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Island Keyer II Kit      PK-4SSR Memory Keyer Kit  Keyer ICs

  Keyall Keying Adapter Kit 

Island memory II Kit  Six-switch Button Bar Kit


the WB9KZY
Island Keyer II Kit

Just when you thought there was nowhere to go in the development of electronic keyers....


 
 
 

Morse Express is delighted to offer this brand new and inexpensive kit for a full-featured Contest Memory Keyer.  Designed and produced by Chuck Olson, WB9KZY of Jackson Harbor Press, The Island Keyer II has more features than virtually any keyer on the market, at any price, and all in a tiny package-- note how few components are on the board!
 
 

Here are the key features of the Island II.  In particular note the ones that are shown in red, because they are essentially unique!
 

  • pot or paddle speed control - 5 to 70 WPM speed range
  • speed readout via simulpress
  • 56 memories, non-volatile (contents retained when power off)
  • memory embedded functions including speed change, pause, loop, chain
  • weight adjustable from 20 to 80 percent via paddle or pot
  • tone frequency adjustable from 250 to 990 Hz via paddle or pot
  • 6 memory switches
  • 1.5 x 2 inch circuit board
  • machined pin IC sockets
  • keyer can function without external eeprom chip
  • 2 beacon modes including powerup beacon start option
  • 10 bit a/d Morse readout from up to 3 different inputs
  • serial number support with simulpress decrement available
  • separate command sidetone frequency
  • separate command speed
  • programmable simulpresses (memory switch combination commands)
  • straight key input
  • commands can be entered from paddle or straight key
  • memories can be recorded from either paddle or straight key
  • bug mode (dit paddle normal, dah paddle functions as straight key)
  • tune function via simulpress
  • "ultimatic" keying mode selectable
  • iambic modes a/b selectable
  • dit / dah memories can be turned off
  • selectable live "on the air" recording of memories
  • paddles can be reversed via command
  • autospace selectable
  • memory switch press queuing
  • stuck paddle protection (puts keyer to sleep after 128 consecutive dits/dahs)
  • selectable timed straight key memory recording
  • Flash PIC processor, code is easily updatable
  • low power, less than 2 ua when keyer is asleep, 3 ma or less active @ 5V
    •        

    The Island Keyer II is physically tiny (1.5" x 2"), easy to build, and outperforms the "market leader" at little more than half the price!   You can view the manual in pdf format by clicking here.  For only $32.95 you get the printed circuit board, programmed keyer IC, memory IC, and all board mounted components, plus a complete printed manual with parts overlay, schematic, and operating instructions..

    Like most keyers, the Island Keyer II is designed to key modern transistor rigs with a positive key-line voltage. For negative keyed
    tube transmitters you will need the Keyall Adapter Kit (see below).
     
     

    This kit includes one or more devices which are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge.  We recommend the use of an antistatic wrist strap

    Optional Hardware Pack: For an additional $12.95 (combined total $45.9 plus s/h) you can get the hardware-- the speed pot with knob;  six panel-mount pushbutton switches; jacks for paddle, straight key, and output; piezo speaker, and battery holder.  The hardware pack does not include an enclosure.  Click to view the application notes and suggested wiring in pdf format, including photos of an assembled Island Keyer II using the optional hardware pack.

    A suitable enclosure (as shown in the application notes) is the 6.5x3x2 inch project box. 

     

    Jackson Harbor Island Keyer II Kit, $32.95
    Hardware pack for Island Keyer II $12.95
    Project box for Island Keyer II $5.95

    the WB9KZY
    PK-4SSR Keyer Kit

    Assembled PK4SSRThe PK-4 is an elegantly simple and inexpensive kit for a miniature Iambic Memory Keyer. Designed and produced by Chuck Olson, WB9KZY of Jackson Harbor Press, The PK-4 has two separate 80 character memories PLUS 80 character callsign memory.  The callsign memory can be split into two 40 character segments, resulting in 3 programmable message memories plus callsign. In the PK-4 the message and callsign memories are non-volatile, meaning the data stays stored even if the power is disconnected.

    The SSR (solid-state relay) version, as shown in the photo, offers nearly universal keying potential.  Any rig with a key line carrying less than +/- 400V at 120mA can be keyed if the SSR option is installed.

    The PK4 board is physically tiny (1 x 1.5"), and the keyer can be configured to use less than a microamp of current when idling (and a mere 7uA with the 5V regulator), around 1.5mA when active. It has a variable pitch side-tone oscillator and pot-controlled OR programmable speeds from 5-50WPM. It will even tell you (in Morse) what speed is currently set!  Also featured are program selectable A/B/uMatic keying modes, automatic CQ, beacon send mode, non-volatile settings, and programmable pause. And all of the programmable features of this keyer are available with a single lever paddle!

    You can view the manual in pdf format by clicking here.

    PK-4 Feature List

  • pot or paddle speed control - 5 to 50 WPM speed range
  • speed readout via mem+dit simulpress
  • 2, 3 or 4 memories, non-volatile (contents retained when power off)
  • memory embedded pause, callsign memory insertion
  • weight adjustable via menu item
  • tone frequency adjustable via menu item
  • 1 x 1.5 inch circuit board
  • machined pin IC socket
  • beacon mode including timed beacon delay
  • separate command sidetone frequency (lower - non adjustable)
  • bug mode (dit paddle normal, dah paddle functions as straight key)
  • straight key input via bug mode or via paddle simulpress with diodes
  • tune function via menu
  • 5 didah tune mode
  • or single paddle 10 dahs/dits tune mode
  • Ultimatic keying mode
  • selectable Iambic keying modes A or B
  • two selectable varieties of mode b: Accu Keyer / CMOS Super keyer
  • dit / dah memories can be turned off
  • selectable live "on the air" recording of memories
  • paddles can be reversed via menu item
  • autospace on/off selectable
  • stuck paddle protection (puts keyer to sleep after 128 consecutive dits/dahs)
  • tune mode timeout after 14 seconds
  • low power, about 7 ua w/regulator while keyer is asleep, 3 ma or less active @ 5V
  • Flash PIC processor, code is easily updatable
  • exit from menu system instantly with a PAR (press and release) of mem + dit + dah
  • Single lever paddle compatible, "both" paddle features are accessable with an in-turn press of dit then dah or dah then dit
  • power up bypass straight key mode
  • selectable two or one second press and hold delay time
  • embedded "pause and go", keyer will pause for operator sent code, then automatically resume playing the message after a word space
  • "backspace" while recording, if a mistake is sent, the operator can back up one character in memory with a mem+dit PAR (press and release)


    • The PK-4 is pin compatible with (a drop in replacement for) previous PK keyers as well as the TICK and K8 keyer chips with the addition of a 10k ohm pullup resistor between pin 1 and 4 of the keyer chip socket, adding more features and flexibility (especially pot speed control) at a lower price. This is a keyer that is physically small enough (and has low enough current drain) that you can mount it inside the smallest of QRP transceivers. Check out the hookup diagram  and the schematic (pdf format) on the Jackson Harbor web site.

    The kit includes the circuit board and all board-mounted components (except the SSR option parts).  In a typical configuration you supply a pot, two jacks, a push-button switch, piezo speaker, and a battery holder, which you can order as an optional hardware pack from Morse Express (see below).  

    Like most keyers, the PK-4 is designed to key modern transistor rigs with a low positive key-line voltage. Add the SSR option for grid-block and cathode-keyed tube transmitters with up to +/- 400V @ 120mA on the key line.  For rigs with  greater voltage or current on the key line,  you will need the Keyall Adapter Kit (see below) instead of the SSR option.  

    The PK series keyers are also used in the MX Sprint keyer paddle,  the Palm Radio Code Cube, and the Oak Hills Research QRP transceivers.
     
     

    This kit includes one or more devices which are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge.  We recommend the use of an antistatic wrist strap

    Optional Hardware Pack: For an additional $7.50  you can get the hardware-- the speed pot  with knob;  pushbutton switch; jacks for paddle and output; piezo speaker, and 9V battery clip.  The hardware pack includes everything you need except for the box! 

    Click here to see a miniature plastic project box suitable for the PK4 keyer.
     
     
     

    Jackson Harbor PK-4 Keyer Kit, $21.50
    Optional SSR solid state relay kit for PK-4, $5.00
    Hardware pack for PK-4 Keyer, $7.50
    Miniature Project Box, $4.95
    PK-4 Keyer IC with manual only, $9.00
    PK-Basic IC with manual, $6.50


    Need Batteries?

    Roll Your Own Keyer!

    The Jackson Harbor keyers require so few external parts that you can easily build one on a small piece of perf-board or even "dead bug" style (components soldered direct to the pins on the IC.  Odds are pretty good you have the necessary resistors, caps, and an NPN transistor in your junk box.  The programmed PIC keyer chip and the docs are all you need to brew up a very powerful electronic keyer.

    The PK-4  chip is the same IC that is supplied in the PK-4 kit described above.  

    The PK-Basic chip is simpler, and even less expensive--  look at the features you are getting for your $6.50 expenditure!

     
  • Pot or paddle speed control, 5 to 39 WPM
  • 16 character memory + 13 character callsign memory
  • Plug straight into any PK keyer board
  • Pin compatible with Tick or K8 keyer chips
  • Mode A or B Iambic keying
  • Beacon mode
  • One touch CQ using callsign memory
  • Speed readout - sends code speed via the sidetone
  • Low standby power (about 1 ua at 5 V) 
  • Low active power (1.5 ma max. at 5 V) 

    •    
    PK-4 Keyer IC with manual only, $9.00
    PK-Basic IC with manual only, $6.50



    The Keyall is an accessory for a keyer , hand key or bug which will allow operation with nearly any transmitter. The circuit is a solid state relay which will key solid state (12V), cathode keyed tube rigs (high positive keying voltage) or grid block tube rigs (high negative keying voltage). The Keyall will even key transmitters like the original Tuna Tin 2 which requires a keying output which is isolated from ground. The Keyall output can be made fully optically isolated from the keyer input. The Keyall can even be used as a conventional solid state relay for DC or AC loads--  the output transistors and capacitor are rated at 500 V and 2.5 A (2500 mA).  Includes complete documentation.  Board size is 1 x 1.5 inches.
    Island Memory II Kit
    Island Memory IIJackson Harbor's Island Memory II kit adds message memory capability to any keyer, straight key, cootie key, or bug! If it sends code, it can be used to program messages into the Island Memory unit so they can be sent repetitively at the touch of a button.  It even has a piezo speaker so you can check your work, or use it as a code practice oscillator. Building and connection are simple, using readily available components or the hardware pack available as an option. Take a look at the manual, the hookup instructions, and the schematic (pdf format files). If you'd rather not build the kit, you'll find similar features in the fully assembled GHD Autobug which includes an electronic keyer.
     

    Features:

  • "straight key memory," works with bug, keyer or key
  • attempts to capture the unique timing of an operator's fist
  • variable sidetone frequency
  • works as code practice oscillator
  • 8 memories in two banks of 4
  • 4 momentary switches built in, no wiring needed
  • selectable looping (beacon mode) for each memory
  • low power, sleep mode: 1 uA w/ 9 volt battery
  • over 90 char message length, non-volatile memory
  • 4 selectable playback speeds
  • kit includes circuit board, components shown, and manual
  • add your enclosure, piezo, jacks and a 9V battery snap
    • Jackson Harbor Island Memory II Kit, $24.95
    Hardware pack for IM-2, $6.00
    Miniature Project Box, $4.95
    Need Batteries?

    Six-switch "button bar" kit for the Island Keyer II kit (or other 6-button application) provides high-quality pcb switches with black switch caps.  Can easily be cut down to provide a smaller number of switches where required.  Kit includes circuit board, switches, and caps.
    Jackson Harbor 6 Switch Kit, JH-6SW $7.50



     

    This kit includes one or more devices which are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge.  We recommend the use of an antistatic wrist strap

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