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Reviews For: HamGadgets MasterKeyer MK-1

Category: Keyers & CW Keyboards

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Review Summary For : HamGadgets MasterKeyer MK-1
Reviews: 22MSRP: 169.00
Description:
The MasterKeyer MK-1 breaks new ground both in features and in ease of operation. Six multi-color, LED illuminated pushbuttons give instant access to stored messages any of five banks -- that's 30 messages in all, over 7500 total characters. Changing colors tell you whether a message is being sent or recorded. A large, smooth operating, machined aluminum speed control knob is used to set the speed within whatever range you decide. The smooth, sine-wave sidetone lets you hear what you're doing at all times. Of course it can be muted, or turned up with the rear panel mounted volume control for room-filling sound - ideal for code training and practice sessions. Commands to change options and messages can be sent from your paddle, or plug into your computer's USB port for easy, text-based setup!

The latest low-power embedded microcontroller technology is used to give you the features you want, with the ease of operation you need. Advanced operating modes such as message pause, auto-repeat (beacon), QRSS and HSCW are a snap -- and with future firmware upgrades, even more features are just a quick (and free) upgrade away.

Of course the MasterKeyer can be used as a top-quality, fully featured stand-alone keyer, with no computer or keyboard. All the operating features you expect, and some you may not, are built in and ready to use. The built-in USB capability can add a whole new dimension to your operating! The USB host connector can be used to load new updates directly from a USB FLASH drive, without using a computer. You can also save all operating parameters and memory contents to a FLASH drive, so you don't risk accidentally losing your settings. Edit the simple text file if you wish to suit your exact needs. The ability to save and load the entire configuration makes this keyer perfect for clubs and contest stations!
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.HamGadgets.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00224.8
W8TK Rating: 2009-12-09
Keyer does everything! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought the MK-1 at Dayton, 2009. This keyer combines every feature of every keyer I have ever owned (that includes dozens). At the Hamvention I suggested to N0XAS that since the keyer has computer connectivity built in, contesters would appreciate compatibility with CW contesting software. Dale took my suggestion to heart, and the latest firmware version does include WinKey compatibility. I have tested it with WriteLog and N1MM Logger and found it to work flawlessly. Loading the firmware is quick and easy, since the keyer searches for a new file on any flash drive plugged into it, then automatically loads it. This might just be the last keyer I will ever buy.
K0NEB Rating: 2009-11-09
What else would you want? Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have had this keyer for a few months now and so it is time to give it a review. Versatility is the key to the MK-1. I found it to be rugged, and easily updated to take advantage of the ongoing updates that add features to this already incredible keyer. I have used it in the field on a small solar panel with an unregulated output with no problems. That is beacuse its power requirements are AC or DC from 9-20V. That means it runs well on a power supply that varies in output and you don't have to worry about hooking it up backwards and frying it. It accepts paddle input as well as a straight-key pass-thru. Plugging in a standard USB PC keyboard gives you the ability to type your CW, or you can connect it via USB to any computer and use a terminal program or many ham programs to send with. I have used it also with my laptop as well as a USB keyboard. You can have all 3 types of CW input connected all at once (paddle, keyboard/computer and straight key. It is very easy to load the memories especially for contest exchanges and edit them as well. The multicolored lighted buttons on the top are a great added touch as they give you an indication of what mode the keyer is in. Most keyers have a speed control knob, but this one is different. When the knob is turned down anywhere in the lower part of its range, it goes to the default speed that you can preset. Once it it turned above that area, it becomes a variable speed control so you can easily match the station you are working, yet quickly go back to your favorite speed without having to try to find that "sweet spot" again. To update it, all you need is to download the file and place it on a USB thumb drive and follow the directions. It updates quickly and tells you when it is done. There are just so many other features it has and hard to talk about them all here, but it does about everything you would want in a CW keyer..even QRSS and HSCW! Great keyer!