microHAM micro KEYER 2R, MK2R User Manual

micro KEYER 2 Radio

MK2R & MK2R+

microHAM

fax: +421 2 4594 5100 e-mail: support@microham.com homepage: www.microham.com

Version 1.2

Joe Subich, W4TV

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

1. FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................... 4

2. IMPORTANT WARNINGS ............................................................................................................ 6

3. PANEL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. 7

Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................ 7

Front Panel ......................................................................................................................... 11

4. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................... 15

Preparing MK2R for Use..................................................................................................... 15

Installing microHAM USB Device Router ............................................................................ 17

Installing the USB Driver.......................................................................................................18

Configuring the USB Audio Codec and USB Voice Codec ................................................ 19

Configuring microHAM USB Device Router ....................................................................... 20

Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports .............................................................................. 21

5. microHAM DEVICE ROUTER .................................................................................................... 22

Menu: Router ...................................................................................................................... 22

Menu: Preset ...................................................................................................................... 23

Menu: Device ...................................................................................................................... 24

Menu: Virtual Port ............................................................................................................... 26

Menu: Help .......................................................................................................................... 26

Device Configuration Tabs ................................................................................................. 27

Ports Tab ...................................................................................................................... 28

Ports: Control ....................................................................................................... 28

Ports: FSK ............................................................................................................ 31

Ports: 2nd FSK ....................................................................................................... 32

Ports: CW ............................................................................................................. 32

Ports: PTT ............................................................................................................. 33

Ports: 2nd PTT ....................................................................................................... 33

Ports: Foot Switch ................................................................................................ 33

Ports: WinKeyer 2 ................................................................................................ 34

Ports: CW and PTT from LPT (parallel port)......................................................... 34

Ports: CW/PTT Steering ....................................................................................... 35

Audio Switching Tab .................................................................................................... 35

Audio Mixer Tab ............................................................................................................ 42

PTT/FSK Tab ................................................................................................................ 46

CW/WinKey Tab ........................................................................................................... 50

CW Messages Tab ........................................................................................................52

FSK Messages Tab .......................................................................................................53

DVK Tab ........................................................................................................................ 54

SO2R Tab ..................................................................................................................... 55

Accessory (ACC) Port Tab ........................................................................................... 58

Functions Tab.................................................................................................................59

6. MK2R OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 60

Setting Audio Levels ........................................................................................................... 60

Understanding Transmit (TX) Focus .................................................................................. 62

Understanding Headphone Switching ................................................................................ 63

Using Functions .................................................................................................................. 65

Understanding Interlocks .................................................................................................... 66

System Considerations ....................................................................................................... 67

External Keyboard/Numeric Keypad .................................................................................. 68

7. HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 69

8. PACKAGE CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 70

9. WARRANTY .............................................................................................................................. 70

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .......................................................................................... 71

APPENDIX A – DB37 RADIO CONNECTOR ............................................................................ 72

APPENDIX B – DB25 ACCESSORY CONNECTOR ................................................................ 73

1 - FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

General:

• single USB connection (advanced mode) with LPT port for compatibility with "classic standard"

• stand alone operation without computer

• support for independent settings for dissimilar radios

• optimized operation on each radio and dissimilar modes (R1=SSB, R2=CW)

• innovative dual sound card processing

• integrated dual USB sound core (MK2R+ only)

• 16 buttons/42 lights for ergonomic function control and status display

• compatible with most standard MS Windows based logging or control programs

• DOS mode compatibility with LPT port interface of DOS based contest loggers (CT, TR, NA)

Radio control:

• integrated level converter for both radios CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, or RS-232

• up to 57600 Baud with handshake support

• fully supports most Icom, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, Yaesu and other radios

• optical isolation of radio control port from computer

Keying:

• optical isolation of all keying signals from computer

• intelligent keying lockouts for both radios (Band lock, Busy lock, External lock)

• hardware support for "last one wins" or "first one wins" operation

• easy switching between manual and automatic control

• independent settings for dissimilar Power Amplifiers

• Hot Switch PA protection with user defined timing

• programmable PTT assertion delay in 1ms steps

• T/R sequencer with extended capabilities

• separately sequenced keying outputs for VHF LNA preamplifiers

• supports dual (one per radio) or single foot switch operation

• supports separate PTT for each radio with automatic TX focus control

• supports VOX and CAT T/R switching

• wide range solid state outputs for modern PA keying or QSK PA separately for each radio

• relay isolated outputs for negative or high voltage PA control for each PA

CW:

• integrated second generation K1EL WinKey2™

• front panel speed knob

• selectable side tone capabilities with "paddle side tone" function

• nine (9) user programmable memories

• application independent contest auto-numbering

• supports PS/2 keyboard for CW transmission with type ahead

• supports PS/2 keyboard or keypad for CW “memory keyer” and control

• PS/2 keyboard or keypad CW works without computer connection

• handles multiple CW sources: WinKey2, serial port and/or LPT port with steering

Digital (FSK/AFSK/PSK31):

• six transformers for DC isolation of sound card and radios

• selectable routing of radio outputs (VFO A/B) for each sound card channel

• low noise preamplifiers for improved weak signal decoding

• front panel controls to optimize levels for each sound card channel

• front panel controls to optimize mic drive for each radio

• integrated high performance, low noise floor USB sound core (MK2R+ only)

• separate USB sound codec for digital modes (MK2R+ only)

• separate digital audio drive for each radio

• selectable sound card channel output/steering for digital audio

• application specific mono/stereo signal source handling

• dual FSK output

• supports data codes with 5/6/7/8 data bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits

• unique, hot switch protected FSK keying

• separate PTT output for digital audio mode operation with microphone muting

• nine (9) user programmable memories (FSK)

• supports PS/2 keyboard FSK transmission with type ahead and diddle function

• supports PS/2 keyboard or keypad for FSK message playback and control

• PS/2 keyboard/keypad FSK works without computer connection

Voice (SSB/AM/FM):

• front panel headset jacks

• rear panel hand/desktop microphone jack

• front panel selection of connected microphones

• supports all microphone control functions for Radio1

• selectable preamplifier supports dynamic microphones with computer interface

• selectable preamplifier for using dynamic microphones with Icom radios

• customizable microphone routing for each state (VOX / computer PTT / foot switch) by radio

• customizable microphone routing for operation style (direct to radio / through sound card)

• Digital Voice Keyer with nine messages up to 120 seconds line and unlimited “banks”

Headphone (Receive) Audio:

• front panel headphones jacks, rear panel external speaker jack

• unique "multi-source" signal handling

• supports second sound card for audio review or “spot announcements”

• able to switch any of six (6) audio sources to either ear

1. R1 VFOA 2. R1 VFOB 3. R2 VFOA 4. R2 VFOB

5. Sound Card left channel 6. Sound Card right channel

• hardware support for independent receive audio selection by operating state

1. R1=RX, R2=RX, TX focus=R1 2. R1=RX, R2=RX, TX focus=R2

3. R1=TX, R2=RX 4. R1=RX, R2=TX 5. R1=TX, R2=TX

• hardware support for user defined "scenarios" handling (weak pileup, strong pileup, S&P, etc ...)

• front panel control of audio mix level

• configurable audio source (VFO A/B) for each sound card channel

• support for recording headphone audio (WYH - What You Hear)

• user selectable “delayed” headphone switching (100ms steps)

• independent front panel record level level control for each channel

• additional buttons for "classic" audio control R1/SPLIT/R2 or R1/MIX/R2

• easy switching between manual and automatic control

Other:

• configurable Accessory connection with dual BCD band data outputs

• user definable presets to recall all parameters for different control programs or contests

• all parameters are stored inside the box memory and reloaded after power up

• integrated chokes and filters for maximum RFI immunity

• Metal/Aluminum case, powder coated and silk screened

• Free, no time limit firmware/software upgrades via Internet

2 - IMPORTANT WARNINGS

ALWAYS check the polarity of the 13.8 V power supply.

When changing Radio #1, ALWAYS be sure the proper microphone for the

radio is connected to the MK2R RJ45 MIC jack BEFORE connecting the DB37

RADIO cable.

If dissimilar radios are attached to MK2R or MK2R+, NEVER connect the

microphone of the Radio #2 to the RJ45 microphone jack on the rear panel.

If your radio supports firmware upload, always perform any upload from

an RS-232 (COM) port on the computer - NOT through MK2R.

(1) – EXT SP

External speaker or second headphones. Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Left channel RING – Right channel SHELL – Ground

3 - PANEL DESCRIPTION

Rear Panel

(2) – MIC

Station microphone (original) for Radio #1. Connector: RJ45 female If the original radio microphone uses a connector other than an RJ45 the appropriate adapter is provided with the cable set. All microphone controls are connected to the RADIO1 DB37 connector (pins 12-15 and 30-33).

Important warning: If dissimilar radios are attached to the MK2R or MK2R+ NEVER connect the microphone from Radio #2 to this jack.

(3) – RADIO1

Multi-pin jack for RADIO1 interconnection. Connector: DB37 female Detailed description is in Appendix A.

(4) – RADIO1 SUB RX

Input for constant level audio from the second (SUB) receiver RADIO1. Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Signal RING – Signal (internally connected to TIP) SHELL – Ground

(5) – RADIO2 SUB RX

Input for constant level audio from the second (SUB) receiver RADIO2. Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Signal RING – Signal (internally connected to TIP) SHELL – Ground

(6) – R1 + R2 HP AUDIO

Input for headphone audio outputs from both RADIO1 and RADIO2. Connector: DIN6

Pin 1 – RADIO1 Left channel (TIP) Pin 2 – RADIO1 Right channel (RING) Pin 3 – RADIO1 Ground (SHELL) Pin 4 – RADIO2 Left channel (TIP) Pin 5 – RADIO2 Right channel (RING) Pin 6 – RADIO2 Ground (SHELL)

(7) – LPT

Input from computer LPT (printer) port. Connector: DB25 female

(8) – OUT SC1 (MK2R only)

Input from Line Out of the computer Sound Card #1 Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Left channel RING – Right channel SHELL – Ground

(9) – IN SC2 (MK2R only)

Output to Line In of the computer Sound Card #2 Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Left channel RING – Right channel SHELL – Ground

(10) – OUT SC2 (MK2R only)

Input from Line Out of the computer Sound Card #2 Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Left channel RING – Right channel SHELL – Ground

(11) – MIC SC1 (MK2R only)

Output to Mic In of the computer Sound Card #1 Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Signal RING – Signal (internally connected to TIP) SHELL – Ground

Note: These four jacks (8-11) are present only on MK2R. MK2R utilizes to two external sound cards SC1 (for Voice modes) and SC2 (for Digital modes). MK2R+ includes internal SC1 (Voice Codec) and SC2 (Digital mode Codec).

(12) – USB

Port for connecting to the computer USB port. Connector: USB B

(13) – PAD

Port for connection of a future external controller. Connector: Mini DIN6

(14) – PS/2

Port for connection of external PS/2 keyboard or numeric keypad. Connector: Mini DIN6

(15, 16) – iLINK (internal LINK)

Ports for connecting other microHAM devices (future expansion) to MK2R or MK2R+. Connectors: Mini DIN6

(17) – ACC

Port for connecting external peripherals like 3rd party Band Decoders or custom built level translators. Connector: DB25 female Pin description is in Appendix B.

(18) – PADDLE

Paddle input. Connector: 6.3mm (1/4”) stereo TIP – DIT Input RING – DAH Input SHELL – Ground

Note: The paddle sense can be reversed using Router or application settings.

(19) – RADIO2

Multi-pin jack for RADIO2 interconnection. Connector: DB37 female Detailed description is in Appendix A.

(20) – PTT IN 2

Status input for sensing the state of RADIO2. Connect to the PTT output of RADIO2. Connector: RCA TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

Note: This connection is required to support VOX operation and PTT by software (CAT).

(21) – FS2

Foot switch 2 input (configurable function, by default keys RADIO2). Connector: RCA, active when grounded. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

(22) – PAPTT2

PTT output for Power Amplifier for RADIO2. Output (Solid State or RElay contact) depends on RE/SS jumper position.

Connector: RCA, when active goes to ground. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

If the jumper is in the SS position, the switching transistor (open collector) is connected to the PAPTT2 jack. The transistor can switch up to 45V/0.8A. This position is appropriate for modern Power Amplifiers with electronic keying. Check the manual of your amplifier to be sure the power requirements do not exceed the transistor rating. If the requirements exceed transistor rating set the jumper to the RE position - this position connects the relay contact to the output jack. Maximum rating for the relay is: 125VAC/2A or 60VDC/2A.

TIP: If you are not sure about the keying voltage of your amp or LNA, use the RE position.

TIP: All of the RE/SS jumpers are located on the bottom circuit board just in front of the DC 12V input jack.

(23) – LNA2

Sequenced keying (bypass) for Low Noise Amplifier or receive antenna control on RADIO2. Output (Solid State or RElay contact) depends on RE/SS jumper position. Connector: RCA, when active goes to ground. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground The output circuit is the same as shown for PAPTT2.

(24) – PTTIN1

Status input for sensing the state of RADIO1. Connect to the PTT output of RADIO1. Connector: RCA TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

(25) – FS1

Footswitch 1 input (configurable function, by default keys RADIO1). Connector: RCA, active when grounded. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

(26) – PAPTT1

PTT output for Power Amplifier for RADIO1. Output (Solid State or RElay contact) depends on RE/SS jumper position. Connector: RCA, when active goes to ground. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground

If the jumper is in the SS position, the switching transistor (open collector) is connected to the PAPTT1 jack. The transistor can switch up to 45V/0.8A. This position is appropriate for modern Power Amplifiers with electronic keying. Check the manual of your amplifier to be sure the power requirements do not exceed the transistor rating. If the requirements exceed transistor rating set the jumper to the RE position - this position connects the relay contact to the output jack. Maximum rating for the relay is: 125VAC/2A or 60VDC/2A.

(27) – LNA1

Sequenced keying (bypass) for Low Noise Amplifier or receive antenna control on RADIO1. Output (Solid State or RElay contact) depends on RE/SS jumper position. Connector: RCA, when active goes to ground. TIP – Signal SHELL – Ground The output circuit is the same as shown for PAPTT2.

(28) – DC 12V

Power input. Connector: 2.1/5.5mm coaxial CENTRAL – Positive pole SHELL – Negative pole (Ground)

Important warning: Be sure to observe the proper polarity!

B1 – POWER

Turns MK2R/MK2R+ on or off. While in operation, a short press will lock or unlock the front panel. When locked, the LOCK light will illuminate.

Front Panel

B2 – MIC

Selects the microphone. When the REAR light is illuminated the microphone attached to rear panel RJ45 MIC jack is active. Otherwise, the front panel MIC jack (3.5 mm) is active.

B3 – MODE

Selects among the operating modes defined at the SO2R tab in Router. The mode is selected or deselected by pressing this button until the light representing the desired operating mode is flashing and allowing it to time out. The active mode(s) are indicated by the MODE lights.

(1) – MK2R MODE status

MIX – Mix control is active. A – Mode A selected/active B – Mode B selected/active C – Mode C selected/active

B4 – LEFT EAR

Selects the audio source connected to the left ear of the headphones.

(2) – Left Headphone Status

RADIO1:

A – indicates audio from VFO A of RADIO1 is connected to the left ear B – indicates audio from VFO B of RADIO1 to connected to the left ear

SC:

L – connects left channel audio from the unused sound card to the left ear R – connects right channel audio from the unused sound card to the left ear

RADIO2:

A – indicates audio from VFO A of RADIO2 is connected to the left ear B – indicates audio from VFO B of RADIO2 is connected to the left ear

B5 – +

Used with the B4 and B5 buttons to add (mix) additional sources to the left or right headphones.

B6 – RIGHT EAR

Selects the audio source connected to the right ear of the headphones.

(3) – Right Headphone Status

RADIO1:

A – indicates audio from VFO A of RADIO1 is connected to the right ear B – indicates audio from VFO B of RADIO1 to connected to the right ear

SC:

L – connects left channel audio from the unused sound card to the right ear R – connects right channel audio from the unused sound card to the right ear

RADIO2:

A – indicates audio from VFO A of RADIO2 is connected to the right ear B – indicates audio from VFO B of RADIO2 is connected to the right ear

B7 – RADIO1

Disables automatic headphone switching if it was enabled (switch to manual mode) and connects both ears to RADIO1. Selecting the VFO connected to each ear is accomplished by holding the RADIO1 button and pressing the LEFT EAR (B4) and RIGHT EAR (B5) buttons. The selection will be saved in MK2R memory. By default the left ear is connected to VFO A and the right ear is connected to VFO B.

B8 – BOTH

Disables automatic headphone switching if it was enabled (switch to manual mode) and connects one ear to each radio. Selecting the VFO connected to each ear is accomplished by holding the BOTH button and pressing the LEFT EAR (B4) and RIGHT EAR (B5) buttons. The selected assignment will be saved in MK2R memory. By default the left ear is connected to VFO A of RADIO1 and the right ear is connected to VFO A of RADIO2

B9 – RADIO2

Disables automatic headphone switching if it was enabled (switch to manual mode) and connects both ears to RADIO2. Selecting the VFO connected to each ear is accomplished by holding the RADIO2 button and pressing the LEFT EAR (B4) and RIGHT EAR (B5) buttons. The selection will be saved in MK2R memory. By default the left ear is connected to VFO A of RADIO2 and right ear is connected to VFO B of RADIO2

Pressing the RADIO1 (B7) and RADIO2 (B9) buttons at the same time enables the automatic headphone switching (AUTO mode). If enabled, the yellow AUTO light above the BOTH button will be lit. Lights above the RADIO1 (B7) and RADIO2 (B9) buttons indicate receive focus. Headphone switching is based on the configuration options and application control signals described later.

Note: These buttons - RADIO1 (B7), BOTH (B8) and RADIO2 (B9) - are used for headphone control only and do not control transmit focus (select active transmitter).

B10-B13 – FUNCTIONS F1-F4

Store/Recall four independent hardware configurations or “scenarios.” Pressing one of these buttons recalls a configuration. Pressing and holding a button stores the current state of MK2R/MK2R+ in that “memory.” A light will illuminate adjacent to the active configuration.

B14 – RADIO1 TRANSMIT FOCUS

Selects transmission on RADIO1 and disables automatic control of transmit focus if it was enabled. The lights below the RADIO buttons indicates which radio is selected (has focus).

B15 – RADIO2 TRANSMIT FOCUS

Selects transmission on RADIO2 and disables automatic control of transmit focus if it was enabled. The lights below the RADIO buttons indicates which radio is selected (has focus).

Pressing the RADIO1 (B14) and RADIO2 (B15) buttons at the same time enables automatic selection of transmit focus (AUTO mode) and illuminates the AUTO light. The lights below the RADIO1 (B14) and RADIO2 (B15) buttons indicate which radio has TX focus (will transmit in response to a PTT input). Transmit switching is based on the configuration options and application control signals described later.

B16 – LEFT

Selects the audio source connected to the left channel of Sound Card 2 Line In (MK2R) or “Digital” Audio Codec (MK2R+).

(4) – Recording/Digital left channel audio status

RADIO1:

A – indicates fixed level audio from VFO A of RADIO1 is connected to the left channel. B – indicates fixed level audio from VFO B of RADIO1 is connected to the left channel.

RADIO2:

A – indicates fixed level audio from VFO A of RADIO2 is connected to the left channel. B – indicates fixed level audio from VFO B of RADIO2 is connected to the left channel.

B17 – RIGHT

Selects the audio source connected to the right channel of Sound Card 2 Line In (MK2R) or “Digital” Audio Codec (MK2R+).

(5) – Recording/Digital right channel audio status

RADIO1:

A – indicates fixed level audio from VFO A of RADIO1 is connected to the right channel. B – indicates fixed level audio from VFO B of RADIO1 is connected to the right channel.

RADIO2:

A – indicates fixed level audio from VFO A of RADIO2 is connected to the right channel. B – indicates fixed level audio from VFO B of RADIO2 is connected to the right channel.

Pressing the LEFT (B16) and RIGHT (B17) buttons at the same time enables WYH (What You Hear). The WYH light will illuminate and headphone audio will be connected to the Recording/Digital input - left ear to left channel and right ear to right channel.

Note: Do Not Use WYH during Digital operation (RTTY/PSK/etc.). This will result in headphone audio being sent to the digital demodulators. Performance will be compromised when adjusting the headphone level for operator comfort.

(6) – PHONES

Output for operator headphones Connector: 6.3mm (1/4”) stereo TIP – Left RING – Right SHELL – Common

(7) – MIC

Microphone input (headset microphone) Connector: 3.5mm (1/8”) stereo TIP – Signal RING – NC SHELL – Shield

(8) – MIX

Adjusts the level of mixing of audio from one ear into the other. Mix is selected by the MODE button - when enabled the MIX light above the MODE button will light.

(9) – CW SPEED

Provides manual control of the WinKeyer2. Minimum and and Maximum speeds are defined by software.

(10) – CW/FSK

RED color indicates the CW output to RADIO1 is active GREEN color indicates the FSK output to RADIO1 is active

(11) – TX1

Adjusts drive level from the sound card or codec to RADIO1

(12) – PTT1/PTT2

RED color indicates PTT1 (RADIO1 front panel microphone jack PTT) is active GREEN color indicates PTT2 (rear panel of RADIO1) is active YELLOW color indicates both PTT1 + PTT2 are active

(13) – CW/FSK

RED color indicates the CW output to RADIO2 is active GREEN color indicates the FSK output to RADIO2 is active

(14) – TX2

Adjusts drive level from the sound card or codec to RADIO2

(15) – PTT1/PTT2

RED color indicates when PTT1 (RADIO2 front panel microphone jack PTT) is active GREEN color indicates when PTT2 (rear panel of RADIO2) is active YELLOW color indicates when both PTT1 + PTT2 are active

(16) – RECORDING/DIGITAL LEFT

Controls the left channel audio level to SC2 Line In (MK2R) or “Digital” Audio Codec (MK2R+) for audio recording or digital mode operation.

(17) – RECORDING/DIGITAL RIGHT

Controls the right channel audio level to SC2 Line In (MK2R) or “Digital” Audio Codec (MK2R+) for audio recording or digital mode operation.

4 - INSTALLATION

Installing MK2R consists of several steps:

1) preparing MK2R to work with your radios

2) installing microHAM USB Device Router (the control and interface software)

3) installing the USB drivers

4) configuring the Windows USB Audio Devices

5) configuring Router

6) setting audio levels

Preparing MK2R for Use

DO NOT apply power to MK2R at this time.

1. Turn off both radios and make MK2R rear panel accessible.

2. Plug the DB37M of the radio cable set into the RADIO1 connector on the rear panel of the MK2R. Connect ALL connectors from the cable set to the matching jacks on the rear panel of your transceiver. Each connector on the radio interface cable is marked same as the jack on your transceiver. Do same for RADIO2 - remember which radio is RADIO1 and which 1s RADIO2.

RADIO1 should be your primary radio. Only the original station microphone for RADIO1 can be connected to the MK2R rear panel mic jack (RJ-45). Using the wrong microphone can damage the microphone, the radio or MK2R.

3. Plug the microphone for RADIO1 to the RJ45 MIC jack. If your microphone has a Foster (round) connector, use the adapter supplied with the RADIO1 cable set.

4. If your radios have two receivers (FT-1000D, FT-1000MP, FT-2000, FT-9000, Orion, IC-7800) connect the fixed level audio output from the second receiver to the SUB RX jacks of MK2R

5. Connect the supplied headphone cable to the MK2R R1+ R2 HP AUDIO jack and plug the 6.3mm (1/4") plugs into the headphone jack of each radio.

6. Connect your paddles to the PADDLE jack.

7. If you use a foot switch, connect the foot switch for RADIO1 to FS1 and foot switch for RADIO2 to FS2. If you use only a single foot switch, connect it to FS1. You will configure MK2R for single or dual foot switch operation later with the MK2R control program – "Router."

8. MK2R only (not MK2R+) – connect two sound cards to their respective jacks

OUT SC1: connect to the output of sound card 1 (line out or speaker) MIC SC1: connect to the microphone jack of sound card 1 OUT SC2: connect to the output of sound card 2 (line out or speaker) IN SC2: connect to the Line In of sound card 2

9. Connect a 12V-16V DC supply to the DC 12V jack.

Be sure to observe the proper polarity.

10.Prepare but DO NOT connect USB cable to the USB jack of the MK2R at this time.

Proper grounding layout for two radio setup

Installing microHAM USB Device Router

The Windows installer will start and ask into which folder Router and its supporting files should be installed. Unless you have a very strong reason to install Router elsewhere, please accept the default location: C:\Program Files\microHAM .

To install Router click on the Install USB Device Router link on the installation CD or download the most recent installation package from the microHAM web site: www.microHAM.com/downloads.html.

Note: Router is updated regularly. Check the web site at: www.microHAM-USA.com/downloads.html for the most recent version.

If you download an updated package, click on "urouter_release_xx_yy_zz.exe" (xx_xx_zz is the version) to start the installation.

When the Router installation is completed, UNCHECK the "Launch microHAM USB Device Router" box.

The USB device driver must be installed before starting Router.

Note: If for any reason you need to completely remove an installed copy of Router, click "Delete configuration data in Windows registry during uninstall."

Important warning: After you uninstall Router you MUST REBOOT the computer BEFORE installing any version of Router again.

Installing the USB DRIVER

Connect one end of the USB cable to the MK2R or MK2R+ and plug the other end into an open USB port in your computer.

The automatic Wizard will appear, insert the installation CD into the CDROM drive. Select "No, not this time" when asked to connect to Windows Update, then click "Next."

Now, select "Install from list or specific location (Advanced)" and click "Next."

When asked for your search and installation options use the path to the Router installation directory. The default path is: C:\Program Files\microHAM\drivers\d2xx

Wait until the driver is copied.

During installation on Windows XP a driver certification dialog will appear. Ignore this message and click "Continue Anyway".

If the USB driver is successfully installed, a "microHAM USB Device" should appear in the Universal Serial Bus controllers section of Windows Device Manager without any exclamation mark.

Configuring the USB Audio CODEC and USB Voice CODEC (MK2R+ only)

Windows will automatically install the USB Audio Device driver to support the USB Audio CODEC and USB Voice CODEC in MK2R+.

Windows automatically selects any newly installed audio device as the default device for Sound Playback and Sound recording. This is undesirable as Windows Sounds would be played through MK2R+ and onto the air!

Right click on the Speaker Icon on the task bar and select "Adjust Audio Properties" or open "Sounds and Audio Devices" in Control Panel and reset the Default device for Sound Playback and Sound Recording to your computer's primary sound device.

Configuring the microHAM USB Device Router

The microHAM USB Device Router (Router) program provides a Windows compatible configuration tool for microHAM USB Devices (MK2R or MK2R+ as well as DIGI KEYER, microKEYER, CW Keyer and USB

Interfaces) and software interface to other Windows applications (logging software, digital mode software, etc.). The software interface is provided as Virtual Serial Ports.

In order to configure and use MK2R with Windows compatible application programs, you must have installed the USB driver (d2xx), started Router, applied power to MK2R and turned the device on. Router is then configured as required by the application (logging, control or digital mode) software.

MK2R includes LPT (parallel) port control. This connection is required for applications which do not make all of the traditional parallel port functions available on serial ports or via software control.

MK2R Status

When the USB driver is installed correctly and MK2R is turned on Router will show a device tab with a GREEN check beside the device name (micro KEYER 2R).

When Router shows a YELLOW “X” instead of a green , it means the USB driver is correctly installed but MK2R is not turned on.

When Router shows a RED “X” instead of a green , it means the device is disconnected and Router does not see the USB part of MK2R. This happens when the USB cable is unplugged or the USB driver is not correctly installed.

Initial Setup

Router must be used to configure MK2R for proper operation. The device configuration tabs (in the red rectangle) are used to setup each part of the MK2R.

Creating and Using Virtual Serial Ports

microHAM Router provides a set of virtual serial ports which allow Windows applications (logging and digital software) to work with MK2R just as they would work with "real" (hardware) serial ports.

In order to use these virtual Ports, you must first create the ports and then assign a port to each function you wish to use (radio control, PTT, CW, FSK, etc.).

DO NOT define a port that is already in use (for example, COM1 or COM2 which are hardware ports on many motherboards) or a virtual port that is used by another USB device. Even though Router will not allow creating a virtual port on a COM port number which is already present in the system (like hardware COM ports or internal modems), sometimes these ports are hidden. If a device which also uses virtual serial ports (external USB devices, bluetooth devices, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) is not connected to the computer when creating virtual ports in Router, the ports can overlap and will not work properly when you connect such device.

Warning: Before you start creating virtual COM ports, attach all external devices you are using with computer and allow them to connected to the system. Restart Router and then create virtual COM ports.

You must create virtual ports manually. Click Virtual Port | Create on the menu. Creating a virtual port may take a long time, be patient.

TIP: It is possible to select multiple ports at one time by holding the Control key on keyboard and clicking on the COM port numbers.

TIP: If you have uninstalled another device which used own virtual COM port and Router does not offer this COM port number you have to reset virtual ports bus. You can do this by deleting all virtual ports in Router but you must delete them all at once. Select menu item "Virtual Port | Delete All" and create the ports again. The missing COM port number should appear.

5. microHAM USB DEVICE ROUTER

ROUTER MENU

Restore Router Settings: used to restore settings from a urs file created by the backup command.

A urs file can be used only with the device for which it was generated (the file contains the unit serial number) on a computer with same port assignments.

Warning: Restoring a backup deletes all current Router settings including presets, use it carefully!

Backup Router Settings: used to create backup urs file.

This file contains Router settings (including Presets) for all devices defined in Router.

Options | General

Load Router on Start-up: when checked, Router will start automatically each time the computer is

started or rebooted.

Start Router Minimized: when checked, Router will started minimized

Options | HF Band Map: Customizable band edge boundaries used to drive the band data output. BCD

codes can be customized for driving antenna switches or bandpass filter control.

Options | Digital Band Map: Customizable band boundaries for the digital modes used for automatically

selecting VOICE/DIGITAL settings for Audio Switching and selecting proper keying output (PTT1/PTT2). Proper boundaries are necessary for transceivers which do not have a special mode for AFSK operation or do not provide this information via computer control. This primarily effects Kenwood transceivers although it is applicable to some Icom, Ten-Tec and Yaesu radios.

Options | Audio Devices:

Don't use audio devices: when checked, Router does not use audio devices and the settings on

the Audio Mixer and DVK tabs have no effect.

Manually assign audio devices: when checked, Router will allow the user to select audio devices

(sound card) in the appropriate fields at Audio Mixer tab and will actively control the audio devices

Automatically assign microHAM audio devices: when checked, Router will automatically assign

proper audio device of the same name if multiple microHAM interfaces of the same kind are connected to the one computer. This setting does not apply to MK2R or MK2R+, it applies only to DIGI Keyer.

Options | DVK:

Voice message time limit: maximum time for each voice message up to 120 seconds. Sample rate: sampling frequency used during recording and playback of voice messages. Sample size: sampling size used during recording of voice messages. Sampling size primarily

effects audio quality of the messages. 16bit samples provide higher quality than 8bit.

Note: Select the same sample rate and size as used by your software to avoid message distortion.

Options | USB:

Noise immunity: selects how many times an undelivered USB packet will be repeated before the

USB device is disconnected from the operating system.

Response time: selects how long the USB interface will wait for additional data before sending

data to the operating system.

+ 51 hidden pages

microHAM micro KEYER 2R, MK2R User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual