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SUPER MORSE (TM)
ADVANCED TOPICS
Ver. 4.16
Copyright 1994-95
M. Lee Murrah
3-25-95
1. How Morse Code Is Defined.................................. 1
a. DITS and DAHS......................................... 1
b. Morse Characters...................................... 1
c. Code Weighting........................................ 4
d. Code "Speed".......................................... 4
e. The "Farnsworth" Method............................... 5
2. Learning the Morse Code.................................... 6
a. The Super Morse Teaching Method....................... 6
b. Studying Hints........................................ 6
3. Scripted Disk Files........................................ 7
a. The Message Command................................... 8
b. The Pause Command..................................... 8
c. Set Speeds Command.................................... 8
d. Restore Speeds Command................................ 8
e. Speed Lock Commands................................... 9
4. Customization of External Files............................ 9
a. General............................................... 9
b. Data Files............................................ 9
c. License Classes File.................................. 10
d. Text Files............................................ 10
5. QSO Templates.............................................. 11
6. Equipment and System Requirements and Limitations.......... 12
a. System Configuration.................................. 12
b. Mouse................................................. 12
c. Code Speed Calibration................................ 12
d. Video Display Card.................................... 13
e. Disk Cache Programs................................... 13
f. Floppy Disk Write Protect Tabs........................ 13
g. Windows Capability.................................... 13
h. Speaker Volume........................................ 13
7. Sound Boards............................................... 14
8. Interfacing External Equipment............................. 14
9. Circuit Diagrams for External Connections.................. 16
a. Using an External Hand Key............................ 16
b. Connecting to a Receiver............................. 16
c. Driving a Transmitter or Other Device................. 16
d. Using a Volume-Controlled Headphone................... 18
e. Using an External Oscillator.......................... 19
f. Using an External Sound Output........................ 20
Page 1
This file contains information on selected advanced
features of Super Morse. See QUICK.DOC for basic information and
overview of Super Morse.
1. How Morse Code Is Defined
----------------------------
a. DITS and DAHS
----------------
Morse code is a sound language that uses two different
lengths of a single tone in various combinations to represent
all the characters of the Morse alphabet. These two tones are
distinguished by their length, one a "short" tone and t he other
a "long" tone. The short tone is phonetically referred to as
"DIT", and the long tone as "DAH". "DIT" is usually written as
"DI" when it is not the last element of a character. You will
often see the short tone represented as a "." (dot) and the long
tone as a "-" (dash), but it is commonly agreed that use of these
symbols encourages a visual approach to the code, which slows
code learning. You should never think of the Morse code as dots
and dashes or write it in that way!
The original Morse code as used in landline telegraphy was
represented by a combinations of timed clicks. However, when
radio came into use, the code was revised to use tones which are
more suited for radio use. The original Morse code is used in la
nd telegraphy is called the American Morse code, but the code now
commonly used in radio is called the International Morse code.
b. Morse Characters
-------------------
The amateur radio Morse code set is a subset of the
International Morse code. It uses a reduced character set of
the 26 letters, the 10 numerals, 4 punctuation marks and 5
special procedure signs. The Morse character set supported by
Super Morse is shown in the several figures that follow.
Page 2
The printable Morse characters are shown in the following
table:
A DIT DAH N DAH DIT
B DAH DIT DIT DIT O DAH DAH DAH
C DAH DIT DAH DIT P DIT DAH DAH DIT
D DAH DIT DIT Q DAH DAH DIT DAH
E DIT R DIT DAH DIT
F DIT DIT DAH DIT S DIT DIT DIT
G DAH DAH DIT T DAH
H DIT DIT DIT DIT U DIT DIT DAH
I DIT DIT V DIT DIT DIT DAH
J DIT DAH DAH DAH W DIT DAH DAH
K DAH DIT DAH X DAH DIT DIT DAH
L DIT DAH DIT DIT Y DAH DIT DAH DAH
M DAH DAH Z DAH DAH DIT DIT
1 DIT DAH DAH DAH DAH 6 DAH DIT DIT DIT DIT
2 DIT DIT DAH DAH DAH 7 DAH DAH DIT DIT DIT
3 DIT DIT DIT DAH DAH 8 DAH DAH DAH DIT DIT
4 DIT DIT DIT DIT DAH 9 DAH DAH DAH DAH DIT
5 DIT DIT DIT DIT DIT 0 DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH
The International Morse code that is used in amateur radio
supports a number of punctuation marks, but the amateur subset
uses only the five shown below:
. DIT DAH DIT DAH DIT DAH
, DAH DAH DIT DIT DAH DAH
? DIT DIT DAH DAH DIT DIT
/ DAH DIT DIT DAH DIT
- DAH DIT DIT DIT DIT DAH
Morse code communications uses several special characters
that convey procedural information in shorthand. These are often
longer characters that can be viewed as combinations of
alphabetic characters without an intervening character space. The
most common of these procedure signs, or "prosigns", used in
amateur radio are shown below:
Prosign Meaning
------- -------
<AA> New line
<AR> End of message
<AS> Wait, stand-by
<BT> Double Dash ("=")
<KN> Over-specified station only
<KA> Attention
<SK> End of contact
<SN> Understood
<KA> and <SN> along with <BT> are frequently used in traffic
handling.
Page 3
Page 4
Several international characters are used in Morse code,
especially in Europe. These characters shown in Fig. 1-3. are
also supported by Super Morse in some modes:
ASCII Identification
----- --------------
129 {Double dotted "u"}
130 {Forward accented "e"}
143 {Dotted "a"}
146 {Double dotted "a"}
157 {Double dotted "o"}
164 {tilde "n"}
c. Code Weighting
-----------------
The various elements of Morse code are defined in relation
to each other. The DIT is assigned the shortest duration and is
defined as being one time unit in duration, and a DAH is 3 times
as long as a DIT, or 3 time units in duration. The silence
between DITs and DAHs in a character, which we will call an
"element space" is the same length as a DIT, i.e., one time unit
in duration. The silence between characters, which we will call
a "character space", is 3 time units in duration. Finally, the
space between words, which we will call a "word space" is 7 time
units in duration.
Perfectly sent code uses these standard relationships, but
code is not usually perfectly sent except when a computer is
used. Each person who sends code manually, develops a weighting
slightly different from the standard, and this unusual weighting
is said to constitute the operator's very recognizable "fist".
Operators who use automatic keyers can usually set the
weighting as a personal preference. Weighting very far from the
standard sounds choppy and hard to copy.
d. Code "Speed"
--------------
The speed of Morse code is measured in words per minute
(WPM). Code speed is an elusive measure since words are of
various lengths; and when random characters are being sent, there
are no words at all!
Code speed has therefore been arbitrarily defined by
standard words. The standard word for plain text is "PARIS",
which, if you add up the time units in all the code sound
elements used to send "PARIS" (DITs, DAHs, and spaces between the
DIT's and D AHS, characters and words), you will find that it is
50 units of time long. One word per minute is defined as sending
"PARIS" using code elements timed to fill one minute, including
Page 5
the word space following the last word. Ten words per minute
would be sent at a speed necessary to send "PARIS" 10 times in
one minute. The code elements are calibrated at any particular
speed against "PARIS", and when text is sent at, say, 10 words
per minute, more or fewer actual words may be sent depending upon
their length.
The word "PARIS" will not work for random characters since
the average Morse code character used to send English text is
shorter than the average character used to send random
characters. This is because English does not use all the letters
in equal numbers and because Morse code assigns the shortest
codes to the most frequently used letters in English. The most
frequently used letter in English is "E", and it is assigned the
shortest code, the DIT. A less frequently used letter such as
"Q" is assigned a longer code, DAH DAH DI DAH.
For random characters, therefore, the standard word "CODEX"
was chosen. If you analyze "CODEX", you will find that it
contains 60 code elements. The effect of this difference is that
the DITS and DAHS in randomly sent characters should sound about
20% shorter than those in plain text at the same nominal speed.
Randomly sent characters therefore should sound 20% faster that
plain words. This is the reason that manufacturers of code
tapes can boast that the actual test will seem slow after using
their random character tapes!
e. The "Farnsworth" Method
--------------------------
Morse code is usually sent with the standard relationship
between character spaces and the elements which make up the
character. In other words, the DITS, DAHS and element spaces are
sent according to the same speed standa rd. However, Farnsworth
discovered that code learning can be accelerated if the DITs,
DAHs and element spaces are compressed as if the code were being
sent at a high speed while the character spaces are expanded to
maintain an overall lower send speed. This is called the
"Farnsworth method", and it is endorsed by the ARRL as the best
way to learn the code.
The Farnsworth method is supported and is used as the
default method by Super Morse. Two Farnsworth speeds are
provided. The "Lo" Farnsworth speed, preset at 18 WPM, is used
at send speeds below 20 WPM; and the "Hi" Farnsworth speed,
preset at 26 WPM, is used above 20 WPM. Beware, however, that not
all code tests are given in the Farnsworth format, or, if they
do, using these speeds! Check with your testing coordinator to
determine which method will be used, and then use that system
when studying with Super Morse.
Page 6
2. Learning the Morse Code
--------------------------
a. The Super Morse Teaching Method
----------------------------------
Unlike standard Morse code teaching methods, Super Morse
does not begin by introducing characters. Instead Super Morse
starts with sounds only -- characters are not taught or displayed
in the early lessons. The idea is to emphasize that Morse code
is a sound language and to teach the fundamentals of code sounds.
Two sound-only exercises are provided. First, the basic DIT and
DAH sounds are taught. Second, Super Morse puts the basic sounds
together into the four fundamental two-sound combinations.
Only after the basic sounds and sound combinations are
taught does Super Morse start identifying characters. Before the
standard code groups are introduced, code "steps", which are
groups of two similarly sounding characters, are sent to
gradually i ntroduce the characters in pairs. The idea is to
teach the student to distinguish similar sounding characters from
the beginning, such that those which do not sound so much alike
will fall into place by themselves. Also the characters are
slowly learned in an indirect fashion in that the student is
encouraged to concentrate on the differences rather than the
content of the characters themselves. Only when the steps are
completed are the standard code groups introduced.
The Learn selections "DIT/DAH" through "Levels" are ordered
to slowly build up your knowledge of the characters in a very
logical way. It is recommended that the Learn subcommands be used
in the same order as the selections are presented.
b. Studying Hints
-----------------
There is no one best way to learn the Morse code. As with
foreign languages (to which Morse code is similar in some ways),
some people can learn the code faster than others. The best
attribute that one can possess in learning the code is
persistence.
Super Morse implements one method of learning the Morse
code. If you follow the lessons provided in the Learn phase, you
should have no trouble in learning the Morse code in a few weeks
or months.
In addition to the method provided by Super Morse several
general tips on learning the Morse code can be provided as
follows:
i. Learn the characters by sound, not by sight. Each of
the characters has its own characteristic length and rhythm. Do
not memorize the characters using the visual dot and dash
Page 7
symbols. That will only slow you down and create bad habits that
will be very hard to break!
ii. Set the character speed to 13 words per minute or
higher (the ARRL uses 18 WPM) and the send speed at whatever
lower speed you desire. (Super Morse automatically sets the
character speed to 18 WPM). Since your ultimate goal is 13 words
per minute , it is much better to learn the sounds of the
characters at the higher speed even though they are spaced at a
lower speed. As mentioned above this is called the Farnsworth
method, and it helps to eliminate the "hump" that most people
experience around 10 words per minute.
iii. Study every day, but if you feel you are stuck and
not making progress, take a few days off. It's amazing how this
will sometimes clear your head.
iv. Try to copy code in you head as much as possible.
v. Obtain access to a ham receiver and try to copy real
transmissions off the air. Some general coverage short wave
receivers permit reception of Morse code, but in general they
are harder to tune in on a Morse code signal.
vi. As soon as possible learn the sounds of whole words.
You will find that whole words have characteristic lengths and
rhythms that distinguish them from all other words.
vii. Turn on the Super Morse Build/Groups function and let
the computer send in the background while you are doing something
else, such as reading a book or working on a construction
project. Try to identify characters while doing the other
activity. This will help your brain shift to "automatic" and will
help the code sounds become a natural "part of the wallpaper."
viii. Although the code test no longer requires that you
demonstrate an ability to send Morse code, you should get a code
practice oscillator and practice your sending. Note that Super
Morse can be used as a code practice oscillator using one of
several keys on the keyboard or an external telegraph key.
ix. As soon as you pass the novice test, get a rig on the
air and operate on the novice bands. Nothing will increase your
speed and concentration as well as the pressure of an on-the-air
contact. Don't worry about being perfect--the other guy is
probably in the same boat as you.
3. Scripted Disk Files
----------------------
The disk files that may be played with the Build|File
command amy be scripted by inclusion of commands that control the
operation of Super Morse. Scripted files permit Super Morse to be
Page 8
automated for special learning methods, to prepare code tapes, or
to give tests.
Disk files are "scripted" by placing a period (".") in the
first column of any line followed by a command character in
capitals and a space and text, if applicable. With scripting
Super Morse follows exactly the same line spacings as are used in
the script file. Thus, if you want lines skipped before and after
the message, place blank lines in your script file.
Scripting permits the following commands to be inserted in
a file.
a. The Message Command
----------------------
The "M" command line as follows causes the <text> to be
printed in highlight on the screen:
.M This a message to the user
This will print "* This is a message to the user" on the screen.
b. The Pause Command
--------------------
The same effect as the message command, except with a pause
for you to press a key to continue, is provided by the "P"
command as follows:
.P Ask the user to do something
This will print "* Ask the user to do something" and instruct
you to press any key to continue.
c. Set Speeds Command
---------------------
Speeds can be programmed into the script at the indicated
send speed ("<ss>"), character speed ("<cs>") and word speed
("<ws>") with the "S" command as follows:
.S <ss> <cs> <ws>
d. Restore Speeds Command
-------------------------
The set speeds command automatically saves the current code
speed before it is changed. The former speeds can be restored
with the following command:
.R
Page 9
e. Speed Lock Commands
----------------------
The set speed keys can be disabled with the .L command and
re-enabled with the .U command. These commands are not followed
by text.
4. Customization of External Files
----------------------------------
a. General
----------
In addition to internal modifications, Super Morse permits
customization by changing the contents of Super Morse's text
files. Modifiable files all have the "SM" extension, such as
NAMES.SM.
If a word processor is used, the output must be ASCII text
only! Most modern word processors output not only the text that
you enter in the document but also formatting information which
is not displayed on the screen. This invisible formatting
information will cause to Super Morse produce garbage. If you
use a word processor, be sure to check your user manual to
determine how to save text in plain ASCII format without the
formatting information.
b. Data Files
-------------
Super Morse uses several files containing names, cities,
and other information used in QSO generation (simulated radio
contact), and other files for words used in word-based functions.
If you are not satisfied with the contents of these files, you
may change them to suit your tastes. Non-U.S. users will probably
want to change the contents of the states file to include the
provinces in their own country or other countries.
All data files require that only one item be placed on a
line starting in column 1 (not at the left margin of a word
processor file if the margin is shown!) and that no blank lines
be inserted in the middle of the file.
The names, antenna types, city names, and rig types can be
changed to reflect your desires by editing the files ANTENNAS.SM,
NAMES.SM, CITIES.SM, RIGS.SM, and JOBS.SM as described earlier in
Page 10
this document. The maximum number and length of the entries are
as follows:
File Max. Entries Max. Length
ANTENNAS.SM 50 15
CITIES.SM 200 15
JOBS.SM 100 20
NAMES.SM 200 10
RIGS.SM 100 15
STATES.SM 100 15
c. License Classes File
-----------------------
The only data file having a special format is the
CLASSES.SM file. This file contains three lines in a special
order. The file distributed with Super Morse defines the United
States license classes and speeds as follows:
05 Novice
13 General
20 Advanced
The format is critical! It must contain three lines and
start in column 1 (not the left margin of a word processor
file!). Each line begins with a speed in words per minute in
columns 1 and 2, followed by a space, followed in column 4 by the
name of the license class beginning at that speed, not exceeding
8 characters in length. If a speed is less than 10 WPM, a "0"
must be placed at the beginning. If only two license classes are
used in your country, repeat the second class definition on the
third line as in the following generic example:
07 Junior
11 Senior
11 Senior
If you have only one class of license, place the same
information on all three lines. If your country uses more than
three classes of licenses, please let me know, and I will expand
this file.
d. Text Files
-------------
In some features Super Morse permits you to use a plain
ASCII text file as input. An example in the Disk File command in
the Build phase. These files should be created with a text
editor or word processor in the ASCII output mode as described
above. The lines in these files can be any length and can start
in any column.
Page 11
5. QSO Templates
----------------
The external template may be selected in the Generate exam
function. The external template is contained in a disk file
named QSOn.SM where "n" is a number from 1 to 99. The file
QSO1.SM is provided as an example, but you may created other
ASCII files yourself.
An exam QSO template file comprises any desired text built
around up to 20 pieces of randomly selected data. When data is
desired in the QSO file, insert the identifying number of the
data type surrounded by curved brackets ("{" and "}"). The
identifying numbers are as follows:
1 - calling station 11 - countries worked
2 - responding station 12 - band 1
3 - rst report 13 - band 2
4 - name 14 - job
5 - city 15 - rig type
6 - state 16 - antenna type
7 - age 17 - antenna height
8 - years a ham 18 - power (watts)
9 - license class 19 - weather
10 - states worked 20 - temperature (Deg. F)
The following is an example of a line in a QSO template:
My name is {4}, and I live in {5},{6}.
Page 12
Super Morse randomly generates a name and substitutes it
for {4} and a city and state and substitutes them for {5} and
{6}. An example of the result is as follows:
My name is Joe, and I live in Northfield, KS.
At least 10 pieces of data should be used in any exam file
to support the 10 questions that are asked in the exam.
6. Equipment and System Requirements and Limitations
----------------------------------------------------
a. System Configuration
-----------------------
Your CONFIG.SYS file should authorize at least 20 files.
This can be done with the following statement:
FILES = 20
b. Mouse
--------
Super Morse supports a Microsoft mouse. In some
configurations, Super Morse uses two serial ports. If you use a
serial mouse, there may be a conflict. To fully use all Super
Morse features, three serial ports are required.
c. Code Speed Calibration
-------------------------
In order for Super Morse to send properly-timed code,
calibration to each computer is required. Calibration is
affected primarily by the computer clock speed and memory
resident programs.
Super Morse uses two different calibration methods, (a)
clock and (b) loop, in order to handle various types of PC
designs and operating systems. The method that you desire to use
is selected from the Options menu.
Both methods require some calibration using the Options|Code
features. The timer method needs to be "tweaked" the first time
you use it to match itself to your computer, but thereafter it
self-calibrates to the computer clock speed each time the program
loads. However, if you use the loop method, you must calibrate
Super Morse each time you add or remove a memory resident
program.
The loop method must be used if your computer does not
implement the system clock chip in the same way as the original
PC design, if you are running under Windows as a DOS application,
or if running on a PC emulator on a MacIntosh or other computer.
Page 13
Super Morse is initially set for the clock method; but if the
code is erratic or choppy on your computer, you should change to
the loop method.
d. Video Display Card
---------------------
Super Morse supports CGA (color) and MDA (monochrome) video
displays only. The proper display adapter can be selected from
the Options menu. Super Morse will operate on EGA and VGA
monitors but in the CGA mode.
e. Disk Cache Programs
----------------------
Super Morse saves changes in the program parameters when
you exit the program. If you are using a disk cache program,
the parameters may be saved to the cache area in memory and thus
may not permanently saved to disk. If you a re having this
problem, you should try disabling any disk cacheing program which
you have installed on your system.
f. Floppy Disk Write Protect Tabs
---------------------------------
If Super Morse is run from a floppy diskette, a write
protect tab should not be used! Super Morse must be able to store
configuration and user information to the diskette.
g. Windows Capability
---------------------
Super Morse is written as a DOS program, but it will run
under Microsoft Windows under certain conditions. The author
has confirmed that it will operate under the 386 Extended mode
(i.e., a 386 or 486 computer is required) using the loop timing
method. You must set up a PIF file, and set the background to
foreground ratio to 10000 to 1 and set Execution to "Exclusive".
These are available as Advanced options in the PIF editor menu.
To save you time a PIF file to run Super Morse under the
conditions stated is provided on the distribution diskette.
h. Speaker Volume
-----------------
The volume produced by the PC speaker is very low on some
PC's, but unfortunately there is no way to increase it without
an external amplifier. Some relief can be obtained by changing
the speaker tone since speakers (and your ears!) are frequency
dependent. ADVICE: Get a Sound Blaster type sound card. See
next section for setup.
Page 14
7. Sound Boards
---------------
Super Morse now supports the Sound Blaster card and
compatibles. Super Morse initializes for use of the PC speaker,
and the Sound Blaster must be selected in the Options|Misc menu.
A sound card is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
If you plan to use the Sound Blaster card for sound output,
you must use a text editor, such as EDIT or EDLIN, (or a word
processor in ASCII output mode) to insert a line in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file specifying an "environment string". The line
should b e in the following format:
SET BLASTER=A<addr> I<int no> D<DMA channel no> T<SB type>
For a Sound Blaster 1.0 using I/O address 220, Interrupt 7
and DMA channel 1, the string would look as follows:
SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 T1
The I/O address, Interrupt number, and DMA channel can be
determined using the TEST-SBC.EXE program provided with your
Sound Blaster. If you did not change any of the jumpers on the
board when you installed it, you can use the factory default
settin gs shown in the Sound Blaster manual.
The SB type for Sound Blaster and compatible boards for use
with the "T" parameter is one of the following:
1 - Sound Blaster 1.5 or earlier
Sound Blaster Micro Channel Version
2 - Sound Blaster Pro
3 - Sound Blaster 2.0
Audio Spectrum 16
6 - Sound Blaster 16
8. Interfacing External Equipment
---------------------------------
The primary I/O for Super Morse code is via the computer
keyboard and the PC onboard speaker. Secondary output is
provided by toggling either the DTR or RTS pin at the selected
RS-232 communications port. Input is provided via either the DSR
o pin at the same port. You can select whether to expect either
a high (+) or a low (-) voltage in the key-down condition and
the opposite in the key-up condition. Output via DTR/RTS is
available whenever code is being sent, but input via DSR/CTS is
available only in the Manual key function of the Enhance phase
and in the Operate phase.
I/O via either COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4 can be selected
from the Options|Ports menu selected from the main menu bar. With
a proper interface DTR/RTS can be used to drive an external
Page 15
oscillator for making high quality code tapes or to key a
transmitt er. Likewise, DSR/CTS can be interfaced with a hand
key, electronic keyer, or a receiver.
Code output to the speaker and COM port can be selected
from the Options menu. Code input can be selected from either one
of several keys on the computer keyboard or the COM port using
the Input Keying selection in the Options|Ports menu.
A detailed explanation of how to use the DTR/RTS and
DSR/CTS signals for the aforementioned purposes is beyond the
scope of this manual and is left to your ingenuity. However,
limited information is provided later in this document. The
author would like to receive diagrams of tested circuits designed
by users to take advantage of COM port I/O.
If an external key does not work, check the following:
a. The RS-232 connector pins are small and easily confused.
Most connectors have the pin numbers beside the pins, but they
are almost impossible to read without a strong light and
magnifying glass. Remember that the connector pins on the
computer ar e a mirror image of those on the cable connector.
b. Some computers connect the RS-232 pins differently.
Consult your owner's manual, or call your computer manufacturer's
technical assistance line for information on the configuration.
Some experimentation (i.e., random poking around in the
connector) may be required to find the right pins. On the
author's Gateway 2000, for example, it is necessary to use pin
20 as signal ground instead of pin 7. This is different from two
previous computers which used pin 7.
c. The pin numbers given in this manual are for the 25 pin
DB-25 connector. If you have a 9 pin DB-9 connector, match the
pin names instead of numbers. You will have to consult your
owner's manual for a definition of the pins for that connector.
d. Super Morse uses two COM ports, and you should make sure
that different ports are set for the Modem function and the
keying function.
e. Be sure that the "External" keying source is selected in
the Ports menu.
Page 16
9. Circuit Diagrams for External Connections
--------------------------------------------
a. Using an External Hand Key
-----------------------------
To RS-232 DSR o------------+
(Pin 6) or CTS |
(Pin 5) o
/ Morse Telegraph Key
(COMPUTER) / ("Straight" Key)
o
|
To RS-232 o------------+
Pin 7 (*)
GND
* Due to variations among manufacturers, you may have to
experiment to determine the correct pins
b. Connecting to a Receiver
----------------------------
No one has submitted a circuit for connection to a
radio receiver, but the following is the way it is done in
concept.
+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
DSR/CTS | | | | | |
o-------+ Voltage | | Tone to | Audio | |
| Controlled+<---+ Voltage +<------+ Radio |
o-------+ Switch | | Converter | | |
GND | | | | | |
+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
The connections to the computer are the same as for the
straight key above. The voltage-controlled-switch can be a
transistor or relay. The tone to voltage converter can be a
phase locked loop, which is available in chip form. The
details are left to the user, but circuits that can be used
or adapted can be found in the ARRL Handbook and other
similar sources.
c. Driving a Transmitter or Other Device
----------------------------------------
The following circuit designed by John Swancara,
WA6LOD, can be used to drive a keyer, code oscillator, or a
transmitter. It is described in QST Magazine, February,
1990, page 36. A similar circuit was provided by John
Dilks, K2TQN.
Page 17
If these connections do not work, first check the Port
settings in the Options menu. Then check your computer's
RS-232 information in case you computer uses something
different from the standard.
+-----------------------+
| Radio Shack TIL-113 |
| |
+-+-+ +-+-+
│ │ | |
RS-232 Signal o-----+ 1 +---+ +----------+ 6 +-o NC
ground (Pin 7) │ │ | | │ │
+-+-+ | | +-+-+
| | | |
| + | |
| \ / | |
| v | |
| - | |
| | | |
| | | |
D1 | | \ | |
+-+-+ | \ | +-+-+
RS-232 R1 / │ │ | \ | │ │
Pin o--+--\/\/--|< +--+ 2 +---+ \ | +---+ 5 +-o To
4 | \ │ │ | │ │ Positive
| +-+-+ | / +-+-+ Keying
| | | |/ | Line
-+- C1 | | | |
-+- | | | |
| | +---+ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |\ |
o--+ | \ |
| +-+-+ _| +-+-+
| | | | |
--- NC o-+ 3 | +---+ 4 +-+-o To
- | | | | | Trans-
+-+-+ +-+-+ | mitter
| | | Chassis
Board | | |
Ground +-----------------------+ |
|
--- Interface
- Board
Ground
D1 = 1N914
R1 = 1K Ohm, 1/4 Watt
C1 = 0.01 Microfarad, 50 Volt
DTR = Data Terminal Ready pin
NC = no connection
Page 18
Note: (1) Voltage on pins 4 and 5 of TIL-113 should be kept
below 20 volts, and the current draw should not
exceed 100 ma.
(2) The Philco ECG 3041 may be substituted for the Radio
Shack TIL-113.
d. Using a Volume-Controlled Headphone
--------------------------------------
Splice a 50 ohm variable resistor and a headphone jack
into the PC speaker line as shown below. The headphone jack
should break the speaker circuit and close the headphone
circuit when the headphone plug is inserted.
Headphone Jack
o--------+ o o
| | |
\ | |
PC 50 / <--------+-------------+ /|
Speaker ohm \ | | / | PC
Line / | |/ | Speaker
| | |\ |
| | | \ |
o--------+-----------------+-------+ \|
Page 19
e. Using an External Oscillator
-------------------------------
Following is a simple code oscillator driven from the
COM port of a PC designed by Jeff Furman, KD6MNP.
DB-25
FEMALE
1N4001
+-----+
| | |\ |
| +-------| \+-------+---+
| 4 | | /| | |
| | |/ | | 555
| | +----+---+------+
+-----+ | |
| | | 4 8 |
| | | |
| 7 +------+------+ 1 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
+-----+ | | |
| | 6 2 3 | 1/8" stereo
| +----+---+---+--+ headphone jack
| | | |
| || | | | ||
+----++-----+-+-+ +----++------------+---- V |
| || | | || +-- v |
| | | |
| \/\/\ +----------+
| 0.001 uF 680K 0.01 uF | │ film 680k ceramic or │
| film ohms ceramic or film |
| |
+--------------------------------------+
This easily fits inside the DB-25 shell.
Adjust the 680k ohm resistor to change the pitch--
higher value for lower pitch, etc.
Decrease the value of the 0.01 uF cap. for lower volume.
Super Morse Options|Ports settings:
Keying Port : <your choice from what's available>
Output Keying: ON
RS-232 Output: RTS
Output Sense : -
Page 20
f. Using an External Sound Output
---------------------------------
The following circuit was submitted by Bruce G.
Kinney, San Jose, CA
+------------------+
30K Shield| |
Pin 20 o--\/\/\/--+-- O + MOD IN | /|
| | | O +---- / |
.68uf -+- | | U | < | Speaker
-+- | | T +---- \ |
| | | | \|
Pin 7 o----------+---+-+ GND |
| |
+------------------+
LEADER 1300S
Function Generator
