This is for the KIT version
As featured in the 2008 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications!
Keyer to transmitter interface
Computer to transmitter interface
Transmitter to amp interface
Anti-shock key to rig interface for "boat anchors"
Use this to key nearly any solid state, grid-block or even cathode keyed rig transmitter, transceiver or amplifier. This totally silent solid state relay is rated for a whopping 400V DC, at 120 mA! Use it to key your tube amp from a solid state rig, or keep that high voltage off your straight key - no more getting zapped when you accidentally touch the wrong part of the key!
It doesn't get much simpler than this. All parts are thru-hole PCB mount, no SMT parts. An RCA phono jack is included for the keying output to the transmitter or amplifier. Power is supplied through a 5mm/2.5mm power jack, like the UKA-3 and MK-1. The active-high and active-low inputs are on a 3.5mm (1/8") stereo jack, making it easy to use either or both with a simple cable or commonly available adapter.
The keying input can come from a wide range of sources, including:
- Straight key or bug
- Virtually any electronic keyer
- Any relay-type transceiver amplifier keying output
- Any transistor or MOSFET-type transceiver amp keying output
- Computer parallel or serial port output pin
- Any other grounding type input
- Any active-high input up to 20V DC
Note that you can connect TWO inputs at the same time - one active-high, one active-low. Use your computer and electronic keyer during contests, for example.
A status LED shows when your rig or amp is keyed. The kit is designed to use a nominal 12V AC or DC power supply. To make it easy to integrate into your station, you can modify your UKA-2 to work from any AC or DC power supply from 3 to 16 Volts.
Operation is simple. Input from your straight key, bug, computer, electronic keyer or external T/R output of your transceiver controls the input of an optically isolated solid state relay with back-to-back MOSFET outputs. An LED lights whenever either input is active so you know when the output is on. The output is optically isolated from the input - no more "hot" keys on the operating bench, and no more blown components in your solid state transceiver from keying your amplifier. Best of all, you get completely silent operation and turn-on times around 2 ms or less.
Computer control? Sure. For folks who use CT, NA or other contest programs, you can connect your COM or LPT port directly to the active-high input. Instant computer control of your solid state, grid block or cathode keyed rig, and you can use your straight key or memory keyer at the same time!
The new Rev. C kit includes a new, double-sided PCB and a back-EMF quench diode. The output is reconfigured from the earlier version, set up for DC only operation at up to 120 mA. Since the input and output are completely isolated, the output can be wired for keying negative or positive voltages - all that is required is properly connecting the transmitter or amplifier to the output connector.
NOTE: The new UKA2 uses a single 3.5mm stereo input connector. The tip connection is the active-LOW input, so you can plug a 3.5mm mono or stereo plug from your rig, key or keyer. If you want to use an active-high source (normally a computer) you'll use the ring connection, otherwise it can be left floating or shorted to ground. Please see the "Electronic Parts" category for 3.5mm and RCA cables and adapters to make it easy to connect to your rig.
The kit contains a high quality, silkscreened and solder masked PCB, all parts including connectors and complete printed assembly and operating instructions. You supply mounting hardware and enclosure. You can download the complete assembly and operating manual from the Documents tab
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