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
