HamGadgets News

The boards are ordered for the ID-O-Matic II, and we’re down to the last few ID-O-Matic kits.  I’m working on the last few changes to the firmware, trying to get it “just right”…  and of course still need to write a good share of the manual.  I think this is going to be a very nice step up from the original kit.  A few hardware changes were needed, and I couldn’t see the benefit to keeping the ID-O-Matic and its companion Connection Kit separate any more.  I’ve managed to incorporate most of the hardware features people have asked for, even a couple I didn’t think I would be able to – like adjustable audio level and de-emphasis for the audio input.

So far I’ve been pretty happy with the result.  The switch to PWM audio has resulted in a smoother sounding tone, not as smooth as the MK-1 but still not bad.  I’m having to sacrifice some speed; it probably won’t go to 60 WPM like the original, but then who needs an IDer to do 60 WPM?  I’m working on solving an issue that slows the ID down some if high audio frequencies are used, and hope to have that fixed before the boards arrive.

Since its inception in 2004, the ID-O-Matic has been through a number of feature upgrades, a new chip, and a couple of PCB revisions.  It’s been in the ARRL Handbook for the past couple of years and has been used in countless repeaters, crossband setups, and heaven only knows what other applications.  I know a couple of the early units were used for debate timers!

There have been a few minor bug nagging things I have wanted to address with the ID-O-Matic.  The audio – well, that square wave isn’t the best sound possible!  There are also a couple of new signals that were not available via solder pads, and connections were in different places on the board.

I am addressing those issues with the new ID-O-Matic II.  This will basically combine the functions of the ID-O-Matic and the Connection Kit  on one board, and improve the connection setup with a single row of pads and an optional clamp type terminal strip.  One big change: using the same PWM technique I used in the MasterKeyer, the sidetone will now be much smoother and closer to a sine wave.

ID-O-Matic II prototype, connector side

ID-O-Matic II prototype

I’m debugging and testing now, and hope to have the new kit ready some time in late January or early to mid February.  In the mean time, the remaining ID-O-Matic kits are available for immediate shipment if you don’t need the extra functionality of the new kit.  I have not yet decided on pricing for the ID-O-Matic II; it will be a little higher than the current kit (which has not gone up in several years by the way) but still quite reasonable.

I will also have an upgrade path for current ID-O-Matic boards.  The upgrade will not duplicate the Connection Kit functions, but will give you the new audio setup and latest firmware.  It will require new firmware and replacing the crystal.

Just some quick news regarding some of the kits…

• The PicoKeyer-Plus kit is in stock, doing well, and I anticipate carrying it for some time to come.  I may make a couple of PCB refinements to make assembly even easier.
• The ID-O-Matic is in stock, with plenty left.  I hope to have a minor firmware update available in the next couple of months.  No big feature changes, mostly just a couple of new functions for otherwise unused pins on the PIC.  There are a couple of indicators people have asked for to make it easier to implement links and repeaters in some EU countries.
• The jury is out on the USB interface kit.  Right now I’m running low on PCBs and will be making the decision soon whether to have another run made, or discontinue the kit.  Watch this news blog for updates as I get closer to the decision.  I’ll for sure sell the remainder of what I have here, as soon as I get a chance to mount the SMT parts.