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Reviews For: MicroHam Micro Keyer

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

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Review Summary For : MicroHam Micro Keyer
Reviews: 50MSRP: 225
Description:
All in one multi mode USB interface and keyer (now includes one radio interface cable) CW/SSB & All Digital Modes
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.microham-usa.com/Products/mk.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00505
K4IA Rating: 2005-03-17
Wonderbox Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I originally got the MicroHam USB <> Serial port adapter so I could control my rig and run CW through the USB port. It works well and I recommend it if that is all you need.

What does the Microkeyer add? It has an inboard CW keyer with memories. The computer communicates with the box at USB speed and the box creates the on and off pulses that make CW. Because the high speed USB language is buffered to produce the slower code, there is none of the stuttering you get when you try to key through a serial port.

I am running three rigs and CW simultaneously through one USB port. In fact, the software allows you to create up to 15 virtual ports to control radios, rotors or whatever.

I have full control over audio to and from my computer. It is easy to adjust volumes from a knob rather than fooling with opening windows.

I have configured the Microkeyer to work with DxLab, N1MM logger and Writelog. The software remembers the settings for each program.

The unit and cable are not cheap but when I consider I replaced a $99 keyer, a $59 PSK interface, and didn't have to install additional serial ports on my computer, and got perfect CW with a better overall interface and software -- I think I came out ahead.
W1AJT Rating: 2005-03-07
Finest rig interface Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have been using the Micro Ham Micro Keyer for about 6 months and agree with all of the previous posts. I originally bought it to help cure some RFI problems I was having between my rig and computer. Well it helped a lot but then I started to really use it. I use it for all modes and in many contests now with really great results. It works flawlessly and I really enjoy the MK’s WinKey keying compared to the standard cw keying methods that are highly dependent on processor capabilities and Windows processes. I had some initial teething problems, my entire fault, but support from Jozef – OM7ZZ has been truly outstanding and those problems were quickly resolved. The unit is built very robustly and the custom cable set is of great quality. I use it with standard logging programs, digital programs, and contest logging with N1MM Logger. This has to be the premier way to interface a computer with any modern rig.
DL6LZM Rating: 2005-02-27
It's simply the best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Much better than other products! No greater problems here during installation.

73 to all de Peter
HB9CIP Rating: 2005-02-27
Good product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Very good product combination.

Switching of audio sources quick and easy.
Works great with many Ham Porgrams.

Quick support and service.

Bravo Jozef !! Well done !
NT9E Rating: 2005-02-04
Belongs in todays ham shack! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A multi-function device for all ham shacks.

1.) Sound Card interface (AFSK) for all the newest digital modes. Also operates true FSK for rigs that have the capability.

2.) Electronic memory keyer (based on the K1EL WinKey chip) that overcomes (high-speed) character truncating in some of the newer ICOM rigs with built-in keyers.

3.) Built-in rig control interface

4.) Power amplifier keying interface

5.) Handy foot switch connection

6.) PS/2 port for keyboard so you can send FSK or CW directly without the need for a computer!

7.) No need for a serial port, it operates via a USB port.

8.) No need for an external power connection. It gets it power via USB port.

9.) Normal radio functions will operate if computer is turned off.

If you bought separate devices for all of MK's fuctions you would pay at least twice the cost of a Micro Keyer

Easy to install and setup.

What are you waiting for???????
NI0C Rating: 2005-01-28
Superb combo Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
With my previous transceiver, I used the K1EL WinKey and the microHam USB to radio interface. Both of these are superb products (you can read my reviews of them).

I recently acquired a Ten Tec Omni VI, and needed another radio to USB interface. When I discovered that microHam now offers a combined USB interface with the K1EL WinKey built-in, I purchased the MicroKeyer right away. Delivery
was fast, and the unit and the cable set were most carefully packaged for shipping.

In addition to the keyer, radio control, and PTT functions, the MicroKeyer will also route audio signals to/from a computer sound card for digital and voice modes.

The hardware is controlled through a single USB port by a "router" software package that creates as many "virtual serial ports" as you need for radio control, K1EL or more conventional CW keying, PTT functions, etc. Both software and firmware upgrades are made available on the microHam web-site. The router software runs in the background, while I use either DXBase or the N1MM logging programs for radio control and keying. (The WinKey will also operate using paddles, with or without a logging program running.)

The optional cable set is well constructed and made hookup to my rig, amplifier, and computer very easy. Since my computer does not have a sound card, I have not yet been using the digital modes; however for CW operation alone, the microKeyer was worth the price. It's nice to know the audio routing and interface capability is there when I decide to upgrade my computer.

Jozef at microHam continues his competent and speedy product support, whenever questions arise (and questions will arise from time to time when using a product that is so versatile).
K4JAF Rating: 2004-12-19
Great product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The MicroKeyer construction is first rate and works as advertised on all modes. I have used it on FSK, CW and as the rig control interface with Logger32 and N1MM software. The use of the USB port is wonderful with the lack of serial ports on the newer laptops. Customer service is prompt, emails answered in usually within the hour.
IV3IPS Rating: 2004-12-18
SIMPLY "EXCELLENT" ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Really great unit, working great in all modes.....CW, RTTY, PSK, VOICE KEYER.
The management of the virtual COM is excellent! Tested in several contest high power without some problem. A product of OPTIMAL quality and OPTIMAL CONSTRUCTION (included radio cable)............. FINALLY..... optimal investment!

73 de Stefano, IV3IPS.
DL9SEV Rating: 2004-11-14
Great unit, excellent service Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
OM7ZZ designed a great unit that replaced many little black boxes in my shack. I built the interface cable to an Icom IC-7400 myself, and thanks to the good description, there were no problems.
I use the MicroKeyer
- as CI-V interface
- with the K1EL WinKey, paddle attached
- with a keyboard for CW and RTTY
- with the PC soundcard for RTTY
- as a sequencer for switching the PA
and everything works great.
Two email support questions were answered within 5 minutes!
K9IGU Rating: 2004-11-02
Fantastic Unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I echo all the comments made by N3WT. It is one fantastic unit. I was trying to find a quality interface and this was the 3rd unit I have owned. I need go no further as I now have the best. It is well constructed including the cable to my transceiver(I have a FT-1000MO Mark V Field). When you purchase your unit, make sure you also purchase the cable. I had 2 Questions and they were promptly answered by Josef, OM7ZZ. It was like having your own personal Customer Service Rep. as the replies came back so fast. I am sold on microHAM and its products.