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Reviews For: K1EL WKUSB-SMT keyer

Category: Keyers & CW Keyboards

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Review Summary For : K1EL WKUSB-SMT keyer
Reviews: 13MSRP: $89 USD
Description:
WKUSB-SMT is a surface mount version of WKUSB that has all board mounted parts pre-soldered and tested. Final kit assembly involves just adding a few through hole components
Product is in production
More Info: http://k1el.tripod.com/wkusb_smt.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00134.9
AE0Q Rating: 2020-05-11
Nice keyer, very versatile Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This last winter my old Logikey-K1 keyer died after 25 yrs of use. I decided to get the assembled version of the K1EL WKUSB-SMT keyer. I like that you can use it in stand-alone mode as well as via PC logging programs for flawless CW from Windows software. It has proven to be excellent as a portable keyer. It has a way of adding slightly longer than normal character spacing between letters, which I find needed with my call starting with an A followed by an E. I also used this function for years with the Logikey keyer. All the memories can be programmed by either the K1EL keyer software on a PC or directly by paddle. This latest K1EL keyer works very well !
NI0C Rating: 2019-04-03
Outstanding Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been using K1EL keyers for over ten years. As with previous versions, this one has the programmable PTT output that I find absolutely necessary for keying my receive antenna accessories and amplifier.

Not only that, but it has two keying and PTT outputs, for two radios.

Works well with N1MM+ contest programs.
KB9ERU Rating: 2018-07-13
Outstanding Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Yes, it doesn’t come with cables. K1EL offers a cable kit – but what ham doesn’t have at least one container full of USB and audio cables, right?

Grabbed the necessary cables from my containers and made connections. I downloaded the WK3Tools software/instructions, edited/loaded the messages into the WinKeyer, and I was good-to-go in minutes.

It interfaces seamlessly with DxLab’s WinWarbler.
WinWarbler tracks the sending speed with the position of the speed pot on the WinKeyer. No more having to use the mouse to adjust the WinWarbler speed in the software – just turn the knob and go.

Fit and finish are spot on.

The WinKeyer is packed full of features and has exceeded all my expectations.
CT1BWW Rating: 2018-06-02
GREAT FOR CONTEST Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Correction MY PREVIOUS REVIEW please read:
This time i decide for contesting this K1EL Winkeyer USB. Well, let me tell that this is really Great.
This Kit is very easy, because most of the componentes smd are previous in plate, NO difficult to finish.
N4SL Rating: 2018-05-19
Groovy! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Previously I was keying my SO2R contest station with a *very* old Win98 PC using the LPT port & homebrew optocouplers. When it died, I bought this USB keyer on the advice of several contesters.
Wasn't thrilled with the RCA connectors at first, then realized my cable drawer was full of RCA-RCA & RCA-1/8" stereo cables from audio/video setups over the decades and poof! I was running!

Works great, very nice.
Probably will buy the new WKmini for field use.
KD0ZV Rating: 2018-01-17
Great product and best I have owned Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is sold in "kit" form but its 99% built when you get it. It just requires adding connectors, switches and the speaker and putting it in the box. It took me 15 minutes to build.

I had a Microham CW USB keyer which is very similar. I made the mistake of selling it thinking I did not need it anymore with rig internal keyers. But I was wrong as the keying quality and expanded functions are much better on the winkeyer chip-sets. So I bought this K1EL to replace it.

I prefer this over the Microham because it has two independent keying ports instead of just one so you can connect to two rigs. I had modified my Microham with a switch and two keying out jacks to make it do this.

The only thing I miss that the Microham had was LED lights on the front for power, CW and PTT activity. Without the latter you really don't know the keyer is working if you have an issue without turning on the side tone on the keyer.

The site includes several really nice programs for the keyer including a com port finder to make setup easy.

So easy to build, easy to use and top notch performance!
N4KC Rating: 2017-12-02
Even a caveman can do it Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Finally got around to ordering, building and installing this great little keyer, primarily for contest use with a Kenwood TS-590 and N3FJP software, but also as my primary keyer. Even an old klutz like me should have no trouble putting the kit together. Only dicey part is the USB connector, which has four very close soldering points on the board, but I got it right the first time. Cramming it all into the enclosure looked daunting, too, but ultimately no problem.

Setup and operation is a breeze. Directions are likely overkill. I ended up printing out a big stack of pages, but who knows? I may need to refer to it some day and won't have to go Googling.

Used it already in CQWW and Sweepstakes. Somebody tell me how in the world you could do CW Sweeps without it!

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com

NG1I Rating: 2017-12-01
Excellent Quality Unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Arrived yesterday and took my time reading everything first then layed out all the pieces....all there. Great construction quality & documentation along with photos (download manual from K1EL site). Just pay attention to each step and do not rush. I had a great time putting it together.

I connected it to my TS-2000 using N3JFP software. However when keying, the rig TX'd dots and dishes quickly for two seconds. One e-mail from K1EL asked me to make certain that I was not using the PTT in back of the unit. Steve/Art were right on the money. Works great and now ready to start this evening's 160M CW contest. SO DON'T USE THE PTT PORT. I should have known that.

Thanks guys
VE3GLA Rating: 2016-09-08
works great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I sat down to assemble my kit this morning and was done in about an hour. It worked the first time. The assembly instructions were very clear with helpful photos. The test procedure was simple. Good value. I wish I had purchased it sooner.
KA9P Rating: 2015-11-17
Super easy Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just completed the Winkey USB SMT and integrated it into the K3 contest set up. And this time I'm putting the review under the correct Winkeyer product.

Performance is fantastic, kit went together quick and easy, and N1MM+ is very happy with it.

Extremely happy with this little box.

I noted one comment about difficulty soldering - it's not really, but like anything else with contemporary compements these days, it's best to approach carefully with a mag-lite and a fine-tipped iron.