VEC-204 Instruction Manual |
Electronic Keyer |
Introduction
The VEC-204 Electronic Keyer Paddle with Memory is an iambic keyer and paddle combination. The VEC-204 is a microprocessor controlled keyer that provides iambic key operations 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 nonvolatile 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 the LED is lit and OFF in the "out" position.
2.The Semi-Auto/Auto button allows semi-automatic "bug" and manual operations. The keyer generates dots automatically. Dashes are manually made. The keyer is completely manual when only the dash is used. SemiAuto 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 nonvolatile memory. It is a momentary time sensitive push-button.
4.The Speed control, located on the left side of the unit, 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, located on the left side of the unit, 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 from approximately 10% to 190%, with the standard dot defined as 100% weight. The standard dot- dash-space ratio is 1:3:1 (trimpot at mid-range). This control is accessed through a small hole on the rear of the unit and may be adjusted using a small flat-headed screwdriver. This control is turned clockwise to increase dot and dash lengths and counter-clockwise to decrease dot and dash lengths.
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VEC-204 Instruction Manual |
Electronic Keyer |
7.The Tone control sets the desired sidetone pitch from approximately 200 to 1000 Hz. This control is also accessed through a small hole on the rear of the unit and may be adjusted using a small flat-headed screwdriver. This control is turned clockwise to raise the pitch and counter-clockwise to lower the pitch.
8.The Key Output circuit supports both positive and negative keyed radios. The VEC-204 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 (most solid state radios). To change to grid-block keying (most radios with tube finals) the power must be off, then remove the paddle to access the jumpers inside the case. Locate jumpers JMP1 and JMP2. JMP2 is directly behind the RCA jack. JMP1 is approximately one inch behind the RCA jack. Set both jumpers JMP1 and 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 also set inside the unit with a jumper. The unit is factory set for Type "A" Iambic. If you prefer Type "B" Iambic, remove the paddle to access the jumper. Locate jumper JMP3 near the Speed control and set it to the "B" position. For Type "A" Iambic, set the jumper to the "A" position.
Note: Power must be off when changing the jumper settings.
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).
Connections
1.A nine volt battery (not included) may be installed. Remove the case by removing the screws on the bottom that secure it to the paddle. A battery clip, located inside the case, is provided for installing a nine volt battery.
2.A 12 Vdc power supply may also be used to power the VEC-204. 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-204 Instruction Manual |
Electronic Keyer |
3.The keying circuit allows keying of grid-block and solid state transmitters. Keying output connection is made with a quality standard shielded RCA cable between your radio key input and the VEC-204's Key Output jack.
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 nine volt battery or an optional power adapter may be used to supply power to the keyer.
2.The keyer should be turned on by pressing the Power button and the LED is lit.
3.The Semi-Auto/Auto button should be in the "out" position for automatic operation.
4.The user should now start sending with the paddle and adjust volume, tone, weight, and speed to his or her preference.
5.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 feature can be checked by setting the keyer to the lowest speed and tapping first the dash lever and then the dot lever before the completion of the dash. The keyer will provide both the dash and the dot. The dash memory can be checked in a similar manner. The dot insertion feature allows the user to insert a dot by tapping the dot lever while holding the dash lever in. The dash insertion feature allows the user to insert a dash while holding the dot lever in. The Iambic operation feature allows sending of alternate dots and dashes when both paddles are squeezed. The first paddle contacted will determine whether a dot or dash occurs first.
6.The user may select either Iambic A or B according to his or her preference.
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