VEC-202 Instruction Manual |
Mini Keyer with Memory |
Introduction
The VEC-202 Mini Keyer with Memory is a microprocessor controlled keyer that provides iambic key operation and dot-and-dash memory to make sending perfect code easier. It has tunable code speed, code weight, and sidetone frequency; it supports both direct and grid-block keying outputs. You also get to choose between Iambic Type "A" and Type "B" keying. It even has a volatile memory to record and play a message of your choice.
Control Functions
1.The Power button turns the unit ON and OFF. The power is ON when the button is locked in the "in" position and OFF in the "out" position.
2.The Semi-Auto/Auto allows semi-automatic "bug" and manual operations. The keyer generates dots automatically when a squeeze or single lever key is used. Dashes are manually made. The keyer is completely manual when a straight key is used. Semi-Auto is active when the switch is locked in the "in" position and Auto is active in the "out" position.
3.The Message button lets you record and play a message from the volatile memory. It is a momentary push-buttom that is time sensitive.
4.The Speed control varies code speed from 2 to 65 WPM. Turn the control clockwise to increase speed and counter-clockwise to decrease speed.
5.The Volume control adjusts the sidetone level of the internal speaker. Turn the control clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
6.The Weight control varies the code weight. This control is located internally. When looking at the unit's front panel, it is accessible through the small hole on the left side, closest to the rear and may be adjusted by inserting a small, flat-headed screwdriver. The standard dot-dash-space ratio is 1:3:1 (trimpot at mid-range). This control is turned clockwise to increase dot and dash lengths and counter-clockwise to decrease dot and dash lengths. With the standard timing defined as 100% weight, the code weight varies in the range of approximately 10% to 190%.
7.The Tone control sets the desired sidetone pitch from approximately 200 to 1000 Hz. This control is also located internally. When looking at the unit's front panel, it is accessible through the small hole on the left side, closest to
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VEC-202 Instruction Manual |
Mini Keyer with Memory |
the front and may be adjusted by inserting a small, flat-headed screwdriver. This control is turned clockwise to raise the pitch and counter-clockwise to lower the pitch.
8.The Direct/Grid-Block Output keying circuit allows keying of grid-block and solid state transmitters. The VEC-202 can only key one type of transmitter at a time. This is an internal jumper selected option. The unit is factory set to direct keying. To change to grid-block keying the power must be off, then remove the cover by removing the two screws (one on each side) that secure it. Locate JMP1 and JMP2. JMP2 is directly behind the RCA jack. JMP1 is approximately ½" below and slightly to the left of JMP2. Set both jumpers (JMP1 & JMP2) to the "G" position. To key a solid state transmitter, set both jumpers to the "D" position.
Note: Power must be off when changing the jumper settings.
9.The Iambic Type A/B mode is set inside the unit. The unit is factory set for Type "A" Iambic. If you prefer Type "B" Iambic, remove the cover by removing the two screws (one on each side) that secure it. Locate jumper JMP3 (behind the volume control near the power switch) and set it to the "B" position. For Type "A" Iambic, set the jumper to the "A" position.
When a squeeze is released during an element (dot or dash), type "B" adds the opposite element. Type "A" just finishes the element in progress and does not produce a following alternate element. For example, in Type "A" Iambic, a squeeze release during the "dah" in the letter A will produce "dit dah" (A). In Type "B" Iambic, a squeeze release during the "dah" in the letter A will produce "dit dah dit" (R).
INSTALLATION
1.A 9-volt battery (not included) may be installed. Remove the cover by removing the two screws (one on each side) that secure it.. A battery clip and a holder, located on the right side of the enclosure, are provided for installing a 9-volt battery.
2.A 12 Vdc power supply may also be used to power the VEC-202. A 2.1mm coaxial plug with a positive center and a negative sleeve should be used to power this unit. The battery is automatically disconnected when external power is used.
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VEC-202 Instruction Manual |
Mini Keyer with Memory |
3.A squeeze or single lever key can be used. Squeeze key allows Iambic operation. A 1/4-inch stereo phono plug and a two-conductor shielded cable should be used. If separate shielded cables are used, the two shields should be tied together and connected to ground . The dot wire should next be connected to the tip of the plug and the dash wire to the ring. The VEC-202 becomes a manual keyer when a straight key is used. The unit will safely key your transmitter and eliminate the shock hazard of high voltage being present on the straight key.
Note: To use a straight key, first switch the keyer to the Semi-Auto mode (button in). Again a 1/4-inch stereo phono plug should be used because a mono plug will not work on a straight key in Semi-Auto mode. Connect one wire to the ring of the plug and another wire to ground. The tip of the plug should not used.
4.Output keying circuit allows keying of grid-block and solid state transmitters. Remember this is internally jumper selected (refer to page 2). The keying output connection is made with a RCA phono plug.
Note: Consult the transmitter's instruction manual to determine which output to use. When in doubt, try both jumper positions. The transmitter will key continuously when the jumpers are connected to the wrong positions.
KEYER OPERATION
1.A 9-volt battery or an optional ac adapter may be used to supply power to the keyer.
2.The key paddle should be connected to the Key jack on the rear panel of the unit. A dual paddle squeeze key or a single lever key can be used.
3.Next, the keyer should be turned on with the Power switch.
4.The Semi-Auto switch should be in the "out" position for automatic operation.
5.The user should now start sending with the paddle and adjust volume, tone, weight, and speed to his or her preference.
6.The dot and dash memories make sending easier. The memories allow the user to key a dot before the completion of a dash and vice versa. This
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