The ID-O-Matic firmware is now at Version 3.6. V3.5 had a minor issue with muting receiver audio during the ID, which I believe is now fixed. I have also switched to a newer PIC processor chip. No big change from the end user perspective, but it did allow me to delete one resistor from the circuit board that is no longer needed. The new chip can be used on all of the old boards, so upgrades are not a problem.

I am now offering the PicoKeyer-Plus assembled and tested as well as in kit form. You can order your PK+ in the cabinet, ready to pop in the battery (included, of course) and start using it right away. If the assembled PK+ shows as “out of stock” when you order, don’t worry — I only do a few at a time, but always get them put together and shipped within a couple of days.

If you are having weather anything like we have had here for the past couple of months — happy Spring! It’s been unusually mild, and we’re getting just enough rain that I have not had to resort to sprinklers yet. We’ve got the bikes down from their winter hangers, and have already had the motorcycle out a few times. As always… if you LOVE your HamGadgets gear, let the world know! It’s product reviews on EHam.net, Youtube and other places that really help get the word out to your fellow hams. And of course if you’re NOT totally thrilled, let me know and we’ll see if we can’t fix that.

Somewhere along the way, I managed to get a new PicoKeyer-Plus firmware release tested and shipped.  All kits that have gone out over the past couple of weeks have shipped with an all-new chip and V4.0 firmware.  The new PIC chip allowed me to do a lot of things I had been wanting to do for several years.  This substantially improved firmware adds a new and easier to use command mode.  It also lets you adjust the speed control range, makes it easier and faster to send messages 2-4 (no more holding the button down!), and adds an auto-resume feature to the message pause command.  There are a few other new features, but I’ll leave the detail to a follow-up blog post in a few days.  I’m also working on a PicoKeyer chip that is designed to be a drop-in, pin compatible replacement for another popular 8-pin keyer chip.  This will let you replace the keyer in a number of rigs as well as some of the Whiterook portable paddles, so look for that announcement soon.

The ID-O-Matic firmware is now at Version 3.5.  The newer version add a couple of minor  features — for example, you can now change the courtesy beep character can be changed based on the ALT MSG input.

We will not be attending the Dayton Hamvention this year.  As much as we enjoy meeting and talking to our friends and customers, our youngest is graduating college that weekend, so that has a higher priority.  Since HamGadgets is pretty much a one-man show — with a one-XYL helper — there’s no sales staff we can send!  Hamvention 2013?  I don’t know, we’ll have to decide that later!

There is more news to share, but I’ll have to let some things wait for a later bulletin.

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.

If you’re in the USA, the Post Office says the last date for shipping to arrive in time for Christmas is the 20th of December for First Class, and the 21st for Priority Mail.  Keep in mind that, while I do try to get orders shipped as soon as possible, it may take me a couple of days to get things out the door.  In short – I would order soon for the best shot at having it in time for Santa to deliver it.

Beginning January 1, I plan to remove most of the small parts from the web site.  I have been offering some resistors, diodes, and other small parts for quite a while now.  These parts are a very small percentage of my overall sales, but due to how I have things set up cause a disproportionately large amount of delay and hassle.  There are numerous very good suppliers of small parts and components, so I don’t think this will have a big impact.  I will continue to offer some common replacement parts and some that may be difficult to source in singles.

Enjoy the holidays!

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

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