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Author Topic: Computer generated CW  (Read 592 times)

KF0GYE

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Computer generated CW
« on: October 20, 2021, 05:59:33 PM »

Does anyone here know what kind of adaptor I need to be able to run computer generated cw, I have a Kenwood TS-830S and it has grid Blocked keying, as I understand this will keep any of the new interface direct cables from working. I have a windows 10 computer with a keying program installed but can not find any info on running it on my Kenwood.
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K6AER

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2021, 07:10:41 PM »

What is the measured voltage and current on the keying.
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W3NR

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2021, 07:19:23 PM »

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W3NR

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2021, 07:22:51 PM »

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W3NR

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W9AC

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2021, 08:47:10 PM »

Last one::

http://www.n4xy.com/PDFs/HMBW_Projects/Vintage_Keying_Adapter/Vintage_Keying_Adapter.pdf

Ed W3NR

One more for folks who like to build things.  See the S-QSK Mini device near the top of my QRZ page.  Smaller than a matchbook.  It's a "no wires" design that accepts negative or positive input key lines (including a positive line from a PC computer port).  S-QSK Mini is powered exclusively from USB (e.g., iPhone wall cube or PC COM port).

Uses a really tiny and inexpensive plug-in microcontroller for precise switching (and delay if required).  Precompiled code is free to download and flash to the USB port.  Input and outputs are optically isolated.  Output device is a balanced plug-in MOSFET.  Depending on the MOSFET chip chosen, it will switch any AC/DC voltage up to 400V at 250 mA or 60V at 2 A.  RCA jacks for input and output.

I have nothing to sell.  "One click" parts ordering through Mouser by following the linked instructions.  Gerber PC board files are free to use as indicated on the QRZ page.  5 PC boards are about USD $2 from JLCPCB in China, slightly more from DKRed in USA.  With shipping, PC boards are about USD $11 for 5 boards.  Give the extras to friends or save for other switching projects. 

Typical applications:

- Keyer-to-transmitter interface
- Computer-to-transmitter interface
- Generic transmitter-to-amplifier interface as an amp key line buffer and "relay saver"
- Anti-shock key-to-rig interface for older vacuum tube gear
- "Switch saver" by taking up to a 2.5 amp load off delicate switch contacts
- Switch and relay contact debouncer (software adjustable debounce time)
- Bug key contact debouncer (software adjustable debounce time)
- RF amplifier bias switch in electronic bias systems (software adjustable EBS hang time)
- Control of time-delayed step-start circuits
- Switching applications that require galvanic isolation
- Power relay for +12V station accessories
- Icom transceiver-to-amplifier buffer and pulse-stretcher to eliminate "RF tail" amplifier hot-switching (applies to: IC-7300, IC-9700, IC-705)

The files are linked to my business FTP server and some web browsers will give a litany of security errors.  However, the links and files are clean. 

www.w9ac.com

Paul, W9AC
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K7MEM

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2021, 12:09:49 AM »

I would get something like a Keyall. They may be out of stock right now, but they provide all of the information needed to build one yourself. There are only a couple of parts. A PC board would be nice, but can easily be built on some spare copper clad board.

Also, if you go through the schematics for some older keyers, like the Heathkit HD-1410, the keying circuitry is made to handle any kind of keying. The output circuit is easy to replicate.
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Martin - K7MEM
http://www.k7mem.com

KF0GYE

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2021, 05:55:12 PM »

I can not remember what I was told totally but seems to me it was -170 volts for the keying and the man that told me that he could not help, he builds interface cables for all the new transistor units and said mine would fry either the cable or the computer. Thanks for the answer.
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KF0GYE

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2021, 05:57:22 PM »

thanks everyone for the info I will check it all out, not sure I could build something my self though
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W9AC

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2021, 07:37:37 PM »

thanks everyone for the info I will check it all out, not sure I could build something my self though

If your address is good on QRZ, I'll send you a Plug-'n-Play S-QSK Mini, free of charge.  Just let me know the type of keying source from the PC (e.g., RTS, pin 7 on a DB-9 connector). 

You'll need to supply these cables:

1) Shielded cable from the PC connector to an RCA phono plug.  Phono plug connects to the S-QSK Mini Input;
2) Shielded cable with an RCA phono plug on one end to a 1/4" mono phone plug. Phono plug end connects to the S-QSK Mini Output; 1/4-inch plug to the TS-830 KEY jack;
3) USB A to USB Micro B for device powering. 

It will come with the source code already pre-burned for your application.

Paul, W9AC
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KF0GYE

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #10 on: October 26, 2021, 02:55:59 PM »

Paul I sent you a pm with what I have for computer ports couldn't tell if it went through let me know if you received it
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W9AC

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2021, 06:19:20 PM »

OK, just saw your message.  I'll get the circuit configured and update you by PM.

Paul, W9AC
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LA9XNA

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2021, 10:46:12 PM »

A lot of thime you will be able to get away with an optocupler and a USB to serial adaptor.

There is a lot of designs for this with the old homebrew digimode interfaces.
You can even use some of these cheep Ebay USB to RS232 at TTL level adaptors as long as they have RST or DTR. But the voltage drop resistor must be changed form the original RS232 level desigens.
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W9AC

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2021, 06:30:58 AM »

A lot of thime you will be able to get away with an optocupler and a USB to serial adaptor.

There is a lot of designs for this with the old homebrew digimode interfaces.
You can even use some of these cheep Ebay USB to RS232 at TTL level adaptors as long as they have RST or DTR. But the voltage drop resistor must be changed form the original RS232 level desigens.

That's a good solution for modern transceivers.  However, his TS-830S has -65 VDC across the CW key jack.  It would require digging deep to find a PNP version of an optocoupler with >70 VDC Vceo rating.  Instead of a basic optocoupler, a single Ixys PLA140 OptoMOS relay (or equivalent) can easily manage it.

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/240/Pla140-1548037.pdf

Paul, W9AC
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W9AC

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Re: Computer generated CW
« Reply #14 on: October 31, 2021, 07:57:54 AM »

Johnnie,

Not sure if my PM came through.  The PC board is complete and is being shipped to you by U.S. Priority Mail.  As a reminder:

1) The input RCA phono jack accepts +5V from your PC's serial port or similar logic-level device;
2) The output RCA phono jack is ground-independent and will easily switch your -65 VDC CW key line.  It is capable of switching +/- 400V at a 1/4 amp;
3) The input is completely optically isolated from the MOSFET output;
4) If desired, you can supply your own plastic case or mount it using the labeled screw hole on the PC board. 

Paul, W9AC
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