QRPworks SideKar Decoder Edition User manual

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QRPworks
SideKar Decoder Edition™
User Manual

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Table of Contents
Overview........................................................................................... 4
SideKar Decoder Edition Installation.............................................. 6
Keyboard Choices...........................................................................23
Starting Up.......................................................................................25
Using the SideKar Decoder Edition Pushbuttons.........................26
The Keyer Inside .............................................................................28
Transmitting....................................................................................31
Creating and Sending Text Messages ............................................35
Creating and Sending Rig Macros .................................................38
Editing Stored Text Messages/Rig Macros....................................43
Summary of Message Editing Operation:......................................44
Stored Text Message/Macro Summary..........................................44
Reserved Message / Macro Characters .........................................46
Sending a Stored Text Message viaPushbuttons ..........................46
Call Sign Entered ............................................................................47
Grab & Go™....................................................................................48
Contesting,......................................................................................49
Logging............................................................................................53
Logging Activities using References.............................................58
Rig Specific Features......................................................................62
A word about CW Decoding...........................................................65

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Scrolling Back.................................................................................66
LCD Backlight Brightness ..............................................................70
Voltage Check .................................................................................70
Setting the Date and Time ..............................................................71
Battery Replacement.......................................................................72
System Reset ..................................................................................74
Help..................................................................................................74
Compatibilitywith Other Products.................................................75
Updating the Firmware ...................................................................78
Technology......................................................................................78
Support............................................................................................78
Acknowledgements.........................................................................78
TroubleshootingTips......................................................................79
Appendix A: QRP Labs Classic QCX CAT Port .............................81
Summary of Keyboard Commands................................................83
Summary of Logging Commands ..................................................85
Firmware Revision History .............................................................86
Index................................................................................................87

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Overview
Thank you for your purchase of the QRPworks SideKar
Decoder Edition.
Its purpose is to enhance your operating experience whether
portable or in your home shack.
It can be used with any rig, but has specific CAT interfaces to the:
•Elecraft KX3 / KX2 / K3 / K3S
•Icom IC-705 (via optionalBluetooth accessory)
•Yaesu FT817 / FT-818 / FT-857 / FT-897
•QRP Labs QCX family of rigs
These interfaces provide rig-specific features that are detailed
later in this manual.
In a nutshell for all rigs,
•It decodes incoming CW using audio from any rig,
typically from the rig’s headphone jack.
•It sends CW to any rig with a straight key mode using a
paddle, typing on a keyboard, or sending user-defined
messages from the keyboard. It allows you to change
the keying mode, speed, paddle dits/dah orientation
easily from a keyboard
•It is a message generator, allowing you to send up to 20
user-defined messages, with just a keystroke.
•It is a log, with space for 1000 QSOs
•The log will automatically be populated with the current
date and time, so you don’t have to enter it.
•It is an ADIF export tool, allowing you to export your logged
QSOs in a standard ADIF format, which can then be
imported into most commercially available logs, or ARRL’s
Logbook of the World
•It is a log for events, such as Summits on the Air (SOTA),
Parks on the Air (POTA), ARRL’s Field Day, etc.
•It is portable, with a sunlight readable display.
•It is a low current device, using little of your battery capacity

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•It can operate with a USB wired or wireless keyboard.
For the CAT-connected Elecraft KX- and K-Lines, Icom IC-
705, Yaesu FT portable lines, and QRP Labs QCX rigs…
•It offers the Quick QSY™feature, allowing you to change
frequency and mode very quickly and easily from a
keyboard
•Frequency and Mode are automatically populated in the log
•For Elecraft and QCX rigs, it will display the scrolling rig-
decoded CW (both), PSK31, PSK63, and RTTY (Elecraft)
text on an 80-character screen, with the ability to freeze
the incoming data and scroll back.
•For the Elecraft, Icom IC-705, and QCX rigs, it will allow
you to send up to 20 rig macros using CAT commands to
the rig to control just about every aspect of it.
The SideKar Decoder Edition provides many features for the
portable operator, whether out on the trail, in a park, on
vacation, or at home.
73,
Shel Radin, KF0UR Steve Silverman, KB3SII

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SideKar Decoder Edition Installation
Using optional mounting solutions, the SideKar Decoder Edition is
designed to:
•Be mounted on the right side of the KX3
•Be mounted on top of the KX2
•Sit on a surface (i.e. desktop, rock on a trail) using a
swiveling leg we call a Kickstand
The same SideKar Decoder Edition can be mounted on the
KX2 and KX3 just by changing a few simple brackets.
Elecraft KX3 Installation
The SideKar Decoder Edition is designed to mount on the right
side of the KX3, above the antenna BNC connector.
1. On the right side of the KX3, remove the black flat head
Philips screw in the upper back position, closest to the
A/B button.
2. Install the supplied shoulder screw and clear washer
(already on the screw) in place of the screw removed.
Do not overtighten. A good fit is when the screw starts
to tighten and you feel more resistance.

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3. Loosen, but do not remove, the thumbscrew for the KX3
right foot. Fold the KX3 foot under the KX3 so it is not
extended.
Install supplied shoulder screw and washer

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Thumbscrew installed for the KX3 mount
4. Install the supplied thumbscrew into the tapped hole on
the back right side of the SideKar Decoder Edition.
5. Install the KX3 mounting bracket under the thumbscrew
as shown. Tighten the thumbscrew so the bracket is
snug. The bracket edge should be even with the side of
the SideKar Decoder Edition.
Note the bracket is not symmetrical. The longer slot
goes against the SideKar Decoder Edition and the
shorter slot goes against the KX3. If it is reversed, the
SideKar Decoder Edition can slide down too far and hit
the antenna BNC connector.

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6. Position the SideKar Decoder Edition so the installed
shoulder screw on the KX3 is in the round portion of
the keyed slot and flat against the KX3.
This hole is not used –Do
Not insert a screw in it
Shorter slot
Longer slot

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7. Slide / wiggle the SideKar Decoder Edition down until
the notch at the bottom of the SideKar Decoder Edition
bracket is under the KX3’s thumbscrew head. If the
SideKar Decoder Edition hits the BNC connector, the
bracket is installed backwards. Remove it and put the
longer slot against the SideKar Decoder Edition.
Align the Shoulder Screw in the round opening