nKeyer
Page 3 of 15
Version 1g
By N7XG / KI6TMF
1.
Overview of the nKeyer
This documentation covers the construction of the nKeyer board and general use. It
approaches this task as a learning exercise for new builders, so that they can develop
proficiency and self-confidence. The project itself is quite simple and if you follow the steps you
will have a working board able to use for amateur radio.
The nKeyer is a simple Arduino based device designed to act at its basic level, as a stand-
alone
“electronic keyer” with a Morse code paddle. Flexibility has been built in providing
additional features such as:
•
Based on the Open Hardware K3NG Nano Keyer hardware.
•
Uses the K3NG Arduino open-source firmware here:
https://github.com/k3ng/k3ng_cw_keyer
https://nanokeyer.files.wordpress.com
for project details on using and programming the
code.
•
Compatible with the Nano Keyer Rev D open hardware design.
•
USB interface for programing AND keyer control.
•
Winkey compatible
•
Output to drive a transmitter if desired.
•
Can be used with or without a 1602 SPI text display.
•
Provides 8 pushbutton inputs for providing canned Morse coded messages.
•
Provides an optional keyboard interface for command line control if desired.
•
Additional optional features that make it useful as a CW Contest Keyer Addon.
•
5V powered, or OPTIONALLY can be powered from a 7- 23 volt input through a small
onboard “buck converter” that is adjusted to 5v output (details later in this guide).
•
Power and Transmit LED indicators.
•
Morse speed is adjustable, on the fly, from a rotary encoder or simple potentiometer
(your choice)
