode. Specifically, A to Z, 0 to 9, Space, then punctuation
characters / = ? . , Note = is the break character, CW -...- (dah dit dit dit dah).
The follo ing characters/symbols have special functions.
Insert: Use this symbol to insert a character in the text. Find this character using the rotary
encoder, then press the “Select” button to activate it. All the characters to the right of the
cursor position are shifted right one position, including the character hich as originally in
the current position.
Backspace (delete): If you select this character as the current character using the rotary
encoder, then hen you press the “Select” button, the current character is deleted and the
cursor moves back left one position.
Delete all: If selected as the current character, pressing the “Select” button has the effect of
deleting the entire message, starting again at the left of the screen. There is no “undo”, so
use ith caution!
Enter Right (finished): The behaviour of this symbol is the same as Enter, except that it
preserves all the text, including the text to the right of the cursor. It simply saves the hole
line.
Enter (finished): If selected as the current character using the rotary encoder, pressing the
“Select” button is used to finish editing the setting. The setting is saved, and you leave
editing mode. Note that the text that is saved is only the text to the left of the Enter symbol. If
you select this symbol and press the “Select” button hen you are not at the furthest right
position of the message, then everything right of your position is deleted.
You can also move the cursor back ards and for ards ithin the text being edited, by pressing
and holding the “Rotary” button, then turning the rotary encoder. This moves the cursor position
ithin the text parameter.
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4.8 requency presets menu
There are 16 frequency presets, labelled 1 to 16. This example sho s Preset 5:
1.5 P eset 5
14,020,000
All of the Preset menu items are NUMBER types. Refer to the “Editing a NUMBER parameter”
section above for instructions on ho to edit a NUMBER parameter.
It is also convenient to load the current VFO into the preset memories as described in the section
above titled “Frequency Presets”.
4.9 Messages menu
There are 14 configuration items in the Messages menu:
2.1 Interval
2.2 Repeats
2.3 Message 1 (100 characters text stored message)
2.4 Message 2 (100 characters text stored message)
2.5 Message 3 (100 characters text stored message)
2.6 Message 4 (100 characters text stored message)
2.7 Message 5 (50 characters text stored message)
2.8 Message 6 (50 characters text stored message)
2.9 Message 7 (50 characters text stored message)
2.10 Message 8 (50 characters text stored message)
2.11 Message 9 (50 characters text stored message)
2.12 Message 10 (50 characters text stored message)
2.13 Message 11 (50 characters text stored message)
2.14 Message 12 (50 characters text stored message)
The 2 stored message presets are 100 or 50 characters long, according to the list above. For
example:
2.3 Message 1
Turn the rotary encoder to select the Message from 1 to 12 hich you ish to edit, then press the
“Select” button. No you can edit the message text in one of t o ays:
1) Choose each character individually from the list, using the rotary encoder. When you have
chosen the correct character, press the “Select” button to move to the next character. This
process is described in more detail in the preceding section on editing text parameters.
2) Key in the desired text on the straight Morse key on the board, or using your external
paddle. The CW decoder must be enabled for menu editing (see “Enable edit” parameter).
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PROSIGNS: Morse prosigns are typically pairs of concatenated characters hich are sounded
ithout a gap. The most common examples are AR, KN and SK (also kno n as VA). You can
include any such prosigns in your saved messages. To specify a prosign, use the _ character.
When the _ character is included in a saved message, it indicates that the follo ing t o characters
are to be sent ithout a gap bet een them. You ould typically use AR, KN and SK but there is
nothing to stop you concatenating any pair of characters, to form other prosigns less commonly
used.
2.1 Inte val
20
The Interval is a NUMBER parameter that specifies the interval in seconds, bet een repeated
transmission of a stored message (if repeats are configured: see next parameter).
2.2 Repeats
0
The Repeats parameter specifies ho many times the message transmission ill be repeated, in
the repeat transmission mode. The Repeat parameter is actually a LIST type, since it can be a
number from 1 to 99, or 0. In the latter case (zero), the Message transmission continues
indefinitely.
4.10 V O menu
The VFO menu contains a number of configuration parameters hich affect the VFO operation
and CW reception. Many of these parameters are only po er-up default parameters for the VFOs.
The current VFO frequency, mode etc is not stored in these parameters. If you ish to save the
current VFO frequency, mode etc into EEPROM so that hen the radio is next po ered up, the
exact same state is available from po er up, use the “Save settings!” feature described previously.
These configuration items in this menu are explained belo .
3.1 VFO mode
A
This parameter specifies the VFO mode at po er-up. It can be A, B or Split. The current VFO
mode during ordinary operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as
described previously.
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3.2 VFO A
14,027,500
This parameter specifies the VFO A frequency at po er-up. The current VFO A frequency during
ordinary operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as described
previously.
3.3 VFO B
14,032,500
This parameter specifies the VFO B frequency at po er-up. The current VFO B frequency during
ordinary operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as described
previously.
3.4 Tune ate
100 Hz
This LIST parameter specifies the Tune rate po er-up. Available values are: 10MHz, 1MHz,
100kHz, 10kHz, 1kHz, 500Hz, 100Hz, 10Hz or 1Hz. The current Tune rate during ordinary
operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as described previously.
3.5 RIT
+0,000
This parameter specifies the RIT at po er-up. The current RIT amount during ordinary operation is
not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as described previously.
3.6 RIT ate
10 Hz
This parameter specifies the RIT tuning rate at po er-up. The current RIT tuning rate during
ordinary operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as described
previously.
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3.7 CW-R
OFF
This boolean parameter enables the CW-R mode. Ordinarily CW is received in Upper sideband
ith a 700Hz offset. There may be some occasions here operation on the other sideband is
desired (lo er sideband), for example to exclude an interfering nearby station hen the CW filter
performance is asymmetric. In these cases you can s itch on CW-R by setting this menu item to
ON, to select Lo er sideband reception mode.
3.8 CW offset
700
This parameter specifies the CW offset in Hz. It is the difference bet een the VFO frequency
during transmit and receive. It is automatically applied during receive in order to resolve a perfectly
netted transmission on the same frequency as yours, at 700Hz audio output.
If you ish to change the CW offset frequency you may do so using this parameter. Ho ever, be
arned that the 200Hz audio analogue filter in the circuit is still centred on (approximately) 700Hz.
If you moved the configured CW offset frequency too far a ay, then the received audio ill fall
outside the CW filter and be attenuated.
4.11 Keyer menu
The Keyer menu contains a number of configuration parameters relating to the CW keyer, hich
are described belo .
4.1 Keye mode
St aight
The mode of the CW keyer function in the firm are. Possible modes are:
Straight
IAMBIC A
IAMBIC B
Ultimatic
If you ish to use a traditional up/do n Morse key, these are called “straight” keys and you should
select the “Straight” mode. If you ish to use a modern paddle then select the desired operating
mode e.g. IAMBIC A.
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4.2 Keye speed
12
This is the default po er-up speed of the Keyer function in Words Per Minute ( pm). The current
Speed during ordinary operation is not stored in this parameter unless you “Save settings” as
described previously.
Keyer speed can be altered easily from the ordinary main operating mode, ith a single press of
the “Select” button, as described previously.
Keyer speed is also used for stored message sending, and for the beacon function hen in CW
mode.
The keyer speed is also used to configure the CW decoder during transmit or during menu item
editing. When transmit or editing are commenced, the speed is copied into the CW decoder and
initialises it. Thereafter if you transmit (or enter data during editing) at a different speed, the CW
decoder ill adapt to your speed. Ho ever, if the speed difference is large, the adaption can take
several characters to correctly “sense” your keying speed, hich can result in incorrectly decoded
characters or missed characters.
4.3 Keye swap
OFF
This is a BOOLEAN parameter hich lets you s ap the “dit” and “dah” connections in soft are, if
you find that your paddle is reversed.
4.4 Keye Weight
500
Ordinarily Morse dit and dah durations have a 1:3 ratio. The space bet een symbols is equivalent
to 1 dit, bet een characters 3 dit lengths, and bet een ords 7 dit lengths. This is standard Morse
timing. Ho ever, some people may ish to alter this, for various reasons.
The Keyer Weight parameter allo s variation of the ratios. The value has three digits. The default
value of 500 corresponds to 50.0%. This means the “duty cycle” of a stream of dits is exactly 50%.
The key-do n dit length is therefore the same as the key-up inter-symbol pause.
If the eight is increased from the default 50.0%, then the key-do n “dit” is made longer. A “dah”
is lengthened by the SAME amount. The corresponding inter-symbol (or character, or ord) gap is
shortened by the same amount. The additional time spent on the key-do n is therefore taken from
the key-up period. The keyer speed is unchanged by altering the eight parameter.
As an example: suppose you ant to make your Morse sound “harder” by shortening the dits and
dahs. You could set the parameter to 450, hich means 45.0%.
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The parameter range is 050 to 950 (5% to 95%) though you ould not normally ever need to go
any here near these unreasonable limits. In the event that you enter a value outside this range,
the firm are automatically applies these limits to the actually used parameter.
4.5 Auto Space
OFF
Auto-spacing means that the pause bet een CW characters is forced to be 3 dit lengths (more or
less, if you have CW eighting configured, see above).
The majority of keyers do not implement auto-spacing. You use the paddle to send your dits and
dahs making up the Morse character you ish to send. As soon as you next press the paddle, the
next character is started. The keyer forces correct 1:3 ratio of dits and dahs and inter-symbol
spacing, but it does not force you to ait for the correct duration of 3 dits bet een transmitted
characters.
Some keyers do implement automatic character spacing, such as the old (1973) Accu-Keyer
design by James WB4VVF see https://inza.files. ordpress.com/2011/01/accu-keyer.pdf .
This configuration therefore allo s you to s itch on automatic character spacing if you ish. In
this case, if you press a paddle too SOON, before the 3 dit durations have elapsed after the last
character completed, the keyer ill ait until the correct time to start the next character.
In the even that you press the paddle too LATE, there is nothing the keyer can do to travel back in
time and force it to 3 dit lengths for you. You might have intended an inter- ord space, for
example. So pressing the paddle too late cannot be corrected.
4.6 Semi QSK
OFF
This setting defines the break-in (QSK) behaviour of the radio. T o settings are possible:
O : indicates Full QSK mode. After the delay time for RF envelope shaping, the
Transmit/Receive s itch is set to “Receive” shortly after key-up. In this ay, you ill hear the other
station (or any QRM, QRN etc) transmitting in bet een the dits and dahs of your o n
transmissions. Many experienced operators like to be able to have a feel for hat is happening on
the band, in bet een their key-do ns. In some ays you feel like you are listening to your o n
sidetone audio as just another signal on the band, and you can still hear other signals too.
ON: Semi-QSK mode is enabled. After key-up, there is a delay before the Transmit/Receive s itch
is set back to “Receive” mode. The receiver is therefore kept muted during your hole CW
transmission, not listening to the band in bet een your transmitted symbols. Many operators
prefer to avoid the distraction of hearing the band bet een their dits and dahs. In Semi-QSK mode
the Transmit/Receive s itch is set back to “Receive” only after a suitable delay (of 8 dit lengths),
long enough to occur only at the end of the transmission.
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4.7 P actice
OFF
Normally you ould leave Practice mode s itched OFF. Ho ever if you ant to practice sending
CW, and see if the CW Decoder can decode you, then you can s itch Practice mode to ON. In
practice mode, the radio does everything it normally ould, except that it never sends any RF
po er to the antenna!
During practice mode, a ‘P’ is sho n in the display to the right of the frequency on the top ro .
4.8 Sidetone f q
700
This NUMBER parameter allo s you to change the Sidetone frequency if you ish. Sidetone is
the audio tone hich is generated by the microcontroller on key-do n and injected into the audio
signal path. Sidetone is ONLY an operator convenience to let you hear your keyed signal, and has
no impact at all on the transmitted RF amplitude or frequency.
It is strongly recommended to leave the Sidetone frequency set to the same frequency as the CW
Offset frequency in the VFO menu. Your ears ill get used to recognising the 700Hz audio tone,
and it makes it then much easier to accurately tune to a station you hear transmitting on air, such
that his signal ill also be at 700Hz audio in your receiver. When you hear him at 700Hz, he ill
be in the middle (near, any ay) of your CW audio filter. When you transmit you ill also be netted
accurately to his frequency. All being ell, this should mean that your signal also ends up nicely in
his CW filter passband too. Then you can QSO!
The minimum sidetone frequency is 350Hz; belo this, the system automatically uses 350Hz.
4.9 Sidetone vol
099
You can use this parameter to reduce the volume of the sidetone audio. Most people ill find the
default setting of 99 too loud. So experiment ith lo er values until you find a sidetone audio level
hich you find comfortable.
When you adjust the sidetone volume by turning the rotary encoder after selecting a digit, the QCX
ill play the sidetone at the ne volume briefly so that you can hear ho it sounds and easily
adjust it to a comfortable volume.
The sidetone generation uses some subtle digital signal processing to superimpose a 700Hz tone
on top of an ultrasonic audio frequency (at 42kHz by default); this retains an average 50% duty
cycle and thereby allo s variation of sidetone volume ithout altering the DC bias at the feedpoint
in the audio signal path; this is found to eliminate a “click” that occurs on Rx / Tx changeover and
is most prominent at lo er volume settings. A consequence of this change is that the apparent
sidetone volume becomes lo er, if you reduce the “Sidetone frq” setting far belo the default
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