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| Reviews Summary for K1EL WK2/WKUSB Keyer |
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Reviews: 37
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Average rating: 4.9/5
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MSRP: $64 (kit)
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Description: The WKUSB is a complete CW keyer kit, including a new K1EL Winkeyer2 IC and a USB computer interface.
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More info: http://www.k1el.com/
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W8CAR
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 2, 2009 07:19
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fun kit and exellent product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I ordered the WKUSB and received it in short order. The parts and board are first class. The kit went together as easy as any I've ever built and fired up in stand alone mode. After testing the USB connection with the drivers it communicated with N1MM and DX4WIN. Under N1MM in SO2R mode it keys both my rigs nicely and I had no configuration problems at all. It seems to have eliminated the dread "Windows Crawl" with keying. I need more time to test it in some contests but for the money it seems to exactly meet my needs. Did I mention it was fun to build?!
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W4HH
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 28, 2009 18:45
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Great piece of eqpt
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My ONLY warning about the WKUSB keyer is this -- DO NOT order it on Monday planning to use it in a contest on the coming weekend. As of September 2009 shipping time was 7 - 10 days after the order is received. I ordered mine on 9 September and received it on 21 September.
I can't say enough good about this keyer:
-- Parts are packaged separately so there's no searching around for pieces.
-- Assembly instructions (you must download these, not included) are clear.
-- Setup is straightforward -- download the setup instructions (separate from the assembly instructions) -- but -- remember -- INSTALL THE DRIVER BEFORE YOU CONNECT IT TO YOUR COMPUTER.
The WKUSB keyer is supported by most all Windows-based logging and contest software. I use it with HamRadioDeluxe and N1MM contesting software. Setup and use were simple and quick. The keyer takes up very little desk space. If you use the knob to control speed as I do, you might want to make some marks on the front panel to indicate various speeds -- I have pencil ticks at approx 15, 20, 25, and 30 WPM.
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WV4I
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 27, 2009 04:49
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solid piece of gear
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Follow the directions carefully, put it together, and it works great. If you've done much building, you know that following the directions will sometimes get you into trouble, but not here. For reference, I've mostly built weekend projects, antennas, interfaces, keyers, etc..
Only issue that had me head scratching with this one a bit was that, initially, a memory button push would yield "MT" in morse vs "R", standalone mode, battery pwr, while the "R" was what the instructions would have you expect. But rather than get off on a rabbit hunt here, simply continued, got the USB drivers and included software installed, and WKUSB keyer worked as advertised. Now a memory button push yields whatever you've programmed. Able to read/write fm/to memories/keyer, no problem, running Vista. Using HRD, recognized WKUSB unit, noting must know which COM port USB connection is using, and set within HRD, other programs. (instructions spell out how to find this in Device Manager).
Speed control. User selectable to either included speed pot/knob or software controlled.
I also have the K1EL CW keyboard/reader combo, works great also, but will review separately.
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N5THN
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 22, 2009 18:39
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Does the job really well!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm new to CW and wanted to get something better than my rig's built in keyer. This is the only one I've found that has both a standalone keyer and a computer interface in one box. I had some real reservations about building a kit. It's been a LONG time since I've done any precise soldering. However, it went together easily due to a well designed lay out. The instructions were very good, except they could have mentioned the resistor color codes. In operation it works extremely well. I'm using it with Ham Radio Deluxe, which supports it seamlessly. At first I hooked up the PTT cable, but I've since removed it and use the break in function of my radio. The only real problem is now I can send several times faster than I can receive!
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K8IA
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 15, 2009 21:27
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Excellent Product!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own two Winkeyer USB keyers for my own station and have built and installed four others. Product goes together easily and havent had one glitch with any of them.
They all serve contest duty with N1MM Logger and work consistent and reliably.
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K6TPJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 24, 2009 14:08
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Great Keyer, Easy Build
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought the HV version. Went together smoothly, no problems with the kit at all. Using it with Logic 8 software, - works great. Fist class PCB, well written instructions.
Question - Are 1/8 watt resistors a lot smaller now? Seems that 30 years ago I could read the color bands without a magnifier! :-)
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W4UHF
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 2, 2009 08:21
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Outstanding
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I can only say positive things about this keyer. Went together easy and well designed. Excellent software comes with it. Quality of the PCB is first class and parts spacing is very good for easy assembly. Take your time building it and it works great the first time.
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N9LJX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 28, 2009 20:33
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Worked perfect first time/every time
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had previously built the serial port version of this keyer. Decided I really wanted to have the USB so I ordered this kit around Christmas 2008. Contrary to K1El recommendations I did not inventory right away. Finally got around to building it for Field Day. About 3 hours from opening the box to putting the screws in the enclosure. And I am FAR from an experienced kit builder. Work excellent in setup and testing. Worked flawlessly for FD. Couldn't even tell it was in-line, which was great!
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K4ELO
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 7, 2009 20:12
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Excellent Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Kit was easy to build. Instructions are very good. Just make sure you get those switches down tight to the pc board when soldering or the switch buttons will bind on the case when assembled.
The manual does warn you.
I have owned many keyers but this one is the bargain.
Works fine in standalone mode or keyed from a program.
Nice to have the flexibility to key from the paddle or a program. Excellent product.
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CT1DRB
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 3, 2009 11:16
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Soberb keyer.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I had assembled 3 kits of WK2/WKUSB Keyer, no problem at all to do it.
Mine is working under Linux OS and no problem at all. It is the best keyer I had ever own and works like a champ. I sure reccomend it for an active CW ham like myself. Tks indeed for your super keyer Steven.
Best 73s.
CT1DRB/OK8RB/CU3HQ
David Quental
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