
K1EL K45 CW Keyboard and Reader Manual K45B
K-45 User’s Manual - Rev B.0
3/8/2023
Page 2
Introduction
The K45 is the latest member of the K1EL CW Keyboard product line which started with the K20 in 1997. It
incorporates a CW reader and has both USB keyboard and USB host interfaces. Two separate CW output
ports are provided that can key almost any transmitter. Due to part availability issues, the K45’s logic board
was recently redesigned and is now at revision B. With the exception of a different USB interface IC
(CH340) the revision B board is functionally equivalent to the revision A board.
The K45 is housed in an all-metal chassis with a four line by twenty-character LCD display. A slanted face
on the K45 enclosure presents the display for comfortable viewing. A rotary encoder with a push switch
provides user input. The unit is powered by connection to a USB power source, this can be a USB charger,
USB battery, or the USB port on a PC or laptop. The K45 draws low current, about 150 mA, so a standard
phone charger will work fine.
List of K45 features
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WinKeyer mode allows the K45 to connect to a PC host logging or contest application
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4 Line by 20-character LCD display with adjustable backlight and contrast.
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Multi-function status bar display
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Separate receive and transmit display windows with scrolling and optional word wrap
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Real time transmit progress window can be displayed instantly by hot key
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USB Type A connector for use with a standard wired or wireless USB keyboard
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Mini-USB connector for connection to a host PC or power source
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1/8-inch audio jack for CW reader input with adjustable gain, spacing, threshold, and noise filter
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1/8-inch stereo key output jack provides two separate optically isolated outputs
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Keying outputs can be configured as two separate keying outputs or a single output with PTT
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Two optically isolated Solid State relay outputs can key up to +/- 350 volts at 120 mA
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1/8-inch iambic or single lever paddle input that also supports straight key input
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Rotary encoder input with integral push switch
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On board sidetone speaker with adjustable volume and pitch
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ESD input protection and RFI suppression on all connectors
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Transmit keying speed range of 5 to 99 WPM.
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DSP based CW Reader speed operates from 7 to 60 WPM
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Two complete user setups each with message and configuration storage
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Twelve messages of 120 characters each for each user
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Iambic A, B, and Ultimatic paddle modes supported
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Adjustable letterspace and wordspace
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Adjustable keying weight, compensation, and dit/dah ratio
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Adjustable PTT lead-in, tail, and paddle hang times
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Firmware can be upgraded over USB
LCD Display
A high quality 20 by 4 LCD character display is used. The characters are large, well lit, and very easy to
read. By employing an easy to use scrolling and windowing design, the display is used efficiently, and
provides the user with many viewing options.
Status Line
The top line of the display is used for status feedback to the user.
Figure 1 – K45 Display Status Line