Remote CW with a WinKey and Paddle (rev 2)

In release 1.340 of Win4K4Suite, it is now possible to do remote CW to your Elecraft K4 if you have a WinKey and paddle. In order to do so, you must use the CW terminal (Window, CW-FSK-PSK Terminal).

Background

K1EL has a utility that will send remote CW if you have two WinKeys, one at the remote client and one at the server connected to the radio.  When you use the paddle, the WinKey determines which character has been keyed and then sends it over the network to the other WinKey which then keys the radio.  Note that this means that there will be a one character delay during keying.  You also require two WinKeys and a PC on the server end.

Win4K4Suite uses the same principle, except that you only require one WinKey and no PC is required at the server with the Elecraft K4.

Usage

When you open the terminal you will first need to connect to the WinKey by checking the WinKey checkbox.  If you have not configured this previously then you will need to open the Settings, WinKeyer menu and select the comport and then connect.  Next make sure that the SpeedPot is enabled in the settings as well as the Side Tone.  It is best to use the side tone for hearing your keying vs the monitor function on the radio due to delays.  All speed adjustments should be done through the speed pot.  Do not use Speed control in the main control program nor change the speed at the radio. Here is an overview of the settings.

Here is the CW terminal

There are now two ways to use the WinKey.  If you check the Remote Paddle checkbox and press the Transmit button, any characters you generate using a paddle will echo to the terminal and then be sent to the radio using the KY command.  You may also type on the keyboard as well as use a predefined message.  Note however, that the Transmit button must be selected and you must have the CW terminal Send box in focus.  In addition, make sure that the WinKey is not physically wired to the radios key input otherwise you will transmit characters twice.  This of course will not be the case if you are remote.  Finally all speed adjustments (WPM) should be done with the speed pot on the WinKey.

The other way to use the WinKey is with the Remote Paddle unchecked. Then, the output of the WinKey when using the paddle will only go through the WinKey and to the radio if it is wired to the key jack.

Limitations

The main limitation is that there is always a one character delay when you key the paddle.  In some cases this is inconsequential, in others like when a zero is sent the delay is longer.  Increasing the WPM rate to 20 WPM or higher will minimize this.  People who have been using the WinKey solution with two WinKeys  find that in most cases it is acceptable.  There is of course the keyboard that can be used, as well as predefined messages.

Please provide suggestions and feedback to support at va2fsq.com.