Looking back on 2011, it was a pretty good year for HamGadgets.  The UKA-2 kit was retired and replaced by the UKA-3, which people seem to like.  I was able to start offering custom cases for the PicoKeyer-Plus and UKA-2, thanks to the addition of a CNC machine to the workshop.  There were a couple of firmware updates to the MK-1 and ID-O-Matic II, which continues to be a very popular kit.  If there was a low point to the year, it would have to have been Dayton — but we’ll just leave that alone for now.

2012 will see some changes as well.  I’m working on a couple of new projects that you will see announced as they get closer to being ready to offer as kits or assembled products.  There will also be updates to some existing kits.  The PK-RM chip is about to get a major overhaul, its first in several years, to being it up to date and more in line with the PicoKeyer-Plus’ features.  I’ve been working on a new repeater controller for a while now, and I’m hoping to be able to offer that later in the year. It is my intent to offer a ready-to-go cabinet for every new kit added to the lineup — most people seem to like having that option.

And speaking of assembled products…  I know that some folks really enjoy kit building, while others would prefer not to have to heat up the soldering iron.  I simply do not have the time to assemble kits, except in very rare cases.  But there is hope for those of you who don’t like soldering or no longer are able to.  I do have a very small number of PK-Plus kits assembled and in the cases, and will list those on the web site in a few days.  For ID-O-Matic II kits, there are two sources from whom you can buy completely assembled and tested boards.  One is  Radio Dan (www.radiodan.com); the other is W5TXR Labs (www.w5txrlabs.com).

We’ll be out of town for a week or so beginning the 14th of January.  As usual you can place your orders at any time, and we’ll get them shipped as soon as possible when we return from our trip.

Again, I’d like to thank all of the people who helped to make 2011 a good year, and I hope I can continue to provide the kits and products you like for years to come.  And remember — if you like your kit or your MK-1, please take a few minutes to let others know.  If you don’t think it deserves a 5/5 rating, then please tell me and let me see if we can fix that.  If you do think it’s better than sliced bread and Mom’s apple pie, a positive product review on the EHAM web site (www.eham.net/reviews) will reach a lot of hams — and it really helps me out as well, of course.

Thanks again and have a GREAT 2012!

73 de Dale, N0XAS

And George isn’t the only one, either.  Apparently our friends at ARRL HQ like the PicoKeyer-Plus also.

The big news is that I’m shipping the UKA-3 at last.  I’m really happy with how the project has turned out, and especially the new cabinet.  It’s extruded aluminum, with engraved markings to give it a very nice finished appearance.  Right now I have both black and silver anodized cabinets, but I’ll probably settle on just one color soon.  That one color will probably be black.  In fact, I’ll probably quit offering PicoKeyer-Plus cabinets in any color but black soon, too — there just is almost no demand for anything else.  So, if you’re been anxiously waiting for a new kit, or for the UKA-3 in particular, now’s the time to order!

In anticipation of the holiday season, I’ll be running some specials on the web site this month.  Right now it’s the MK-1 at a price that I can guarantee you won’t see again this year, so if you want one at this price — hurry up and get it.  Next week?  Can’t say what will be on sale.  Really, I can’t – I won’t decide until next week.  Check the web site.

One more little thing about the UKA-3.  If you take a look at the manual, you will see that it has detailed, step by step color pictures for every step in the assembly instructions.   I hope to eventually overhaul all of the manuals with similar construction photos.  I also welcome any translations; we now have PicoKeyer-Plus instructions in English, French and Czech.  I know my friends at Box 73 in Germany have an outstanding German language manual as well, if you order one from them.

Well, there’s work to be done!  I have more cabinets to run through the CNC machine, two new kits to work on getting finished and a couple of firmware projects that will keep me busy through the winter.  Better get back to work!  I hope all of you have a very warm and happy Thanksgiving…  and don’t forget to fly your flag on Veterans Day.

Thanks & 73,
Dale – NØXAS
www.HamGadgets.com

You can order this along with your PicoKeyer-Plus kit, or separately.

I’ve been working far too many hours the past few weeks.  Yes, there is a nagging little problem with amp keying in the MK-1 firmware that I’ve been working on fixing.  In addition, I’m in the middle of a new production run of MasterKeyers so we don’t run out during Dayton.  I just received another run of PicoKeyer-Plus boards the other day, so now we need to start bagging kits – lots of them.

I will be posting a blog entry within a few days regarding the work I’ve been doing on the ID-O-Matic III, so you’ll need to wait a while for that news.

The newest addition to the shop is the new CNC milling machine!  I’ve been assembling, adjusting and tuning this for the past couple of weeks, and last night produced the first “production” parts on it.  Having this machine will allow me to offer cabinets pre-drilled and cut to fit the various kits.  The first job will be drilling and counter-boring end panels for the PIcoKeyer-Plus kit.  Soon you’ll be able to order the kit with a cabinet already drilled and ready to go.  Over the coming months I will be re-designing other kits (starting with the UKA-2) to fit into enclosures custom made for them.

Until the next update…  enjoy the beautiful weather, and we hope to see you in Dayton!  If you’re in the EU, we may even see you in Friedrichshafen next month.

One easy solution is to use a different power source.  A 1K Ohm resistor and a 4.7 V Zener diode is supplied with the kit; these will let you power your PicoKeyer from an external DC power source such as a 9V battery or 12V power supply.  If you have a source of regulated 5 V DC, you can use that instead.  This will allow the 2N7000s to turn more fully “ON”, and give your Pixie its full power output.  If you opt for an external power source, just be sure you do NOT have the battery connected at the same time.