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Reviews For: QSK, LLC USKI-5

Category: Ham Shack Accessories

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Review Summary For : QSK, LLC USKI-5
Reviews: 4MSRP: 149.00
Description:
PC programmable Universal Sequencer and Keying Interface
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.qskllc.com/#!uski-5/cee5
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1545
NY2KW Rating: 2024-11-28
The Only Sequencer To Buy Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was looking for a sequencer for both my vintage receiver, transmitter, TR switch and amplier needs, as well as my modern radios and digital gear. The USKI-5 allows easy, full and precise control over all input and output delays. Unexpected was the superb quality of construction.... tremendous value for its price. You may be able to buy PCB sequencers for less money but doubt they would ever look as good as this one. On top of this, Bob is extremely responsive to all questions. I just ordered a 2nd USKI-5 for the other side of my shack.
W5PDQ Rating: 2024-04-10
My Sequencer Solution initialized from WSJT-X Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My primary concerns on purchasing any sequencer were to have a solution in place and satisfied FIRST, before investing into pricey weak signal equipment which relies heavily on appropriate sequencing.
My primary requirement, was to have a sequencer which could be initialized by the WSJT-X software.

All of the other sequencers I found, did not address the ability to initialize from WSJT-X.

I found the USKI-5 sequencer website at https://www.qskllc.com/ and filled out the Contact form with my information and my concerns of finding a sequencer solution that could have enough inputs/outputs for my station and be in total control of the PTT once receiving the signal from WSJT-X or of course my transceiver’s footswitch.

Bob with QSK, LLC replied back quick with via an email, describing a solution where I could use his USKI-5 sequencer, and a very simple cable which comprised of a solder add-in to a 9-pin female serial connector and 2 wires going to an RCA male plug; this simple cable is then plugged into my male 9 pin serial to USB adaptor on my PC and the RCA plug would go to input #1 on the USKI-5 sequencer. Bob supplied me with an easy-to-understand wiring diagram and a couple low-cost items required, including two simple settings within WSJT-X.

So now, having purchased the USKI-5 Sequencer in operation at my QTH; it exceeds my station needs with additional inputs and output available for future use (if needed). My USKI-5 Sequencer is used for RX/TX operation of a mast mounted preamp, a set of coaxial relays (for separate TX & RX), a PTT for my power amplifier, and completing the sequence with a safe PTT to my transceiver. I’m extremely satisfied, my complete RX/TX operational sequence which is initialized by the WSJT-X software or by my transceiver’s foot switch.

For my weak-signal station, I decided to tackle a sequencer solution first, and the USKI-5 Sequencer from QSK, LLC was the answer.
K9VIS Rating: 2018-09-13
USKI-5 provides delay and sequential keying for QSK operations Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I use USKI-5 to properly sequence keying of transmitters, VFO, RX audio and RX mute. Works great with new and older gear. I operate QRQ CW with modified Heathkit DX-60, Drake 2b RX and DDS VFO as well as other gear.
WA1SEO Rating: 2015-06-25
Versatile & Highly recommended accessory Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was fortunate to get one of the first production units and have spent quite a bit of time with this sequencer.
Although I run a very simple setup, I recently switched to a headset with PTT microphone switch. The rigs here are an ICOM 7200, Ten Tec Eagle, and a SWAN 100MXA each driving an Ameritron ALS-600. Nothing real fancy or elaborate but having an easy to use and easy to program sequencer is something I wanted.

First of all, I doubt that there is any other piece of Amateur Radio Equipment on the market that has a front panel built this way...and built to last. The lettering and front panel have an anodized finish, which means the lettering will be there forever! Using the manufacturer supplied programs for most applications will get you running rapidly but the instructions to customize the programs are what sets this sequencer apart from the others. The delays and timing have a lot of granularity which means you aren't locked into DIP switch settings. Customizing your USKI-5 is as simple as determining what you will be controlling and knowing whether it is a high voltage, low current or low voltage, high current, or somewhere in between, device. The manufacturer lets you order the appropriate solid state relays to suit your needs. The beauty of this is that you have lots of options.

You can make this sequencer as sophisticated as you need it to be or take advantage of its simplicity and you'll recognize that this is a case of, less is definitely more. You can't beat the price and the support is excellent.

If you want a sequencer, this should be your first and last stop.

Mike, WA1SEO