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QRPworks SideKar User Manual

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QRPworks
SideKar
SideKar Plus
™ &
™
User Manual
SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual
rev 3.2
Page 1 of 84

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Summary of Contents for QRPworks SideKar

  • Page 1 QRPworks SideKar SideKar Plus ™ & ™ User Manual SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 1 of 84...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Creating or Editing a Rig Macro: Naming Rig Macros Sending a Rig Macro Call Sign Entered Grab & Go™ Summary of Message Editing Operation: Stored Text Message/Macro Summary SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 2 of 84...
  • Page 3 Updating the Firmware Technology Support Acknowledgements Troubleshooting Tips Summary of Keyboard Commands Summary of Pushbutton Edit Functions Summary of Keyboard Editor Commands Summary of Logging Commands Firmware Revision History Index SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 3 of 84...
  • Page 4 SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 4 of 84...

  • Page 5: Overview

    Thank you for your purchase of the QRPworks SideKar ™ SideKar Plus In this manual, the reference to a SideKar applies to both the SideKar and SideKar Plus, as they share most features. Differences in the models will be noted as appropriate. It is primarily the display size (SideKar is 2 lines 40 characters while the SideKar Plus is double at 4 lines, 80 characters).

  • Page 6: Sidekar & Sidekar Plus Installation

    Be mounted on top of the KX2  Sit on a desktop One SideKar can work with the KX2, KX3 or K3/K3S just by changing a few simple brackets. Note that the original SideKar case, designed to mount on the right side of the KX3, can also mount on top of the KX2, with the appropriate brackets.
  • Page 7 The SideKar is designed to mount on the right side of the KX3, above the antenna BNC connector. . 1. On the right side of the KX3, remove the black flat head Philips screw in the upper back position, closest to the A / B button.
  • Page 8 Original SideKar Case (with the fixed mounting wing) 4. Position the SideKar so the shoulder screw is in the round portion of the keyed slot and flat against the KX3. To start, align the Shoulder Screw in the round opening...
  • Page 9 5. Slide the SideKar down until the notch at the bottom of the SideKar mounting wing is under the KX3’s thumbscrew head. SideKar mounting tab and notch under the foot thumbscrew Extend the foot after lightly tightening the thumbscrew 6. Lightly tighten the KX3 thumbscrew, and then swing the KX3 foot out to further tighten the foot.
  • Page 10 Note the bracket is not symmetrical. The longer slot goes against the SideKar and the shorter slot goes against the KX3. If it is reversed, the SideKar can slide down too far and hit the antenna BNC connector. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2...
  • Page 11 Longer slot Shorter slot SideKar SideKar Plus 6. Position the SideKar so the installed shoulder screw on the KX3 is in the round portion of the keyed slot and flat against the KX3. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2...
  • Page 12 Align the Shoulder Screw in the round opening 7. Slide / wiggle the SideKar down until the notch at the bottom of the SideKar bracket is under the KX3’s thumbscrew head. If the SideKar hits the BNC connector, the bracket is installed backwards. Remove it and put the longer slot against the SideKar.
  • Page 13 4. Lightly tighten the KX3 thumbscrew, and then swing the KX3 foot out to further tighten the foot. The SideKar should now be snug against the side of the KX3. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 13 of 84...
  • Page 14 Thumbscrews Installed 2. If not already installed, install 2 supplied thumbscrews in the bottom 2 holes in the SideKar. (lower right of the On-Off switch, and lower left of the Rig port.) Install the 2 KX2 brackets under the thumbscrews as shown.
  • Page 15 Long side against the SideKar Short side against the Long Side against the SideKar 3. Slide the 2 brackets on the SideKar under the thumbscrews on the back of the KX2. Tighten the thumbscrews. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2...
  • Page 16 SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 16 of 84...
  • Page 17 KX3 mounting bracket, except you will use 2 of them. 1. On the back of the SideKar and SideKar Plus, install 2 supplied thumbscrews. Slide a bracket under each thumbscrew and hand tighten, as shown. The brackets are symmetrical and can be installed using either slot.

  • Page 18: Setup

    Connections:  KX3/KX2: connect the supplied 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo cable from the SideKar Rig port to the KX3 ACC1 or KX2 ACC connectors. The right angle connectors on both ends are important to reduce the strain on the printed circuit boards. Do not connect the radio cable if the PC cable is in use.
  • Page 19 PC if the Radio serial port is connected to the radio. Power switch (slide left to turn on) KX3/KX2/K3/K3s Settings: For the SideKar to display transmitted text, the KX3 firmware must be at MCU version 2.19 or later.  Menu: RS232: set to 38400.
  • Page 20 Refer to the Data Modes section in the rig’s manual PX3, KXPA100, P3, KPA500, KPA1500 Connections: The SideKar is always at the end of the serial connections. Basically, it takes the place of a PC. So it gets connected where the PC would be connected.

  • Page 21: Keyboard Choices

    Keyboard Choices The SideKar can be used with a wired or wireless USB keyboard. Please note that the wireless keyboard must be a 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard, and NOT a Bluetooth keyboard. The SideKar can use a USA or UK keyboard. Pressing Alt-K will toggle between the two.

  • Page 22: Starting Up

    Starting Up When the SideKar is powered on, you will see a welcome screen briefly. For reference, the firmware version is displayed on this screen: The SideKar will then automatically attempt to connect with the rig via its serial port. 38400 baud is the required speed.

  • Page 23: Using The Sidekar Buttons

    If the rig is not decoding and displaying characters, then the SideKar screen will be blank. If the SideKar does not connect to the rig and you expect a troubleshooting tips connection, please see the Using the SideKar Buttons...
  • Page 24 “Button 2 Set”. The function is now assigned to the button you held, and will be remembered even when powered off. To assign the second button, reset the SideKar (Alt-R) and repeat this process. The default functions shipped are: ...
  • Page 25 14. Exit Exits this function list * available with version 2.1.1 and later SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 25 of 84...

  • Page 26: One Time Button Use

    Holding TAB/ENTER will run the function Note: not all functions are appropriate for this one time use. Note that the functions start with “4. Help”. This is normal. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 26 of 84...

  • Page 27: Displaying Decoded Text

    Displaying Decoded Text For displaying rig decoded text, the SideKar takes advantage of the innovative rig feature whereby the rig decodes incoming data and displays the decoded text on a scrolling 8-character display at the bottom right of the rig’s screen. The data could be PSK31, PSK63, RTTY, or CW.

  • Page 28: Scrolling Back

    The text on the screen is now frozen, not changing. Note: even though the screen is frozen, behind the scenes the SideKar is still collecting text from the rig. So when you go back to normal, real-time receiving, you’ll see the most recent text received.
  • Page 29 Arrow Up or Down to scroll one line at a time  Page Up or Down to scroll a page at a time (SideKar = 2 lines, SideKar Plus = 4 lines) If less than 10 lines have been saved, you will see <END of DATA>...
  • Page 30 Freeze/Scroll down 1 line up/down per press Scroll up/ Page Freeze/Scroll down 1 page up/down per press Tap button Back to real- Freeze/Scroll or Alt-F or time receiving SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 30 of 84...

  • Page 31: Transmitting Text

    80 characters. You can send text to the rig by either plugging a USB keyboard into the SideKar and simply typing on the keyboard or using the keyer in the rig. The rig will transmit the text in whatever mode it is set to.

  • Page 32: Immediate Mode

    FSK-D, it will send RTTY.  If it is set to CW, it will send CW You just type and the SideKar and the rig will take care of the rest. There are 2 SideKar modes offered to send text using the keyboard.

  • Page 33: Buffered Mode

    PSK31 and CW…without the need of a computer. To transmit text, type on the keyboard. The characters will appear on the bottom line of the SideKar display, and be sent to the rig when: 1. The number of buffered characters typed reaches the number set using ALT-O…or…...

  • Page 34: Viewing Characters Sent

    Viewing Characters Sent You have the option of seeing characters you are sending on the SideKar screen or not. On the keyboard, press ALT-E to toggle between seeing the characters sent and not seeing them.

  • Page 35: Entering Characters Without A Keyboard

    Entering Characters Without a Keyboard One of the cool features of the SideKar is the ability operate without a keyboard. You can enter text by using the paddles to generate characters. We call this “KEY-boarding” (because you’re KEYing in characters).
  • Page 36 The rig’s internal keyer is used to generate the characters. So when you are entering data that is not to be transmitted, such as logging, the SideKar will automatically change the rig’s power setting to 0 watts. The keying will still be functional, but no RF is generated.

  • Page 37: Stored Text Messages

    20 messages/macros. You can save the sets on your PC or Mac and download a selected set of 20 messages to the SideKar all at once. Using the Message Management Utility is the fastest way to create and save a number of messages.
  • Page 38 If you want to cancel the editing of a message, press the ESC key hold the BKSP/ESC button at any time. The SideKar will return to the normal mode. The LED will go out and you will see the following message...

  • Page 39: Naming Text Messages

    Naming Text Messages The SideKar provides a way to name a message. The name will then be shown in the message summary screen as a handy reminder. To name a message, simply enter the name as the first characters followed by a colon “:”. Everything to the left of the colon is the message name and is not sent to the rig.

  • Page 40: Sending A Stored Text Message

    To send a stored text message, just press the F or Alt-F key of the message to be sent. The sent message will appear on the SideKar screen as it is being sent by the rig. If you press an F key more than once, or multiple F keys in sequence, the messages will be sent in sequence (chained).

  • Page 41: Storing And Sending Rig Macros

    For the KX3, the macros can be written in the KX3 Utility, and two of the macros can be assigned to the PF1 or PF2 buttons on the KX3. The SideKar expands that by allowing you to create and store 20 macros, 80 characters each in the SideKar, and executing them with a simple keystroke.

  • Page 42: Creating Or Editing A Rig Macro

    Creating or Editing a Rig Macro: From SideKar version 2.3.0 and later, the ability create and edit messages and rig macros from your PC or Mac has been added by using the QRPworks Message Management Utility program. It is available free on the QRPworks.com website (click on Support).
  • Page 43 If you want to cancel the editing of a macro, press the ESC key or hold the BKSP/ESC button at any time. The SideKar will return to the real-time receiving mode. The Status LED will go out and you will see the...

  • Page 44: Naming Rig Macros

    The commands used in rig macros are cryptic, and when you look at a list of commands in a rig macro, it may not be obvious what the macro does. To help you remember, SideKar allows you to name each macro. The name will then be shown in the message summary screen, including the leading period, so you can differentiate messages from macros.

  • Page 45: Sending A Rig Macro

    To send a stored rig macro, just press the Fx or Alt-Fx key of the macro to be sent, where x is from 1-10 (i.e. Alt-F5). The sequence of commands will then be sent to the rig. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 45 of 84...

  • Page 46: Call Sign Entered

    Call Sign Entered The SideKar gives you the ability to capture another station’s call sign and have it sent out automatically in messages and automatically populate the log. You may be familiar with this feature in most contest loggers and PSK31 or RTTY programs.

  • Page 47: Grab & Go

    Grab & Go™ ™ The SideKar has a unique feature call Grab & Go which helps you to maintain the flow in contests or regular QSOs. Grab & Go allows you capture (grab) a station’s call at the same time you are responding on the air. This is instead of typing the other stations call in the Enter Call screen (Alt-C) and then sending it subsequently.

  • Page 48: Summary Of Message Editing Operation

    Press ESC message. Back Mode to normal mode Stored Text Message/Macro Summary If you don’t recall which text message or macro is stored where, the SideKar can help. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 48 of 84...
  • Page 49 : - (colon) used to separate the name of the message or macro from the actual message text or macro command. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 49 of 84...
  • Page 50 Here are the commands available:  Backspace: moves the cursor one character to the left and erases the character  Home: moves the cursor to the first character. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 50 of 84...
  • Page 51 Messages and macros can be 80 characters. In the SideKar, if your message / macro is over 40 characters (one screen), the SideKar will display them in pages of 40 characters each.
  • Page 52 Contesting While the SideKar is not a substitute for a full contest logging program, it can help with sending your contest exchange and the general flow of many contests. And now in version 2.2.0 and later, we have added more contest specific features.
  • Page 53 Dxpedition (for running stations) 2. In the Log screen, when you enter a call and press TAB, the SideKar will check for duplicates in the log. Remember a dupe is defined differently for each contest. For example, for Field Day, it is the same call on the same band and same mode.
  • Page 54 OR…by using Grab & Go,  W1ABC calls you. Press F2 and type or Key-board W1ABC. W1ABC is sent on the air as you type or Key-board it. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 54 of 84...
  • Page 55 20 text message locations (F1:F10, Alt-F1:Alt-F10) and sent with a single keystroke. If the contest exchange contains a QSO serial number, the SideKar has a feature to help. To use the serial number feature, ...
  • Page 56 QSO rate. SideKar version 2.6.0 and later offers the DXpediton mode of operating, which reduces 2 specific time delays: When entering the call of another station using Alt-C, the “Back to Real Time”...
  • Page 57 SK Logging allows you to have some basic logging features when using the SideKar. While it does not try to replicate a full blown log or contest logging program, it does allow you to capture the basic QSO information easily and export it to an ADIF file.
  • Page 58 IOTA needs to use the ADIF tag “MY_IOTA” Selecting the reference type selects the proper ADIF tag for output. See the QRPworks ADIF Utility manual on the QRPworks website (under Support, Utilities) for more information on creating an ADIF file.
  • Page 59 This is to accommodate small keyboards without Page Up / Down keys. Logging a New QSO To log a new QSO, enter the SideKar Log by pressing Alt-L, and then L to Log a QSO. The QSO log screen will then be shown To navigate from field-to-field, press TAB.
  • Page 60 Press Enter to save the QSO. Call: Enter the call worked. Maximum: 10 characters. Enter either upper or lower case. The SideKar will convert it to upper case. This is a required field. Exch: Enter the exchange. Maximum 10 characters. Any characters can be entered, so this can be used for regular QSOs (“599”) or contest exchanges (“2A CO”, “Steve NY”).
  • Page 61 Note: if using the internal real time clock, the date and time will be filled in with the date and time the screen was accessed. The SideKar is supplied with a CR2032 button battery for this purpose. If necessary, set the date and time (Alt-D) Freq: enter the frequency in MHz.
  • Page 62 Lighthouses, and other special outings. But it doesn’t have to be an official reference. It could be something simple as “vacation” or “Field Day”. This feature of the SideKar allows you to  Store up to 12 References (maximum 16 characters each) ...
  • Page 63 Exporting an ADIF File To export an ADIF file with only the QSOs of the reference activated.  Go to the Logging Screen (Alt-L) SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 63 of 84...
  • Page 64 Note: Once an ADIF export is done, you’ll need to reset the rig and SideKar to resume normal operations. The easiest way to do this is to power both off, then power on the rig first. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2...
  • Page 65 In the SideKar Plus, the first 4 levels are a group that are lower brightness levels, and more appropriate for running on a battery.
  • Page 66 Quick QSY™ The SideKar provides a Quick QSY feature to change frequency and mode very quickly. To use it, press Alt-Q. The screen will then prompt you for the frequency, and the format required is also displayed. Optionally, you can change modes as well by adding a single letter on the end of the frequency.
  • Page 67 Voltage Check To display the power supply voltage of the SideKar, press Alt- V. The current voltage and the SideKar serial number will display. Press Esc on the keyboard or hold the BKSP/ESC button to quit and return to the real-time receiving mode.
  • Page 68 Battery Replacement The CR2032 button battery is used to maintain the time and date when power is removed from the SideKar. It typically lasts for 5 years. To replace it:  IMPORTANT: DO NOT REMOVE THE BATTERY OUT OF THE HOLDER BY LIFTING OR PRYING THE BATTERY UP.
  • Page 69 It might pull the battery holder off of the PC board. Hold the battery holder down while twisting the screwdriver to be sure. SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 69 of 84...
  • Page 70 System Reset If you want to reset the SideKar, press Alt-R. Then press “Y” to confirm the reset or “N” or ESC to cancel the reset. The reset is similar to turning the unit off and then on again. One reason for doing a reset is to re-initiate the communications to the rig, in case it is not connected.
  • Page 71 For the Elecraft products, in general, it is connected as the last device in the serial (ACC1) connection chain.  PX3 – connect the SideKar to the ACC1 (PC) port on the PX3. For the SideKar to display decoded text from the KX3, the text decode function on the PX3 must be turned off.
  • Page 72  Plug in the 3.5mm cable supplied with one end going into the Rig port on the SideKar Plus and the other end going to the ACC1 port on the KX3.  Note: You must leave the ACC2 port plugged in with the KX3-to-KXPA100 adapter’s keying cable...
  • Page 73  Turn on the SideKar / SideKar Plus and let it connect.  Turn on the KXPA100 amplifier by manually using the “On/Off” switch on the front of the KXPA100. You will no longer be controlling the amplifier using the PA mode On/Off from the KX2 menu.
  • Page 74 Updating the Firmware The SideKar firmware is able to be upgraded via the “PC” serial port connector. Please contact us via the www.QRPworks.com Contact page if an update is needed. Technology The SideKar is not just a larger screen. Inside is a PIC microcontroller.
  • Page 75 Turn the rig on first. d. Wait a few seconds e. Turn on the SideKar 2. The SideKar is connected, but no received text is appearing Ensure that the rig’s Text Decoding feature is turned on and you see characters scrolling on the rig’s display (in the lower right hand corner).
  • Page 76 4. When I send using a keyboard or a paddle, the rig is sending the characters, but I don’t see the sent characters on the SideKar screen, regardless of the Alt- E (echo characters) setting. Make sure the KX3 firmware is at MCU version 2.19 or later.
  • Page 77 (v2.6.0 and later) Display Voltage Alt-V Wipe the call entered for Enter Call, Grab & Go or Alt-W Logging Same as F12 edit message or macro(added version Alt-Z 2.6.5) SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 77 of 84...
  • Page 78 F11 or Alt-H Help Enter Edit Mode. While in Edit mode, save message F12 or Alt-Z or macro (Alt-Z added version 2.6.5) Page Up / Display text message/macro summary Down SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 78 of 84...
  • Page 79 Summary of Logging Commands TAB or up/down Move from field to field arrows Enter Save the QSO Find Next QSO (after first is Alt-Arrow Down found) Alt-X Delete the QSO displayed SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 79 of 84...
  • Page 80 - fixed the cursor position when editing a log entry 2.2.0 - fixed keyboard type (Alt-K). It was reversed. - fix to rigPower if it starts out zero 2.1.3 - minor fix to ADIF header SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 80 of 84...
  • Page 81 - don't read rig data when exporting ADIF - add sending message 1 & 2 via the 2.1.1 pushbuttons SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 81 of 84...
  • Page 82 50 Alt-H, 70 Alt-I, 55 Alt-K, 21 Alt-L, 57 Alt-M, 36 firmware revision history, 80 Alt-N, 55 firmware updates, 74 Alt-O, 32 firmware version, 22 Alt-P, 62 SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 82 of 84...
  • Page 83 38, 42 support, 74 system reset, 70 overview, 5 transmitting text - buffered xmit mode, 32 transmitting text – immediate xmit PX3 connection, 20 mode, 32 SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 83 of 84...
  • Page 84 75 voltage check, 67 updating the firmware, 74 SideKar / SideKar Plus User Manual rev 3.2 Page 84 of 84...

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