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CW Operation - WinKey
CW operation in DXP is accomplished through genuine WinKey chip, a unique external CW processor
developed by Steve Elliot, K1EL. DXP uses WinKey version WKv3.
WinKey operates in one of two distinct modes: Host Mode or Standalone Mode. After powering up, DXP
places WinKey into Host Mode. The user can switch to Standalone Mode by pressing and holding the
leftmost button on top of DXP for at least 5 seconds until WinKey indicates entering Standalone Mode
by playing ‘MN’ prosign (dah-dah-dah-dit). The user can switch back to Host Mode by pressing and
holding the rightmost button on top of DXP for at least 5 seconds, releasing the button when the display
indicates so.
In Host Mode besides performing the usual keyer action for the paddle WinKey can communicate
through its serial port. This means that it reports all played characters and also changes of WPM as the
Speed control knob is turned so that DXP can display both. In this mode, DXP can send characters
typed on a connected keyboard to WinKey which then plays them as CW at the set speed. Also in Host
Mode, WinKey can be controlled through the WinKey Serial Port from PC from any of the popular logger
programs, which support WinKey operation (for details on this operation refer to your logger program’s
manual). In Host Mode, the buttons on top of DXP are not operational - except for the leftmost button,
holding it enters the Standalone Mode.
In Standalone Mode while the usual keyer function for paddle is still retained WinKey stops
communicating through serial port. This means that WinKey won’t report changes of WPM when turning
the Speed control knob (thus DXP can’t display it) and it won’t play characters entered through the
keyboard connected to DXP. Changing mode to Standalone while a logger program is connected will
also stop communication with the logger program.
However, in Standalone Mode, WinKey can play back stored messages simply by pressing one of the
buttons on top of DXP. To store a message, start by pressing and holding the leftmost (command)
button until WinKey plays a ‘R’. Then press the button for which you want to store a message, WinKey
plays ‘E’. Start sending the message on the paddle maintaining proper spacing between characters and
words (WinKey plays an ‘E’ to notify a word spacing). When finished, press the leftmost (command)
button, and WinKey responds with ‘R’, storing the message. Now, simply pressing the given button will
play back the whole message at once. For standalone use without computer, you can power DXP from
any USB power bank.
In Standalone Mode WinKey allows not only message recording and playback but also control of all its
internal parameters by using just the control button and paddle. For details, please refer to the WinKey
datasheet at
https://www.hamcrafters2.com/files/WK3_Datasheet_v1.3.pdf
A new feature introduced in WK v3.1 is FSK support. WinKey can send FSK output for RTTY in both
Host and Standalone Modes. Please refer to the WK3 datasheet for details and operational instructions.
NOTE:
In Standalone mode is necessary to issue command
X
and
Z
to swap output because by default
WK chip sends FSK on PTT line and PTT on KEY line. At the same time it is necessary to redirect KEY
line to FSK output by turning YES menu 8.2.
NOTE:
Switching between FSK and CW in Host Mode is fully automatic. Set FSK output to either KEY1
or KEY2 in your logger.
WinKey internal parameters, settings, and the preset messages can be also changed using the free
WK3Tools Utility,
https://www.hamcrafters2.com/WK3tools.html
. After running the program, start by
clicking “Set Com Port” and selecting the DXP WinKey Serial Port. The program connects to WinKey
and you can then click Read WK to read out the current settings, modify them, and then store them
back by clicking Write WK.
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