The new Logikey K-5 keyer replaces the classic K-3
keyer, of which thousands have been sold. The K-5 uses the identical firmware –
all operating features of the K3 remain unchanged. The K-5 features a new,
lower height chassis/cabinet with improved fit and finish. The K-5 includes a
built in battery holder, which accepts three AAA cells, which will run the
keyer for many months of normal operating. The K-5 will also run off 12 volts
DC, and when powered with 12 volts DC the batteries if installed do not drain.
The HKB Cable Set is the same as the HKA Cable Set, except that the keying
cable has a fully-shielded metal 3.5 mm (1/8") phone plug to connect to the
rig. $14.95 plus shipping. The Super CMOS III Keyer
Kit:
The K-5 is also offered as a partial kit, the Super CMOS III Keyer. All
features of the K-5
are included, except for the capability of keying negative voltages, which
however can be added, and for which details are included. The partial kit
consists of the PC board, the keyer CPU and memory chip, and all on-board
parts. Included is a construction guide, as well as a comprehensive operating
manual and a tutorial to get you going quickly.
The builder will need to supply an enclosure, 6 good quality push buttons, a 5
volt DC power source, a speaker, a 100K linear pot and all input and output
connectors.
Documentation
View our library of keyer
documentation, in handy Adobe PDF format.
Pricing and Ordering
The partial kit is available to US addresses at $58 postpaid, or to DX
addresses at US $60 postpaid via small parcel airmail.
Idiom Press is now in its 20th year of serving radio amateurs. And we are proud
to say that we continue to support every product we have ever sold! Thousands
of keyers and kits from Idiom Press have delighted CW operators worldwide. If
you are not one of them you should be.
The K-5 also includes some circuit refinements, designed to offer improved
protection for the CPU from lightning and static discharges.
Fasteners used in the K-5 are all 18-8 stainless steel.
OK. You look at the specs and the features. Pretty spectacular. But you weren't
born yesterday. How the heck do you control all those functions without a
keyboard? How do you get the speed readout without a digital display? So how do
you talk to it, and it to you?
Simple! Via Morse Code! After all, that's what this keyer is all about. Want to
know the exact speed? Press the right-most two buttons down together and
release them. This puts you temporarily into the "Inquiry" mode. The keyer will
send a "?" as in "di-di-da-da-di-di" in perfect morse. Now, through your
paddle, you send the letter "S" (as in Speed). The keyer responds by
sending the exact speed in Morse Code. As soon as it finishes answering the
question, it automatically goes back to normal operating.
OK. You want to program the speed range? Easy. Press the left-most two buttons
down together and release. That puts you in the "Function", or control mode.
The keyer will send, in flawless morse, "F", indicating it is now in Function
mode. You send "R0825" through your paddle. That sets the Range to run
from 8 to 25 words per minute, instantly. That's how it's done - all queries
and commands are entered or played back through Morse Code, using simple
instructions. And as soon as you finish sending the command, it is implemented,
and the keyer instantly and automatically returns to normal operating mode.
Loading messages is a snap. Press any button for two seconds - the keyer will
send a "C". Enter the first word of your message. The keyer responds with a
high-pitched "didi" indicating acceptance, and that it is entering a word space
after that first word. Send another word. It gives the "didi" again. Now, go
get a cup of coffee and come back, then send the third word. Pretty intense,
huh? And when you are finished, press the same button down again to close the
message. For playback, just press the same button briefly and release. Out it
comes! If you want to change something later, there is an "Edit" capability
too.
And that's how it is done - you and the keyer communicate via Morse Code
through paddle and speaker. Commands are intuitive and simple. Learning
everything your Logikey K-5 will take an hour or so, (though you will be up and
running in ten minutes) but the comprehensive tutorial makes it easier than you
can imagine. And once learned, you will be set for a lifetime of CW pleasure.
Many modern transceivers offer built in keyers - most are simplistic and
unsophisticated, and not user-friendly. The K- 5 feature list is unmatched in
any transceiver!
Product Reviews
It is early for any reviews for the new K-5, but you
will find the reviews for the K-3 of some interest. To read these reviews, go
to:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/264
And now the K-5 Reviews are starting to come in. To
see these reviews, go to:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5630
Also, read the QST magazine product review for Logikey K-3 in the February 2001
issue, in Adobe PDF format here:
QST Review of Logikey K3
Also Available: Keyer
Cable Sets
The HKA Cable Set is a set of three quality cables to interface the keyer with
your rig. Included is a 6 foot shielded cable with molded 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo
plug for your paddle, a six foot cable with a molded 2.5 mm DC power plug, and
a shielded keying cable that goes from the keyer to the rig. The keying
cable has a molded RCA plug on the keyer end, and a fully-shielded metal
1/4 inch phone plug to connect to the rig. $16.95 plus shipping, order
below.
Pricing and Ordering
About Transceivers with 'Built-in' Keyers
What would make the perfect stand-alone CW keyer?
Logikey K-5 Keyer - Assembled & Tested
Super CMOS3 Keyer - Partial Kit
Logikit CMOS4 Keyer - Complete Kit or Assembled & Tested
Keyer Documentation
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