[Elecraft] Use of external keyer with K2

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Jim:

James R. Kauten, MD, W4TE wrote:
>Has anyone had experience using an external keyer such as the logikeyer, 
>the W5XD multikeyer, or VK-64 by Unified Microsystems with the K2?

I've used either the Idiom Press Logikeyer (CMOS 4) or my CMOS II or III 
with my K2 since day one with no problems whatsoever. In fact, I prefer 
using the external keyer a bit better than using the K2's internal keyer 
since I then have more control over the weighting, etc.

>I use both with a Yaesu FT 1000mp and they work well.  I need to know the 
>pin out to use these with a K2.  The W5XD (Writelog) keyer has a stereo 
>1/8 inch plug and the Logikeyer and the UM VK-64 both use an RCA audio 
>plug as their outputs.

There are two ways to configure the K2 for external keying (refer to the CW 
OPERATION section of your manual):

1) NON-AUTO-DETECT MODE

    This mode requires that you use a 1/8" STEREO plug, wired with
    ground to the SHIELD and the keyed line connected to the TIP
    of the plug. In other words, a direct plug-in connection from
    the keyer to the K2.

    Auto-Detect can be turned OFF if desired. Find the [T-R] menu
   entry, EDIT the parameter, then tap DISPLAY to select ADET OFF.

2) AUTO-DETECT MODE

    This mode is handy because it allows you to use BOTH a paddle,
    directly plugged into the K2's internal keyer, AND an external
    keying device, wired in PARALLEL with the DIT/DAH contacts of
    the paddle. I personally use this mode to allow me to use my
    external keyer (wired with a monaural 1/4" plug) and plugged
    into a short jumper (1/4" mono in - 1/8" stereo out).

    Auto-Detect can be turned ON if desired. Find the [T-R] menu
   entry, EDIT the parameter, then tap DISPLAY to select ADET ON.

    Refer to the curcuit diagram in the CW OPERATION section of
    your manual to allow you to enable the keyed keyer output to
    be diode ANDed and used to key the K2.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS