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Reviews For: Key Log Go (KLG) by QRPworks

Category: QRP Accessories

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Review Summary For : Key Log Go (KLG) by QRPworks
Reviews: 3MSRP: $295.00
Description:
Key Log Go is a cigarette box-sized operating aid especially useful to
Elecraft KX3 and Yaesu 817 owners who wish to operate in the field without
a great deal of heavy equipment.
Product is in production
More Info: http://https://www.qrpworks.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
AE0Q Rating: 2021-09-24
Great for logging SSB and CW with ANY radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Am using the KeyLogGo for logging WWFF/POTA park activations with a compact PS/2 keyboard. So far over 500 QSOs logged in a month. It is not interfaced to the radio (TenTec Eagle) other than the CW keying cable, I just enter the frequency and mode once and it carries over to the next entry, until you change it (or turn off the power).

For SSB you only need the LOG entry function (Alt-L, then L), just type the call and signal report and hit enter. It can store 1000 QSOs.

For CW, as a memory keyer and to insert a call in a memory, it takes a few more keystrokes but works great for CQing or S&P. F1 thru F10 and Alt-F1 thru Alt-F10 are programmable for CW memories!

Hit F1 (or whatever you program) to send CQ. When a station answers hit Alt-C and type his call (then hit ENTER), pop the F key that you programmed to include his call and send signal report (I set one memory for 569 and another for 599), then Alt-L and L and his call is already there, just type a signal report (if you care) and hit enter to log it, then the F-Key to send TU and your call etc.

It does take a few more keystrokes than N1MM or N3FJP on a laptop but is much more portable and can hold 1000 log entries. I've used it for the 1900Z CWT from a park and with 90w and a good portable antenna made 94 QSOs in the hour!

The internal 9V battery won't last very long when a keyboard is connected since it also powers the PS/2 keyboard. I just have the battery in it for a backup, it has a 2.1mm jack for 12v power cable, plugged into same source as my radio at a park (big LiFePO4 battery). Stores log entries in non-volatile memory.
When you get home just download the ADIF file to your PC and you have a log to import to your everyday log or export to LoTW or eQSL.

Although designed for use with KX-type radios, it is a great portable CW keyer (internal K1EL Winkeyer) and logging device for any radio. I've only used it with CW and SSB.
VE4DXR Rating: 2019-01-15
Key Log Go is the way to go! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
W4DSMS'S review is accurate. I just want to let you know that the QRP KLG has made operating my KX3 portable much more enjoyable. I use it with a dedicated keyboard. The commands are very intuitive. Now I don't have to carry a laptop to the field and worry about charging it. Thank you QRP for a well made and thought out accessory.
WD4MSM Rating: 2015-04-10
Clever Device! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
You can operate "in the field" without this device if you are an Elecraft KX3 or Yaesu 817 user, but you will enjoy the experience all the more if you do use the Key Log Go!

This small, self-contained device is a light (only a few ounces) operating aid that performs more functions than you would imagine. As its name implies, it is a keyer (K1EL keyer actually with all the usual K1EL functions) and it does perform logging functions. But that is just the beginning.

Why would you need a keyer? Your radio always has one. The answer is that this keyer has many more options than yours and it also adjusts speed through a thumb wheel on the side; in other words, it is a breeze to change speeds quickly. It is also a memory keyer (but your radio has that as well). But your radio does not have 20 robust memories that can be chained, repeated, and loaded with your contact's callsign. The keyer even "increments" contact numbers if you are contesting!

A "Grab and Go" feature allows you to "grab" a call and use it in the log and macro keyer return messages. Once a QSO is complete you may "write" it to the log (with no paper and pencil needed). The log entry will include date, time, frequency, your contact's call, and mode. When you return home, hook the KLG to your computer and download the log! You may examine the entry in the field on the LCD display on the KLG case; that display has five levels of backlight for night conditions and is very easily read in bright sunlight.

The KLG has an internal 9 volt battery to allow it to operate without connection to your power supply; you may also connect it to a 12 volt supply and save the battery.

The memories in the KLG may contain messages you wish to send but they may alternatively contain commands for the radio. For instance, you may have been operating CW on 40 meters and you wish to switch to PSK31 on 20 meters. That change of frequency, mode, power level, etc. may be accomplished with a single button press. Any set of commands your radio is capable of receiving may be stored in a memory.

The KX3 is great at decoding CW, PSK, and RTTY but it scrolls across the one-line screen pretty quickly. That same text appears on the KLG but there are four long lines of text visible at all times; it is easy to glance "back" at something sent a few moments ago.

You may "write" the contents of any memory with your key or paddle but there is also a port for connecting a standard PC keyboard. There are many miniature PC keyboards available and you may wish to take one into the field (but remember that this is not necessary). The keyboard may be used to also send CW, PSK, or RTTY. It can also send the memories (by using the "F" keys). If you use the KLG at home as I do, the keyboard is a delight!

Direct frequency entry makes it easy to QSY. There are also commands that let you check the radio battery's voltage and even access a help set of screens so that you may leave the manual at home.

The unit is well constructed with a metal case and fold out legs to position for reading. Surely there is room for the small device in your Go Bag.

I find the KLG as useful to use at home as in the field. By using it at home I find the commands are easily remembered in the field.