Ham radio HK5A Manuale utente
HAM RADIO CENTER
HAM KEYER HK5A DELUXE ELECTRONIC KEYER
GENERAL
The HK5A Keyer is a deluxe iambic keyer capable of keying grid block, cathode or solid state
transmitters. The keyer has dot and dash memory and insertion circuits. The built in sidetone oscil-
lator has front panel adjustable tone and volume controls. The unit can be powered from internal
batteries or from an external 6 volt power supply. By using a straight key, the unit can be used for
manual keying of the transmitter or as a code practice oscillator for learning the Morse code.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Remove the top cover from the unit by removing two screws located on the rear lip of the
cover. Slide the lid back to expose the battery holder. Install 4 C cells in the holder observing
proper polarity. Reinstall top cover.
CONNECTING THE KEY
To fully utilize the features of the HK5A, a squeeze-type keyer paddle such as the Ham-Key
HK-1 should be used. The key should be connected with the 3 CKT 1/4 Phone Plug provided. The
tip of the plug connects the dot contact, the ring to the dash contact, and the sleeve to the com-
mon contact.
CONNECTION TO THE TRANSMITTER
A shielded cable should be fabricated to connect the HK5A to the transmitter. An RCA Phono
Plug should be installed on one end of the cable and a connector to mate with the transmitter key
jack on the other end.
For transmitters employing grid block keying, connect the RCA Phono Connector to the grid jack
on the back of the HK5A. For cathode or solid state keyed transmitters, connect to the direct jack
on the HK5A.
The grid block circuit is capable of keying a maximum negative 300 volts to ground at 10 ma. of
current. The direct output keys a maximum positive voltage of 300 volts to ground at 200 ma.
maximum. Consult your transmitter operation manual for keying requirements.
OPERATION
The four position function switch on the front panel operates in the following manner:
OFF - removes both internal or external power from the keyer. Even though key-up current is
nominal, battery life will be extended by turning the HK5A off during periods of non-use.
ON - In the on position, the HK5A is operational. The internal sidetone oscillator is not functional
in this position. This position has been provided for those, who desire to use a transmitter with a
built in sidetone.
TONE - The tone position activates the built in sidetone circuit. The volume and pitch of the
sidetone oscillator is adjustable from the front panel via the volume and tone controls.
TUNE - The tune position switches the output plugs to on for tuning the transmitter.
SPEED CONTROL - The speed control adjusts the speed of the HK5A over a range of approxi-
mately 8 to 50 WPM.
WEIGHT CONTROL - The weight control allows the lengthening of the dots and dashes for more
distinctive keying. Advancing the weight control too far will result in constant keying.
VOLUME CONTROL - The volume control controls the volume of the internal sidetone oscillator.
TONE CONTROL - The tone control controls the pitch of the internal oscillator.
EXTERNAL POWER JACK
The HK5A may be powered by a 6 volt battery eliminator type unit. The battery eliminator
should be equipped with a 2.5 MM plug with the tip connected to the positive lead. Inserting the
plug into the external power jack automatically disconnects the internal batteries.
HAND KEY JACK
The hand key jack accepts a standard 2CKT 1/4 inch phone plug (not provided). This jack al-
lows manual operation of the transmitter while retaining the sidetone monitor feature built in to
the HK5A. The HK5A may also be used as a code practice oscillator in this manner.
IAMBIC OR SQUEEZE OPERATION
Iambic or squeeze keying refers to the ability of the keyer to send alternate dots and dashes
when both keyer paddles are depressed simultaneously. There are seven letters of the alphabet
that can be “squeezed”. They are C, F, K, L, Q, R and Y. Instead of keying each element of the let-
ter separately, the letter can be sent with a single squeeze of the paddles. Some practice is neces-
sary to become accomplished at squeeze keying but the result is smooth and almost effortless key-
ing. As an example, the letter C can be squeeze keyed by squeezing both paddles simultaneously
but leading the squeeze with the dash paddle.
The letter Q is squeezed by holding the dash paddle closed and inserting the dot at appropriate
time The dash paddle should not be released until the entire character has been sent.
The squeeze technique is easier to learn at slower speeds, so start slow and gradually increase
your speed. Persistence is the key to success.
ERRATIC KEYING
There are two possible causes for erratic keying,dirty key contacts and RF interference from the
station transmitter.
Dirty key contacts will usually cause letters to be missing dots or dashes. A periodic cleaning of
the contacts with a good commercial contact cleaner will usually eliminate this problem.
The second problem, that of RF interference in the keyer may show up as steady or uncontrol-
lable keying of the transmitter. If the HK5A keys normally while the transmitter is turned off or is
being operated at reduced power but is erratic with maximum RF output, the problem is caused by
RF interference. One or more of the following suggestions should eliminate RF interference.
Connect a ground wire between the metal cabinet of the HK5A and the transmitter. The station
transmitter should always be connected to a good earth ground.
Use shielded cable to connect the HK5A to the key.
Use shielded cable to connect the keying output of the HK5A to the transmitter.
Position the HK5A as far away as possible from sources of RF such as the transmitter, antenna
tuners and any non-coaxial antenna leads.
Where a severe RF problem exists it may be necessary to install several ferrite beads on each of
the leads leaving the HK5A. To install the ferrite beads it will be necessary to unsolder the leads
from the appropriate jacks in the HK5A, thread several beads over each lead and resolder the lead
to the jack. Ferrite beads are available from a number of sources at minimal cost. Check the adver-
tising section of a recent amateur radio periodical for current prices and availability.
90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
Ham Radio Center, Inc. warrants each new product manufactured to be free from defects in ma-
terial and workmanship and agrees to remedy any defect or to furnish a new part in exchange for
any part of any unit which under normal installation, use, and service, discloses such defect within
the ninety-day term of this warranty, dated from the date of purchase by the original owner. This
warranty applies only to the original purchaser.
This warranty does not extend to any of our products which have been subjected to mis-use,
neglect, accident, incorrect wiring not our own, improper installation, or to use in violation of in-
structions furnished by us. Nor does it extend to units which have been repaired or altered outside
our factory, not to accessories used therewith not of our own manufacture.
Upon receipt of equipment, the purchaser is responsible for checking the contents for damage.
Any shipping damage should be referred to the carrier.
Ham Radio Center, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary or desirable
without advance notice or incurring any obligation to make like changes in previously manufac-
tured or sold.
The warranty does not cover transportation costs that may be incurred. Ham Radio Center, Inc.
sole liability is the remedy of any defect for the ninety-day period of this warranty. Ham Radio Cen-
ter, Inc. is not responsible for personal injury or property damage resulting from improper or care-
less installation, or usage not intended by the manufacturer.
No person is authorized to assume for us any other liability in connection with the sale of our
products.
You must furnish model number, date, place, and proof of purchase, such as a copy of the sales
receipt to establish warranty. Your letter should include all pertinent details. No warranty card is
furnished, you must supply the above information.
HAM RADIO CENTER, INC.
8340-42 Olive Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
Reprint: DC7XJ XII.2022
Indice
Manuali Keyer e chiave per codici di comunicazione radio popolari di altre marche
Hal Communications
Hal Communications ST-6000 Manuale utente
Vectronics
Vectronics VEC-201 KC Manuale utente
FOR-A
FOR-A DSK-400 Manuale utente
Vodavi
Vodavi Starplus 616 FLEX Istruzioni per l'uso e l'installazione
Simons Voss Technologies
Simons Voss Technologies SmartBridge Manuale utente
Four State QRP Group
Four State QRP Group EZKeyer III Manuale utente
