Amateur Radio's first 24-bit USB Audio Interface
micro KEYER III™ is the world first and the only amateur radio USB interface featuring high dynamic range, 24-bit audio processing chain on all signal stages. It is the most powerful single radio All-In-One USB interface and the only USB interface to fully support digital and voice operation including microphone switching in one box.
With a single USB port, micro KEYER III™ works with any Windows-based logging or control program for CW, Voice, FSK and Digital operation (RTTY, FT8, WSJT, PSK31, SSTV, etc.).
micro KEYER III™ includes a CAT, radio control interface that supports all common standards (RS-232, CI-V, Kenwood and Yaesu TTL), a powerful CW memory keyer using genuine K1EL's WinKey, a Digital Voice Keyer for SSB, two channel audio processing for transceivers with dual receivers, automatic microphone selection, and a buffer/sequencer for amplifier or LNA control.
Compared to 16-bit audio interfaces, or to any USB enabled transceiver, including top of the line transceivers from well known manufacturers (as of autumn 2018), unique 24-bit USB audio processing in the micro KEYER III™ provides advantage in higher dynamic range (>105dB), preserving transceiver performance for audio processing on computer (digital modes), otherwise limited by 16-bit USB audio signal chain.
For connection to the transceiver micro KEYER III™ uses the same transceiver specific DB37 cables as used with original MK, MKII or MK2R+. micro KEYER III™ keeps full backward compatibility for native control from logger programs and is compatible with all accessories made for MKII.
Along with completely new audio, microKEYER III™ brings quite a lot of new features too. For more details or check what's new or different compared to previous MKII model, please see below or read the microKEYER III™ manual.
Features
General:
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Single USB connection to computer
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Stand alone operation
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Complete "Computer ↔ Transceiver ↔ Amplifier" galvanic isolation
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Internal 24-bit USB Audio
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Standard USB Audio Class device – no custom driver required
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Superior asynchronous USB audio data transfer
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Internal low phase noise LO: -145dBc/Hz @1kHz
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High dynamic range: 110 dB typical, 105 dB minimum
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Separate and simultaneously operating Line and Microphone USB Audio Inputs
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Extremely low noise floor: as low as
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Additional Optical S/PDIF audio input/output ports
- iLINK port for digital connection to iLINK enabled devices
(Station Master, Station Master DeLuxe, SMΩRF) for frequency and data exchange
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Real-Time audio levels monitoring on built-in color OLED display
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Silent switching of all audio signals without relays
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DSP for all analog signals, including microphone inputs
Radio control (CAT):
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Two, managed (CAT protocol controlled) CAT ports for connecting two loggers or control programs at the same time
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Up to 57600 Baud with handshake support
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Integrated level converter for CI-V, FIF-232, IF-232, or RS-232 levels
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Supports most Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, Yaesu and other radios
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Simplex SDR receiver tracking feature (Kenwood and Icom protocol supported)
Voice (SSB/AM/FM):
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Two microphone support for headset and hand/desktop mic
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Fixed or automatic microphone selection
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Menu driven settings, no jumpers and trimmers
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Individually adjustable Gain, Bias, Tone Emphasis and ALC supports seamless use of electret and dynamic microphones combinations
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Individual “Voice” monitor loop-back for “TX Audio recording”
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Digital Voice Keyer with nine messages per bank, up to 120 seconds each, unlimited number of banks
Digital (FSK/AFSK):
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24-bit, high dynamic range, very low distortion analog inputs
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Dual channel receive capability
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Ultra low noise floor for optimal decode level
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Front panel transmit and receive level control knob
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Separate Data PTT output for digital audio modes operation (AFSK) with microphone muting
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True analog feel, low latency RTTY tuning indicator (crossed ellipses)
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UART based, zero jitter FSK output
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Re-sampled standard 45.0 Baud rate for accurate 45.45 Baud HAM RTTY speed
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Intelligent diddle stuffing for no random gaps between characters
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Supports data codes with 5/6/7/8 data bits and 1/1.5/2 stop bits
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Sample accurate support for audio based P-FSK keying
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Unique, hot switch protected FSK keying
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Adjustable FSK keying polarity
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PS/2 keyboard or keypad support for stand alone FSK transmission with type ahead function
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Nine (9) user programmable FSK memories
CW:
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Genuine WinKey™ v3 chip
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Front panel speed knob
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Selectable side tone for external speaker with "paddle side tone only" function
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Individual side tone for “TX Audio recording”
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Sample accurate support for audio based Q-CW keying
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PS/2 keyboard or keypad support for stand alone CW “memory keyer” with type ahead function
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Nine (9) user programmable memories
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Logger independent contest auto-numbering (Field Day style)
Other:
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1 Watt amplifier for monitor/sidetone
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Main OLED display
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Isolated, high voltage optoMOS based PA and LNA keying outputs, no relays
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CI-V output for controlling CI-V compatible Power Amplifiers or other accessories
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Serial output for controlling stepper motor based antennas
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User presets to recall all parameters for different logger or control programs
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Optimized for future “Remote Control Suite” connection
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Huge filtering for maximum RFI immunity
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Metal/Aluminum case, powder coated and silk screened
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Free, no time limit firmware/software upgrades via Internet