ZLP Electronics DigiMaster Pro3 User manual

DigiMaster Pro3
All mode AFSK/FSK/ DATA, CAT, and CW interface.
You should download and save or print your PDF instructions.
Built in Soundcard.
Built in CAT interface.
FSK.
AFSK.
CW. –Our FreeKey CW keyer has WinKey emulation

The Front panel
The Rear panel
CW OUT 3.5mm stereo jack socket: Tip = CW keying, Ring=PTT.
Iambic key I/P Your Iambic key fits here.
Audio monitor 3.5mm stereo jack socket:
Tip = Audio TO radio from the interface.
Ring = Audio FROM the radio into the interface. (You can use this as a secondary input to put audio
into the interface, e.g. from extension speaker of radio).
Note: These input and output signals are obtained from the radio side of the interface. You can
monitor them with headphones or powered speakers but you should not normally connect them to
the PC as this would bypass the isolation provided by the interface.
CAT The lead to the radios CAT socket fits here.
When running the test program to check the CAT port the lead MUST be unplugged from this socket
otherwise the program will report the wrong results.

Connecting the interface to the radio.
The USB lead goes to the PC, and connects directly to the PC USB port. If you connect via a USB hub
it must be a powered hub.
The interface is connected to the radio using 3 leads;
[1] CAT –connects to your radios CAT socket.
[2] CW OUT –connects to your radios 3.5mm CW jack socket –if your radio has a ¼” CW socket
then you will need a 3.5mm to ¼” adaptor. When using a the CW keyer in this interface you should
configure your radios CW input as a “standard / straight key”. If your radio has a “straight key” input
plug it into the “straight key” CW input socket. The interface will generate the di’s and the dah’s.
[3] DATA –there are almost as many types of data lead as there are models of radios and even the
“standardised” 6 pin mini din data socket fitted to many radios isn’t quite standard. Connecting the
lead to your radio may or may not be obvious and in some cases you may need to make some
changes to the radios setup via the radios menu system. The correct type of lead suitable for your
radios will be supplied and you will see the lead type in your invoice. Details of how to connect the
data lead to your radio, and any settings you may need to make, can be looked up on the website
under “data leads”. You may need to configure your radio correctly in order to use data modes.

When you receive your Pro3 the first thing to do is install it and check that Windows has installed it
correctly. To do this, follow the simple steps below.
[1] Turn on the PC.
[2] Run “Device Manager”.
This is a basic PC “house keeping” operation and we do have a guide to using device manager on our
website for those who are unfamiliar with device manager.
[3] Unplug ALL cables from the interface.
[4] Plug in the USB cable to the interface.
[5] Plug the other end of the USB cable into your PC (powered USB hub).
[6] WAIT, Windows will recognise the interface and start installing drivers.
If your version of Windows has the drivers then the installation will be automatic and be fairly quick.
Windows will install drivers for the built in Hub, for the built in soundcard, and for the built in
comports (3).
IF at any time Windows asks you for drivers, simply allow Windows to search the net and you will get
the very latest drivers.
[7] Windows will of course add the devices according to your PC and so some parameters may be
different but the devices shown below will be present.
When Windows has finished installing drivers, device manager will contain the following entries;

The 4 devices are;-
[a] Generic USB Hub.
[b] USB audio CODEC.
[c] 3 USB serial Ports. (Yours will most likely have different com numbers assigned and you may also
have comports already installed and so you may see more entries).
The interface is installed.
Now turn the interface OFF and the entries will disappear.
Turn the interface ON and they will reappear.
Make a note of which com[x] (comports) disappear and reappear when you turn the interface off and
back on, they are the ones you will need to know when you configure your software.
You may also have other USB audio CODECS, if so; Windows will number them, make a note of the
one that disappears and reappears (and any number it may have been given) when you turn the
interface off and back on. You will also need this to correctly configure your software.
The hardware is installed and you know the ports and the soundcard to use when configuring your
software.
Testing the interface.
REMOVE ALL LEADS FROM THE INTERFACE EXCEPT THE USB LEAD.
Turn the interface ON.
Windows will ALWAYS test comports whenever you power up the interface.
Several LED’s will illuminate and some will flicker several times.
The GREEN power LED will illuminate.
The GREEN/RED Rx/Tx LED will illuminate and turn RED several times.
You should now download and run the DigiMaster test program.
When the program run’s, it will find and test any (and all) comports on your PC.
When it finds the DigiMaster Pro3 ports it will test them and it will also obtain information from them.
The information will tell you which comport is used for the CAT interface.
The DigiMaster Pro3 has three comports; the first is used to control the DATA section of the Pro3.
(PTT and FSK-via TXd). The second comport is used exclusively for the CAT interface. The third is
used for the CW keyer.

[Q] Why use three ports? [A] Because the Pro3 can be used with ANY DATA software and ANY CAT
software (appropriate for your radio) and any CW keying program that supports WinKey.
Regardless of what DATA software and CAT software you use and what CW software you use, you
will NEVER have any conflict (provided you configure your software correctly of course).
Windows may have assigned different comport numbers but you will get similar results to those
shown below when you run the program.
Also notice the LEDs on the interface illuminate during the process.
If any other cables other than the USB cable are attached to the interface the test may fail.
Now turn OFF the DigiMaster Pro3 and install ONLY the CAT lead into the interface and into the
radios CAT system. (see image of rear panel of the interface and ensure you plug it into the correct
socket, an Icom CAT lead will have a marker and the Icom lead should be inserted so that end of the
lead with the marker fits into the interface –the MONO end of the lead fits the radio.
Refer to your manual to obtain the appropriate baudrate settings (and civ address if using an Icom).
Turn the DigiMaster Pro3 ON.
Start HRD.
If HRD was running before you switched the interface on then restart HRD. (HRD only looks for ports
when HRD first starts and if HRD was running when the interface was off then HRD will not find the
CAT port).
Enter your parameters into the HRD connection window, and in the comport field enter the number
[x] that was provided by the test program, (the port that says “CAT PORT+LOOPBACK).
Click “Connect”, if you have your parameters correct then HRD will start. If not then recheck your
parameters, if all fails (and because you have successfully tested the interface) you may need to try a
reset on your radio.
You should resolve any connection issue with HRD before going any further.
Plug in the DATA lead between the interface and the radio and start DM780.
You need to configure DM780 before you can use it.
AND, some radios need to be in a specific mode to operate DATA, and some leads need your radio to
be set in a certain way, the 857 for example needs to be set in “DIG” mode, the 706 needs it’s packet
baudrate to be set to 1200 baud (packet baudrate and NOT cat baudrate). The YL02A cable for many
FTxxx radios (FT920 / FT1000MP / FT2000 ETC) need the radio to be configured in a certain way,
info is at the bottom of the instructions page on the website.

Press F8 to open the configuration window.
In the PTT section select PTT COM port, and enter the comport to be used for PTT and select RTS
(ONLY). You need to use the value that was provided by device manager and by the test program
which may not be the same as the value shown in the example);
PTT is now set.
KENWOOD RADIOS !
NOTE: Many radios will also operate DATA modes correctly if you configure PTT to be activated via
the radios CAT system. KENWOODS DO NOT ! When activating PTT via the CAT system on a
Kenwood radio the microphone is opened for input and the Acc socket is muted - ***DATA INPUT IS
MUTED*** and you will have no data signal... If you activate PTT via the DATA socket on a Kenwood
the DATA socket is opened and the microphone is muted.

To configure CW.
You may also wish to consult the DigiMaster CW interface instructions.
Put the radio in CW mode.
Configure the radio to use a standard key.
Use your CW key.
You can adjust the CW speed by adjusting the speed control on the interface.
Run your software, (any CW software that supports WinKey) and configure your software to use a
WinKey v2.3 on the port that is provided by the interface, depending on the software you are using
you may need to click on a “connect” button. You can now also send CW from your software.
When connected to your software (software permitting), you can change many parameters which
will be remembered by the interface, and which will be used even when switched OFF and back on
again and when not connected to the software. This allows you to configure the interface to your
preference and the interface will continue to operate in that way and it will stay that way until you
change them again.
Flash updateable.
Flash updateable like WinKey3. Flash updates are FREE.
WinKey emulation.
Set the parameters using your software and the interface will always remember your latest settings.
Direct keying support.
Supports Direct keying applications that use DTR/RTS to key CW.
WinKey macros.
Supports macros used in N1MM, Logger32 etc.
Software configurable.
Set the parameters using your software and the interface will always remember your latest settings.
Modes.
Iambic A, Iambic B, Ultimatic, Straight key, and Bug Key. (Bug key under CW firmware 3v020).
Variable speed.
CW speed setting via speed pot, or software, 6 - 65 WPM.
Speed pot range.
Set the min and max range for the speed pot.
Variable di/dah ratio.
Default 1:3 adjustable range; 1:4 to 1:2
Adjustable weighting.
Adds or subtracts a percentage to the length of every di and dah.
Adjustable compensation.
Adds a fixed length to every di/dah.
Contest spacing selection.
Normal or short inter character / word spaces.
Paddle Polarity.
Set your own default polarity.
Tune facility .
PTT.
PTT with adjustable Lead and Tail
Paddle insertion/ Break in
Operating the CW key suspends PC sending
Supports ESM mode
For the serious CW contest operators, the interface supports ESM.
Farnsworth
Pause
Pause; on/off.
Paddle echo
CW keyed on the paddle is sent back to be viewed on the PC.
Half di space
Supports half di spacing..

In HRD select “WinKey”, then select the port used by the interface and click on connect.
In N1MM
Select “Config ports”, then the tab Hardware, select the port to which the keyer is attached and click
the “WinKey” entry.

In FLWKey
Select Configure, then select the port to which the Keyer is attached.

In Logger32
Select Config, then select the port to which the keyer is attached, set the parameters as you would
like and then click on “Apply”

In WinTest

Now click on Soundcard;
And select the USB audio CODEC for BOTH INPUT and for OUTPUT.
The soundcard is now selected and you have configured HRD and DM780 software.
You may find that the audio settings need to be adjusted; it may be that the input level is too high, or
the output level is too high. There is a guide to setting Windows volume controls on the website. In
practice it is best to set the input and output controls on the DigiMaster Pro3 to max, then adjust
levels in Windows so that they are “just a little too high”, then use the level controls on the interface
to achieve the best positions.
Audio Levels.
Whatever software you use the process will be the same but for simplicity we show the windows
presented when configuring for use with HRD’s DM780 software. To adjust the levels press F8 in
DM780. This process is the same in other applications but the windows will of course look different.
In the “Program Options” – “Soundcard” window” click on the button highlighted below;-

The following window will open;-
Double click the “USB audio CODEC” which will open another window;-

Set the levels so as to provide appropriate levels for your setup.
Ensure that the “Microphone” level in the above window is muted – this is NOT the same microphone
adjustment used for the interfaces audio/data input.
Tips for setting best operating I/O levels.
Adjust the Pro3’s level controls to maximum.
Set the radios power to maximum, and adjust the “Speakers” and “Microphone” levels so as to be just
slightly more than what is needed.
Now use the Pro3’s controls to adjust the I/O levels you use.
This method ensures that you have sufficient control over the Rx and Tx levels from the interface
without needed to resort to the Windows controls.
You should also bear in mind that many radios also have adjustments that can be made to change
input and output levels (or gain), some radios can be adjusted by the radios menu system.
It is important that you leave the Windows balance control at the centre position.
Do not set any “Enhancements” as DATA mode programs work best when the audio response is
“flat”.
When using ANY DATA interface, users often simply set the power output on the radio and overdrive the radio with a
strong signal from the DATA interface and end up with a poor TX signal or high ALC... An easy way to set and get a
good TX signal is as follows;
Set your radios power control to maximum. (so that the radios alc is NOT activated).
Set the interfaces drive control knob to maximum.
Adjust the drive level using Windows volume control, this will set your radios power output.
Adjust the Windows volume control so that the drive is just slightly more than you want, bearing in mind that 10 or 20
watts is often more than adequate.
You can now use the drive level control on the DATA interface to give you full range of adjustment (altering the drive
will adjust the radios power output) and maintain a reasonably low ALC across the audio band.
That’s it, all done.
RESTART HRD AND DM780 after making configuration changes.
Now get on the air and have some FUN.
14.070, 21.070 are popular frequencies for psk.

To configure the software to operate FSK with HRD’s DM780 (V6.0).
While the configuration / program option window is open, select "Modes +IDs" and select “RTTY” tab.
In the example shown below the PTT / CW / FSK port is on COM2. Windows will most likely have
assigned your ports differently.
You should enable and select the port that Windows has assigned to PTT / CW / FSK on your PC.
Then select the signal line “TX” (this will be used for switching the FSK signal – HRD will automatically
activate the RTS line to provide the needed PTT when operating FSK).
You then need to select “PTT” and disable the “PTT” line as this will cause a conflict in HRD.
Disable the serial comport PTT and select “None” – or via soundcard.
Note that when you have finished using FSK you should re-enable the PTT.
It is important that you close and restart the software (DM780) to close all ports that HRD has been
previously using before using the new settings.

To configure the software to operate FSK with MMTTY+EXTFSK.
Install MMTTY then download EXTFSK.
Put the EXTFSK dll file into the MMTTY directory.
Run MMTTY...
In MMTTY’s menu, “Options” – select “Setup MMTTY”
Select the “TX” tab and you will see the list of available ports.
Scroll down it and select EXTFSK.
When you select the EXTFSK the EXTFSK window will open.

Select the PTT port (in this example COM2) Windows will most likely have assigned your ports
differently.
Select TXD for FSK output.
Select RTS for PTT output.
Close the window and use MMTTY in true FSK mode.
This procedure will be similar for any software that uses the MMTTY engine with EXTFSK.
For example UR5EQF.