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| Reviews Summary for HamGadgets MasterKeyer MK-1 |
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Reviews: 15
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $169.00
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Description: The MasterKeyer MK-1 breaks new ground both in features and in ease of operation. Six multi-color, LED illuminated pushbuttons give instant access to stored messages any of five banks -- that's 30 messages in all, over 7500 total characters. Changing colors tell you whether a message is being sent or recorded. A large, smooth operating, machined aluminum speed control knob is used to set the speed within whatever range you decide. The smooth, sine-wave sidetone lets you hear what you're doing at all times. Of course it can be muted, or turned up with the rear panel mounted volume control for room-filling sound - ideal for code training and practice sessions. Commands to change options and messages can be sent from your paddle, or plug into your computer's USB port for easy, text-based setup!
The latest low-power embedded microcontroller technology is used to give you the features you want, with the ease of operation you need. Advanced operating modes such as message pause, auto-repeat (beacon), QRSS and HSCW are a snap -- and with future firmware upgrades, even more features are just a quick (and free) upgrade away.
Of course the MasterKeyer can be used as a top-quality, fully featured stand-alone keyer, with no computer or keyboard. All the operating features you expect, and some you may not, are built in and ready to use. The built-in USB capability can add a whole new dimension to your operating! The USB host connector can be used to load new updates directly from a USB FLASH drive, without using a computer. You can also save all operating parameters and memory contents to a FLASH drive, so you don't risk accidentally losing your settings. Edit the simple text file if you wish to suit your exact needs. The ability to save and load the entire configuration makes this keyer perfect for clubs and contest stations!
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.HamGadgets.com
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NU7J
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 18, 2011 22:17
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Excellent Features, High Quality, Outstanding Support
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used the MK-1 for well over a year now and love it. I've used many different memory keyers and this is the best one by far. It's designed to operate from a wide range of voltages and is protected from over voltage or reverse power connections. The side tone sounds great and is adjustable, unlike some other keyers I've owned. Dale has obviously put a lot of time and effort into the design and build. The build quality is superb. It has an amazing set of features and Dale is incredibly responsive to feedback. The MK-1 can be updated via firmware to incorporate new features or corrections. One of the features that I like to use is the variable amp key timing, which prevents hot switching of my old SB220 amplifier. I also use the WinKey function for contesting. I highly recommend this keyer, or any other products that Dale comes up with!
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K8EAB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 18, 2011 16:50
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The perfect keyer for my needs ...
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I received my MasterKeyer MK-1 as a Christmas present in 2010. For many years prior to receiving this unit, I have bought or built numerous electronic keyers hoping to find that one keyer that worked so well, I would never have to search again. For me, the MK-1 is that keyer. I can rest my right hand near the memory push-buttons on top of the case and turn the speed knob with my thumb. This keyer has never missed making a character or hung-up due to RF getting into the electronics. It has many features that I have not used (I’m not a contester) and so far I’ve not hooked a keyboard up to it.
I realized after almost a year of using the MK-1 that I no longer look through HRO catalogs, QST ads, or eBay pages trying to find “the perfect electronic keyer” … for my needs, the MK-1 from HamGadgets is all I need …
73, Weymouth (Wey) Walker
K8EAB
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WA2SON
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 17, 2011 11:28
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Complete, glitch free and user friendly
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Anyone attempting to send morse code using the 'squeeze' or 'Iambic' method soon realizes there IS a difference in keyers. Most are not user friendly requiring precise paddle timing on the part of the operator. The MK-1 (and also the Pico Keyer) make sending Iambic code not only very easy but most of all effort free. Features like automatic and variable character spacing enable the operator to send near perfect code.
Customer support and genuine friendliness are tops and make dealing with HAMGADGETS a true pleasure.
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KE1R
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 13, 2011 23:07
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Innovative keyer
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Over the years I have used a number of CW keys and keyers but the HamGadgets MK-1 is far above anything out there. Very programmable, plenty of memory, store your settings and download any frimware fixes. Control from a key, a dedicated keyboard, or from your computer. Detailed manual and great customer service from Dale, N0XAS, who developed the MK-1. If you like to use CW you will love the MK-1.
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S57WJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 15, 2011 00:51
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Excellent!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The purpose of buying the MK1 keyer was the Winkey function. Since this is the only keyer on the market, by my knowledge, that does not require external keyboard or numeric pad for standalone operation, the choice was easy.
I got this keyer about one week ago and started to test it and get familiar with its functions. Although I have read the manual before, it was necessary to open it and search for help. The manual is carefully written.
I have found some bugs during the testing and checking. I was upset about the improper function of Winkey in combination with N1MM logging program. The keyer had the latest firmware 1.30 and obviously had some bugs. I have sent my observations to Dale, N0XAS and after two days I got answers and the new fixed firmware.
What else need to say? The keyer is well designed with lot of features and Dale cares about proper function of it. Dale, keep up the good work and let sound CW excellent!
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SM5HUA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 28, 2010 06:49
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Worlds best keyer?
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got my MasterKeyer MK-1 a few days back and it is truly breathtaking to operate it! I've had tons of different keyers during my 33 years as ham, last few years using a LogiKey K5. Nothing comes close to the smoothness and ease to operate as the MK-1.
Iambic-B wich always has been a problem for me with the damn timing, works perfect now. Lots different options in the keyer and I am truly speechless and overwelmed.
Not forgetting the excellen support and kindness from Dale when asking questions.
A very satisfied customer!
73s de Peter SM5HUA
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EI7BA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 11, 2010 14:01
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Fantastic
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Keyers and Paddles are like a disease... I have some really good keyers.. LogiKit CMOS-3 and CMOS-4, Palm Cube, XT4, K1EL WinKeyer etc. ('See what I mean about a "disease") Anyway, I read the QST review, and persuaded myself that I needed yet another Keyer. It arrived about a week ago, and I really love it. It seems to have all the best features of my other keyers, some good new features (e.g.Back up your settings on a USB stick), and the quality and finish is superb.
I still haven't got to grips with all of it's features, but I'm having great fun working it all out. I had a slightly guilty feeling after ordering it, as I was finding it hard to justify parting with the cash. However, after about five minutes using it, I KNEW I had made the correct decision.
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N6HE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 22, 2010 12:16
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Fabulous Keyer and Support
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This is one sweet keyer! I've used many of them over the years, and there's none better. The manual is excellent, And Dale, N0AXS, has been great at answering my "How do I ..." emails very quickly and has answered every question completely.
Others have, I see, cataloged all the great features, so I won't do that here. I love them all. My favorite: being able to record messages into the keyer's memory through a USB connection to my computer; now THAT's cool!
It does EVERYTHING I could possibly want, and more...my "keyer wish list" is all in this unit. Being flash-upgradable is so neat!
Thanks, Dale, for your contribution to my enjoyment of our hobby!
Ray N6HE
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VA3OL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 20, 2010 08:48
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Great produce AND service
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This is the first keyer that I have ever used that allows me to do it all! Memories (way to many for me to use), straight key, paddles, keyboard!, usb upgradeable, computer interface, AND the service is typically American - Great!
Dale actually listens to what customers tell him and issues a new release of the software that you can upgrade via a USB memory stick.
Thanks Dale!
I should add that I sent an email to Dale about 30 minutes ago with a minor problem.... As I was writing this he responded! Now that is Service.
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K5END
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 11, 2010 11:40
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A step up
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought mine at Dayton 2009 and enjoy using it. I can only compare it to the K5, as that is the only other external keyer I have owned. So, for about the same purchase price the MK-1 is far and away better. Now, what I really like the most is the customer service at HamGadgets, including the software/firmware upgrades. I wish all vendors were this user friendly. This company gets an "A+" in my book.
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