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Author Topic: Alinco DX-77 as Practice Oscillator?  (Read 279 times)

W4MSL

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Alinco DX-77 as Practice Oscillator?
« on: January 14, 2020, 07:07:55 PM »

It seems common to use a transceiver in non-transmitting mode to generate a side tone for CW practice. This appears to entail setting Break-in mode OFF. My Alinco DX-77 appears to have only options for Semi and Full Break-in, but no OFF mode. As I am just setting up again after YEARS of being over-the-air, I'm wondering if I'm missing something. I've no antenna up yet (and no dummy load), so do NOT want to risk keying the transmitter by just experimenting with this. Anyone know if my rig can generate a side tone w/o transmitting? I have a PicoKeyer, so am not w/o a practice oscillator, but would like to know if I can use my rig as well for this. Thanks.
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W4MSL

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Re: Alinco DX-77 as Practice Oscillator?
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2020, 07:08:42 AM »

Well, here's the answer from Alinco's US support team, REMTronix:

"Unfortunately there is no way to turn off the break in feature for CW on the DX-77. About the only way I can think of utilizing the radio as a code practice oscillator would be to transmit into a 50ohm dummy load so that your practice would not be going out on air."

Rather what I expected, but a shame. It would have been nice to get accustomed to my rig's built-in keyer w/o having to be on-the-air to do so. While I can practice my code w my PicoKeyer, I wanted to get a feel for my rig's keyer as well.
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NI0C

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Re: Alinco DX-77 as Practice Oscillator?
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2020, 10:22:31 AM »

Consider just using the PicoKeyer to key your DX-77. I've almost never used the internal keyers in radios that I have owned.

I looked up the online instruction manual for the DX-77, and it seems unclear as to the type of keyer that is included, i.e., iambic A vs. iambic B, or non-iambic. I got the impression that it is a non-iambic keyer.

I understand your concern about practicing using a dummy load. I once had a nearby neighbor who practiced that way, and I could hear him on my radio!

GL & 73 de Chuck NI0C
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W4MSL

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Re: Alinco DX-77 as Practice Oscillator?
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2021, 06:32:07 AM »

Well, I'm late reporting this, but if anyone is still following this thread, it may be of use to them. Someone sent me a PM many months ago with the solution. I can't find the message, so can't give credit here, but can only say that I didn't figure it out (and neither did Alinco).

Manual 6-9
Transmission Inhibit (PTT Key Lock)
"If "ON" is selected, the transceiver can operate only as a receiver."
Press FUNC key.
Press FUNC key again and hold for longer than 2 seconds to enter SET mode
Press the DIAL LOCK key.
Use UP/DOWN keys to select ON or OFF
Press FUNC key to confirm and exit SET mode.

NOTE: Inhibiting transmission does NOT disable the built-in keyer and oscillator tone, so you CAN use the DX-77 as a practice oscillator.
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