10/7/99 The PK-2 keyer chip has been updated (version 43) with new features, many of them enhance usage in the Norcal 20 / Red Hot Radio: 1) Added 1/2 second delay at powerup to allow audio circuits a little time to energize before the FB is sent. 2) Lowered the sidetone frequency from 750 hz to 600 hz. 3) Added a check of pin 2 at powerup for a short to ground - if pin 2 is at ground, the PK-2 will immediately enter the no-pot default speed of 16 wpm (instead of 39 WPM with original PK-2. 4) Added a sidetone float menu item to allow the user to float the sidetone in between characters - this results in less thump when the PK-2 sidetone is injected into the audio of an transceiver - this option shouldn't be used when the PK-2 is operated standalone with a piezo sidetone unless a voltage divider output is used. 5) Added a check of the mem switch at powerup - if the mem switch is pressed, the sidetone will be turned off (easier than going through the menu). 6) Added a variable 0-60 second (approx) delay to the beacon mode. Previously the beacon delay was fixed at 2.5 or 5 seconds (keyup) or 2.5 or 10 seconds (keydown). 7) Added an optional 3rd memory - memory 2 is split into two 26 character memories. One is then played with a mem+dit simulpress - the speed send is moved into the mem+dit menu. 8) Changed the PK-2 to allow the callsign memory to be played by itself - this is effectively a fourth (10 character) memory. 9) Added an option for a double length cq: cq cq cq cq de wb9kzy wb9kzy cq cq cq cq de wb9kzy wb9kzy k 10) Added options to turn off dit and/or dah memory 11) Improved the accuracy of the speed readout Most of the above changes were as the result of input from users of the PK-2. Please feel free to contact me at jacksonharbor@att.net with any changes or features you'd like to see in future versions of the PK-2. The PK-2 is pin compatible with the Tick or K8 keyer chips (note that pin 2 can be used for a pot speed control). The manual and schematic for the PK-2 are available for download in the Adobe Acrobat .pdf format on the Jackson Harbor Press web site: http://home.att.net/~jacksonharbor Prices: The PK-2 semi-kit price is $18 + $2 shipping in USA. DX add $3. The PK-2 chip is $7 + $2 shipping in USA. DX add $3. Add $0.75 shipping charge for each additional item. Take $1 off the above prices if you DON'T need a printed manual. (multiple purchases of the PK-2 chip without the manual, will be sent in a single anti-static bag) ALSO - DX group purchasers of the PK-2 chip: I will ship any quantity of the "PK-2 chip WITHOUT the manual" only to you for a flat $5 shipping charge. USA group purchasers of the PK-2 chip without the manual will be charged a flat $2 shipping charge. Best Regards, Chuck Olson, WB9KZY Jackson Harbor Press http://home.att.net/~jacksonharbor jacksonharbor@att.net