Timewave Navigator User manual

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Navigator
Operating Manual
21 March 2014

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Operating Manual – Timewave Navigator
Revision A – 12/15/2006
Revision B -1/20/2007
Revision C – 7/30/2007
Revision D – 2/26/2008
Revision E – 4/22/2009
Revision F – 12/16/2013
Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013 Timewave Technology Inc. All Rights Reserved
Product Sales and Service
Timewave Technology Inc.
23 Empire Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103 USA
www.timewave.com
[email protected]
Tech Support [phone]
Mon-Fri 0800 – 1700 Central time (UTC-6)
Closed Saturday, Sunday & most US Federal holidays

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Table of Contents
Section Subject Page
1 Introduction 4
2 Architecture 5
2.1 Description 5
2.1.1 USB Serial Numbers 6
2.1.2 Multiple Interfaces on One Computer 6
2.2 USB Hub 7
2.3 Audio Functions 7
2.3.1 USB Audio Codec 7
2.3.2 Interface – 2 Channel Audio Input 7
2.3.3 Interface – 2 Channel Audio Output 7
2.3.4 Audio Monitor 8
2.4 Digital Interface Functions 8
2.4.1 CAT and Rig Control 8
2.4.2 CAT Interface Combinations Supported 8
2.4.3 Rig Interface Control Signals 9
2.5 Operating Modes 9
2.5.1 Audio Codec Generated Modes 9
2.5.2 CW Mode 10
2.5.3 FSK 10
2.5.4 General Purpose RS232 Interface 11
3 Front Panel Controls and Displays 12
3.1 Potentiometers 12
3.2 LED 12
4 Rear Panel Connectors 13
5 Navigator Option Control 14

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5.1 NavOptions Software Installation 14
5.2 NavOptions Functions 15
6 Installation 18
6.1 Installation Planning 18
6.1.1 Do’s and Don’ts of Operating with USB 20
6.1.2 COM Port Restriction of Popular Ham Software 21
6.1.3 Recommended COM Port Assignments 23
6.2 Driver Installation 23
6.3 Uninstall 24
6.4 Application Software Installation 24
6.5 Rig Hookup 25
Appendix A – I/O Specifications 27
Appendix B – Installation FAQ 30
Appendix C – CD-ROM Contents 34

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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Navigator Sound Card Modem. The Navigator is a full featured, multi-mode digital interface between
your PC and your amateur radio transceiver.
In this manual, you will find information about the features of Navigator, the design architecture, hardware and software installation
and the technical specifications of the device.
The appendix of this document contains technical specifications of I/O signals, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about installation
& operation, and the Navigator Software Distribution CD-ROM
The Navigator CD-ROM provided contains a section “Docs” which has detailed procedures for installing Navigator with your USB
enabled PC.

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2 Architecture
2.1 The Navigator is a general purpose, sound card modem & rig controller with precise CW and FSK operation that connects an
Amateur Radio Transceiver to a Personal Computer. Connection to the PC is by a single USB cable. The Navigator provides all
audio and control functions required for sound card modes with precise FSK, CW and rig control. A block diagram of the Navigator
is shown below.
All USB devices are controlled through an internal 4 channel USB Hub controller. Full two channel audio is provided by a USB
audio codec. Three dual USB UART devices provide 6 USB COM ports. These COM ports are assigned to interface functions to
provide compatibility with existing software applications. The assignments are detailed in the table on the following page.

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Navigator Hub Assignments
Hub channel 1
USB Audio Codec
Hub channel 2
COM port A - Rig CAT Control
COM port B - PTT/CW control & DCD input
Hub channel 3
COM port A - WinKeyer V22 CW Controller
COM port B – RTTY/ FSK Controller
Hub channel 4
COM port A - Auxiliary RS232 DCE port
COM port B - Navigator Options Controller
Interface Options are software selectable – no jumpers are used on the interface board.
An audio monitor is provided within the interface so that you can hear the side tone of all audio generated modes such as PSK. Side
tone monitor of the WinKeyer CW controller and the FSK Controller are also provided.
Navigator is designed for use with Personal Computers using the Microsoft XP and Vista operating systems.
Navigator is an FCC class B certified USB computer peripheral device. It is also RoHS, European CE and Industry Canada
compliant.
2.1.1 USB Device Serial Numbers
Each Navigator is assigned the same serial number set for the COM ports attached to the Hub. This allows easy installation of
Navigators if replaced under warranty, or if several Navigators are purchased for a collection of different computer systems.
2.1.2 Multiple Interfaces on One Computer

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If multiple Navigators are installed on a single computer, Windows uses the USB channel as part of the address to identify each
Navigator uniquely. This allows multiple copies of the operating software to be running simultaneously, each talking to it’s own
Navigator. This requires that each software instance “belongs” to its own directory/folder within the computer.
Each instance can be operating the same type, or different types of transceivers. If you plan on multiple Navigators operating on one
computer, ask us to change the USB serial numbers of the additional interfaces.
Note that if a dual receiver transceiver such as the Icom 7800 or the Yaesu 1000D is connected, only one instance of the operating
software is required, since the interface has two input channels, one for each receiver.
2.2 USB Hub
- Bus Powered
-Total current for Hub and all Interface devices is less than 160 ma.
-Current draw during Hub enumeration less than 30 ma.
-Soft power control of VBUS for downstream devices
-Removes VBUS when in suspend
-Power LED activated after Hub is enumerated and VBUS is applied
-CW and PTT controls are disabled for 10 seconds during device startup.
Power LED shows Orange during setup and Green after setup.
2.3 Audio Functions
2.3.1 USB Audio Codec
- Standard Microsoft Audio Device AC ’97 compatible
- 2 channel Output DAC 16 bit
- 2 channel Input ADC 16 bit
- Codec operates at sampling rates up to 48,000 Hz
- Normal application operating rate 12,000 Hz

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2.3.2 Interface - 2 Channel Analog Input Channels
- Two input channels
- Transformer Isolated, analog ground isolated from digital ground
- 10,000 ohm audio transformer each channel
- Level controlled by front panel potentiometer, each channel
- Software settable input attenuation 0 dB and 15 dB each channel
- Dual receiver transceivers are supported, each receiver with its own input channel
2.3.3 Interface - Analog interface – Output
- Left channel used internally for audio monitor
- Right channel used for audio drive to the transceiver.
- Transformer isolated, analog ground isolated from digital grounds
- 10,000 ohm audio transformer
- 1 uF Blocking capacitor on output
- Level of audio which drives the RF Output is controlled by front
panel potentiometer “RF OUT”
- Software settable output attenuation: 0 dB and 20 dB.

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2.3.4 Audio Monitor
- Monitor sound level controlled by front panel potentiometer
- Internal speaker 800 Hz to 2500 Hz
- Monitors: All modes generated via the Audio Codec such as PSK,
MFSK, Olivia, MT63, Throb, AFSK RTTY, SSTV etc.
- CW side tone from WinKeyer controller. Software controlled
enable / disable from WinKeyer WK2MGR Setup Manager
-FSK side tone generated by FSK controller gives audio
representation of signal sent to digital FSK. Software controlled
disable of FSK Side Tone
2.4 Digital Interface Functions
2.4.1 CAT and Rig Control
Serial COM channel dedicated to CAT functions. Data rate settable up to 115,200 baud.
2.4.2 CAT Interface combinations supported are:
Half duplex TTL level high true – two wire, open collector transistor drive. TTL receive. Icom C-IV compatible. A 3.5 mm (1/8
inch) connector is provided at the rear of the Navigator as an auxiliary output for C-IV applications. The C-IV signal provided for the
transceiver under control of the Navigator is provided on the DB25S connector. The AUX CI-V connector is used for other ICOM
devices which may be under control of the software operating the Navigator.
Full duplex TTL level high true – three wire, open collector transistor output drive, TTL receive.
Full duplex TTL level high true – three wire, TTL output drive, TTL receive.
Full duplex TTL level low true – three wire, inverted TTL output and input.
Full duplex RS232 level– three wire, RS232 bipolar levels for input and output.

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2.4.3 Rig Interface Control Signals
All rig interface signals are available on a DB25S connector on the back of the interface.
Output control signals include PTT, CW, and FSK. These are all open collector transistor outputs.
Input signals include the SQUELCH input to the PTT/CW UART, which is connected to the DCD, DSR and CTS pins for use with
applications such as that need to know when the rig Squelch has been activated. Different programs expect this signal on one of these
input pins.
RFI Filtering – all input signals and bi-directional input/output signals to the interface are filtered with capacitors, mounted at the
interface connector to reduce stray RF from entering the unit.
No power from the transceiver is needed to power the interface.
The pin assignments for the rig interface are shown in the drawing below. See Appendix A for full specs of the interface
1 2
14 15
3
16
4
17
5
18
6
19
7
20
8
21
9
13
25
12 24
11 23
10
22
FSK oc- FSK pu CWPTTRet nc CIV in CAT In ttl Rx Aud Ch2 nc SQUELCH PTT oc- CW oc-
PTT ttl
DGND CAT In ttl- CAT Out ttl- CAT In 232- CAT Out 232- CIV pu CIV out nc DGND Rx Aud Ch1 Tx Aud AGND
Transceiver DB25S
CWPTT-
Note: CWPTT- and CWPTTRet are supplied with Navigators shipped after May 1, 2007. Prior versions were NC on these
two pins. CWPPT- & CWPTTRet are Opto-Isolated from digital ground. These signals are intended for use with external
RF amplifier control in CW mode.
2.5 Operating Modes
2.5.1 Audio codec generated modes:
Operating modes are dependent upon the software used with the interface. The unit is designed to accommodate sound card
generated modes with audio frequencies within a 400 Hz to 5 kHz bandwidth, although typical amateur transceivers will limit the
useful bandwidth to about 400 to 2700 Hz. Any modulation method that is contained within this bandwidth can be used with the
interface.
Typical modes using this technique are BPSK31, BPSK63, QPSK31, FSK31, RTTY (AFSK), SSTV, Packet, AMTOR, MFSK16,
THROB, MT63, Helleschreiber, Olivia, WSJT, CW (audio generated) and other new modes using the sound card architecture.

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2.5.2 CW mode
CW using direct keying of the rig is provided in two ways. Direct CW using the DTR line of a COM port; or by using the built in
WinKeyer V22 keyer by K1EL.
Software which generates the key closures using a COM port DTR line is supported by the PTT/CW COM Port. This mode does not
allow use of the paddle, CW output is only generated from the keyboard and an application program.
A more robust CW control, which supports both paddle and keyboard input, is provided by the control chip from the popular
WinKeyer by K1EL. The Navigator Interface uses version 23 of the WinKeyer. This version eliminates the key bounce issue seen
with some key paddles of earlier versions. Setup and test of the WinKeyer is done via WK2MGR software provided by K1EL. A
COM port is dedicated to operation of the keyer. You can plug your paddle into the Navigator, and provide keyed output either from
the keyboard or from the paddle. Side tone generated by the WinKeyer is played via the audio monitor feature of the Navigator.The
output of the Navigator plugs into the rig Key connector, and mimics a “straight key” to the rig.
A special training mode is also featured with the when using WinKeyer. A small amount of the sidetone is fed back to the audio
codec input, so that operating software that has CW copy functionality can decode the keying done by paddle. This is an excellent
training tool to help improve readability of your “fist”.
CW Options are set by the WK2MGR software. In addition, the Navigator Option software provides control over PTT (On or Off)
during CW.
2.5.3 FSK
Direct FSK keying of transceivers is provided by the Navigator. One of the shortcomings of USB connected UART devices is that
they do not support the baud rate, word length and stop bit configurations required by Amateur RTTY modes. For this reason, an on-
board FSK Controller is provided which effectively acts as a UART for this mode. The FSK Com Port of the Navigator is configured
with a FIFO (first in first out) buffer and data is passed to the FSK Controller to generate the serial data stream required for Ham
RTTY. Baud rate, stop bits, and FSK polarity are software configurable using the Navigator Option software provided.
Another feature of the FSK controller is that an audio FSK side tone is created and is routed to the Audio Monitor so that you can hear
a representation of the FSK sent to the transceiver. If your transceiver has a side tone function for RTTY, you can disable the local
monitor with the Navigator Option software to listen to RTTY from your rig.
The output from the audio codec is suppressed when FSK is generated by the FSK controller. This is done to improve the quality of
the side tone monitor, since some software feeds the digital FSK signal into the audio channel.
FSK Options can be using Navigator Options to set:
Baud rate: 45.45, 75, 100
Stop bits: 1, 1.5, 2
Polarity: Normal or Inverted
PTT: On or Off
2.5.4 General Purpose RS232 Interface

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A general purpose RS232 Interface is provided on one COM channel of the Navigator. This is implemented as a DCE device (just
like the one on the back of a computer). Signal levels are bipolar RS232, generated by MAX232 integrated circuits. Signals
supported are:
Output: Input:
TxData RxData
RTS CTS
DTR DSR
DCD
Note: RI – Ring Indicator is not supported.
Connector – a DB9P (male pin) connector is provide at the rear of the Navigator. See Appendix A for wiring details.
All input signals are filtered at the connector to reduce any RF signals from entering the board.

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3 Front Panel Controls and Displays
There are five potentiometer controls and five LED on the front panel.
3.1 Potentiometers:
CH1 IN & CH2 IN
Controls the signal level of audio input for each of two receive channels from the transceiver. These controls are used to set the level
seen on the operating software waterfall. A two level attenuation control is also provided on the Navigator Option program for use
with this control.
RF OUT
Controls the audio drive level of signals sent to the transceiver. It directly controls the RF output level of the transceiver when
operating in LSB or USB modes. A two level attenuation control is also provided with the Navigator Option program for use with
audio output.
MONITOR LEVEL
Controls the sound level of the Navigator audio monitor. Additional controls for the Monitor are provided with the Navigator Option
program.
CW WPM
Controls the speed of the WinKeyer keyer. Display of the speed is provided by the application software.
3.2 LED Displays
PTT – Red LED ON whenever the rig PTT control is activated.
CAT – Yellow LED ON whenever control data is transferred to/from the transceiver. The LED can be set to either blink when polling
is done, or remain steady when CAT is active. The control of this option is done via the Navigator Option software.
FSK – Yellow LED, ON whenever FSK data is being sent to the transceiver from the Navigator.
CW – Yellow LED, ON whenever CW is being sent to the transceiver from the Navigator.
PWR – Two Color LED to indicate the state of interface power. When power is first applied to the Navigator, the HUB is
enumerated. The PWR LED will be off. Then, after Hub Enumeration is done, power is applied to the rest of the board. For the first
10 seconds, the PWR LED is set to Orange (Green plus Red). While the LED is Orange, power is applied to the rest of the board, but
output from the PTT and CW lines are disabled, to allow the serial ports of the board time to be set up. When this time out is
complete, the color changes to Green, and the PTT and CW lines are ready for use.
LED Brightness control – the brightness level of the LED can be controlled to adapt to the lighting environment of the ham shack.
The control is done by the Navigator Option program.

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4Rear Panel Connector
Navigator Rear Panel
The rear panel layout is shown above. See Appendix A for full description of the signals on these connectors.
General Purpose RS232
DB9P mates with DB9S on the cable.
Transceiver
DB25S, mates with DB25P on the cable. Signals on this connector connect to the transceiver.
CI-V Aux
3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo jack. Signal connection is made to “Tip” and “Shield” only, so either mono or stereo cables can be used. The
Transceiver connector contains the CAT signal for CI-V compatible transceivers. It is a two wire half-duplex control, which can be
daisy chained to other compatible rigs. This connector is used to connect to other CI-V devices.
Paddle
6.3mm (1 / 4”) stereo jack. Your CW paddle or straight key connects here.

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Recommended wiring for your paddle for use with Navigator is shown below. If your paddle is already wired, and DIT and DAH are
reversed, you can correct for polarity with the SWAP option in the WK2MGR program.
Tip ShieldRing
1/4" Stereo Plug
R
T
S
DAH
DIT
GND
Dit is left paddle
Dah is right paddle
For straight key, wire key
to Ring, Ground to Shield
Shielded Cable
Note: The output of the Navigator connects to the key input of the transceiver. The Navigator mimics a “straight key”, so the
rig should be set to accept this type of input.
USB connector
Meets USB 1.1 and 2.0 specifications. This connects to the USB hub built into your computer.
5Navigator Option Control
Interface options are software settable – there are no jumpers on the board. A control program, Navigator Options, is provided to
manage the options.
5.1 NavOptions Software Installation
See Docs/NavIns2 NavOptions on the CD-ROM for detailed installation procedures. The installation program is found on
NavOptions/Setup on the CD-ROM.

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5.2 NavOptions Functions
A screen shot of the Navigator Option control program is shown below. Settings shown are the “as delivered” defaults.
The items shown can be selected and set by a mouse click on the item button. Each time the option set is changed, a new copy is sent
to Navigator and the setting is immediately used. If you don’t like the changes you have made, click the “Restore Default button” and
it will be put back the way it was. If you like the settings, click “Save to Default” and the new copy will be saved in non-volatile
memory in the NavOption Controller of Navigator.
When Navigator is powered on, the last option set saved to the non-volatile memory is reloaded ready for use.

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Another feature of the Navigator Option software is the ability to scan connected ports to find a valid Configuration port. If there are
two or more Navigators installed, port numbers of both interfaces are displayed so that you can select the one you want.
The Navigator Option software can be left running while the application software is operating, or it can be clicked off. Options are
always saved within Navigator.
See the table Navigator Options Settings on the next page for descriptions of settings for each option.

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Navigator Options Settings
CH1 Atten Attenuation on CH1
Input
Normal No attenuation
15 dB 15 dB attenuation
FSK Polarity
Normal Low true FSK
Rev High true FSK
CH2 Atten Attenuation on CH2
Input
Normal No attenuation
15 dB 15 dB attenuation
FSK Side Tone
On Interface ST On
Off Interface ST Off
RF Atten Attenuation of Audio
Output
Normal No attenuation
20 dB 20 dB attenuation
: This is the Audi
o Out to the rig. The
level controls the RF output by the
transceiver.
FSK PTT generated by FSK
controller
On On
Off Off
WinKeyer PTT
On PTT from WinKeyer On
Off PTT from WinKeyer Off
FSK Baud
45.45 Normal baud for HAM use
75
100
LED
Normal Full LED brightness
Dim Reduced LED
brightness
FSK Stop FSK Stop Bits
1
1.5
2
CAT LED
Polling LED Blinks with
If you change an option, and want to keep it, click

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polling
Steady LED on Steady
“Save to Default”
This will now be your new default settings,
which are stored in EEPROM in Navigator.