LogiKey K-3 - Page 19

Logikey K-3 KEYER
19
So how do we use the serial number in a contest message? Right - with an embedded command. Let's en-
ter: "NR /N A WY9IE 80 IA BK". This will give you "NR 0023 A WY9IE 80 IA BK". "But," you say, "There is a
word space between the serial number and the "A". Which is wasted time in a contest where time is of the
essence." Right. So let's eliminate that with an embedded /Gd command. Reprogram the message thus:
"NR_/N_/GØ_A_WY9IE_80_IA_BK". Now we have eliminated the word space between the serial number and
the "A". The contest operator will certainly appreciate the flexibility these commands give him.
But, you say, "What do I do when some clown calls me for a duplicate QSO and I send the serial number be-
fore I realize he is a dupe? Do I have to reset the serial number with the 'N' function command? That would
be a pain!" And indeed it would be. But you don't have to reset the number. All you do is press the middle
two buttons, (3 & 4) and the keyer sends a "D" and will automatically decrement one number! That's all
there is to it. And each time you press buttons #3 & #4, you decrement another number in the stored serial
number.
There is another button function we have not covered - another tune-up approach. Pushing buttons 4 & 5
together and releasing them causes the keyer to send an "X" over the monitor and "closes" the key contacts
to the transmitter for tune up purposes. The rig stays keyed until you touch either side of your paddle,
which releases the rig.
A special embedded command is the "U" parameter for Ultra-Speed transmission, which allows programmed
messages to be sent at speeds from 70 - 990 (!) WPM. This mode is used almost exclusively by meteor-scat-
ter enthusiasts, who record the messages on high-speed tape recorders, then play back the tapes at slower
speed for decoding. To generate an ultra-speed message, start the message with an "/Udd" embedded com-
mand, where dd are the first two digits of the desired speed. For example, "/UØ7" will send the message at
70 WPM, while "/U9Ø" will send the message at 900 WPM. Note that weighting, compensation (K) and tone
settings are suspended during ultra-speed transmission. Ultra-speed may be used as a part of a message
that also contains regular speed text. Read the operating manual description of Ultra Speed in the Em-
bedded Functions section of the manual for exact details.
There are two different ways to examine the contents of a message stored in memory without going on the
air. Load a #1 message with embedded functions, such as an "SUØ9" and "SDØ9", in the message. Now, en-
ter the Inquiry Mode and answer the "?" prompt by pressing button #1. Notice that the message plays back
exactly as it will go out over the air. Now, again enter the Inquiry Mode and this time answer the "?" prompt
by sending a "1" through the paddle. Note this time that the playback of the stored message is exactly as
you loaded it, showing you the slashbars and embedded commands, exactly as you entered them. You will
find each way of examining a stored message valuable at different times.
If you decide you want to change an already stored message, the "Edit" function can help avoid completely
erasing the message. Editing works by deleting "words" off the back end of the message until you reach the
point where you wish to retain the balance of the message. You can then add to the message or keep the
shortened message. To edit a message, enter the Function mode, and send the letter "E" followed by the
number of the message you wish to edit. The keyer will now send the last word in the message. Remember,
the "word" could be an embedded function, such as a looping command like "/2". If you want to delete the
"/2", simply send a string of seven or more dots. The "word" will be erased, and the keyer will then send the
next prior word for you to decide to keep or erase. At any point you may close the message and the editing
session by pressing the message button, or you may add text by keying it in. Remember that editing works
only for messages stored in character mode.
If you examine the regular operating manual, you will note that some of the commands discussed above can
be entered in several ways. For example, the decrement command can be sent through the function mode.
But pressing the two center buttons is so much easier it would be a rare operator that prefers the function
mode entry for this command. For this reason, the function mode method of decrementing was not covered
in the tutorial. (Till now, anyhow!) Nonetheless, you will find it and similar commands in the Operating Man-
ual.
So. That concludes the tutorial for your Logikey K-3 Keyer. We know you will be delighted by this outstand-
ing design. Enjoy it, and be sure and tell your friends about it as well. 73!