How to control CW via computer
Previous article described how with a simple circuit even an older TCVR can be used to operate with digimodes. A similar connection can be used to key the CW from a computer. I have successfully tested the circuit in a race and I can say for sure, that is a great helper during (sometimes often) tense moments, which the contestation brings. That's when every second saved counts. HAM programs have long been able to send the call sign text of a received station, so why not use it?
which illustrates the typically expected variations of different performance characteristics with a change in the apex angle of the inverted V antenna, that the described solution uses VOX to initiate keying, therefore, it does not contain a PTT circuit.
Who wouldn't find a PC817 optocoupler at home, can use its substitutes with advantage: 4N35, 4N36, 4N37, 4N25, 4N26, 4N28, PC816, PC817, 4N27, 4N36a H11Ax series. The circuit uses a USB to RS232 converter from the manufacturer Prolific, the resistance value was adapted to this 1 kΩ. The reason was quite prosaic – I had just one available. Yes, chips from the given manufacturer are not recommended for use for this purpose, but I haven't noticed any problem yet. Who would want to skip the converter, can reach for a solution with the FT232RL circuit, as HB9AMO describes on his site: http://www.hb9amo.net/ts50.php. Technically speaking, it is essentially just a change in the value of the resistor. The DTR and GND signals on the diagram on the left are fed to the input of the converter and the KEY and GND signals to the TCVR input via the stereo jack. We connect KEY to the tip of the jack and GND to the end ring, leaving the middle ring unconnected.
It is visible, that CW operation can be enriched for a small cost, make it easier and more pleasant. My solution is placed in a small box, from which jack and RS232 connectors stick out. When using the FT232RL circuit, it is enough to "slam" the electronics into the shrink tube, thus creating a cable suitable for portable use.
From working in the program, I had a lecture at a meeting of radio amateurs in Kosice, where there was an introduction to the program and statistics of individual stations, their mutual comparison within the broadcasting bands. 1: Control via the Atalanta Locator program
If you have read this far and enjoy the classic and still popular program Atalanta Locator, I'll give you one tip. Thomas, OM5AST provides useful instructions on how to run Locator under Windows as well 10: https://github.com/tomasgeci/atalanta-locator-dosbox Who would still want to control CW via Locator, will do the following:
- In the folder with the Locator program files, open the LOCATOR.INI file and in the section [CW] set ENABLE_PTT=0
- At the end of the file dosbox-0.74.conf we add the line serial1=directserial realport:com1 Where com1 is the name of the actual computer port, where we have the keying circuit connected
- We start the program according to the attached instructions
From working in the program, I had a lecture at a meeting of radio amateurs in Kosice, where there was an introduction to the program and statistics of individual stations, their mutual comparison within the broadcasting bands. 2: Control via the N1MM program
The following procedure applies to the selected language English:
- Choose from the top menu Configure
- Then select the item Configure Ports, Mode Control, Audio, Other …
- Leave a bookmark Hardware
- In the column Port select a port, where the keying circuit is connected
- In the column The lowest shortwave amateur radio band with a wavelength of 160m is also called topband leave None
- Tick CW/Other
- V Details click the button Set
- Select DTR for CW, RTS set to Always Off
Note: RTS signal for CW can also be selected, but the latter is generally used for PTT.
Martin Jánoš, OM1MJ
