08 April 2022

The MasterKeyer MK-1 by N0XAS


The MasterKeyer MK-1 breaks new ground 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, for over 7500 total characters. The LED-backlit buttons change color to tell you whether a message is being sent or recorded. A large, smooth operating, solid aluminum speed control knob can be used to set your operating 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 for room-filling sound ideal for code training and practice sessions. And commands to change options and messages can be sent from your paddle, or plug into your computer 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 required. 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 -- the only one on any keyer, anywhere -- 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! If multiple operators use the same keyer, just plug in a FLASH drive and load ALL your own settings and memory messages in seconds. Of course, the same feature can be used to "clone" your settings from one keyer to another if you need stations set up the exact same way.

This keyer is presently offered only in fully assembled and tested form. The enclosure is top quality, rugged aluminum with a textured black powder coat finish. Silkscreened legends mark all operating controls and connections. All documentation is on a CD-ROM, as well as software drivers for Windows PCs (drivers are already built into Mac and Linux systems). A power cable is included to connect to your power source.


Features

Beautiful metal cabinet with rugged, textured powder coat finish and screen printed legends

Knurled, gloss finish solid machined aluminum speed adjustment knob with indicator line

Meets FCC Class B limits for radiated and conducted emissions

Morse code keying from a single or dual lever paddle

Straight key input for manual keying

Emulation mode for K1EL Winkeyer commands has been added to Version 1.20 and newer. The MK-1 now works with a wide range of logging and contest software. If it supports the Winkeyer, the MK-1 will work fine.

Support for Morse from a USB keyboard! Includes memory record & playback.

Optically isolated Keying and amplifier/PTT outputs rated for 400V at up to 200 mA (Key Out) or 400 mA (Amp Out) - key solid state or tube rigs!

Amp keying lead and tail times adjustable

Smooth sidetone with easy-to-use external volume control can be muted or left on

Numerous keying modes supported

Curtis Mode A

Curtis Mode B (with adjustable paddle timing)

“Bug” mode – automatic dots, manual dashes

Ultimatic mode

Straight key or “Cootie” mode

Dot or dash priority




Adjustable paddle timing lets you "tweak" the paddle response to suit YOUR preference!

Thirty memory slots available in five banks of six messages each

Each message can be up to 255 characters in length

Any bank of 6 messages can be assigned to the top buttons

Embedded commands in memory messages for a wide range of functions

Send your stored callsign

Send serial/QSO number, with or without automatic incrementing

Send a steady carrier 1-9 seconds in length

Increment or decrement speed by 1 WPM

Set your speed to a specific value

Send HSCW at up to 12,000 LPM (2,400 WPM)

Send QRSS from 1 to 120 seconds per dit

Set Farnsworth spacing

Send the last call sign (other than your own) sent from the paddles

Call any other message from any bank

Merge two characters into one for prosigns or language specific characters

Message stacking lets you quickly send up to six messages in sequence

Messages can be paused to manually insert information from the paddle or keyboard, and will automatically resume

Beacon mode will repeat a message at regular intervals from 1 to 255 seconds - Now with V1.20 or later, each message can have its repeat time set independently!

“Cut numbers” supported for serial numbers (0, 9 or both)

Altered settings (Farnsworth, QRSS, HSCW) automatically cancel on completion of the memory message

Simple, intuitive memory record/play control

Tap any memory button to play its associated message

Hold the button to review, record or edit the message

Optionally, you can edit messages from your PC!

Two USB interfaces

Review or change any setting from your computer

Review, change and save memory messages

Save and load complete configuration - multiple ops can instantly load ALL their own settings and messages!

Upgrade firmware and add features in seconds - no need to return the unit or even open the case!

“Dual-Set” speed control allows easy default to a pre-set speed

Separate, fixed user interface (Command Mode) speed setting

Adjustable sidetone monitor frequency and volume

“Stuck key” safety disables keyer if a stuck paddle is detected

Smart tune mode with constant carrier or 50% duty cycle

User adjustable speed control range (5-99 WPM); you set the lower and upper limits

Farnsworth spacing is supported

Automatic letter spacing is supported

HSCW at up to 12,000 LPM (2,400 WPM)

QRSS settings from 1 to 120 seconds per dit (QRSS1 – QRSS120)

Power from any AC or DC source from 9 to 20V

Built-in self resetting overcurrent protection




The firmware that controls the operation of the MasterKeyer MK-1 is under constant review and revision. New features are often added to keep the MasterKeyer at the leading edge of technology. Version 1.32 is the current released version.

MK-1 Manual V1.30 or higher:

MK-1 Firmware V1.32:


73 - Petr, OK1RP

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