Ham Supply Logikey K-5 Electronic Keyer

Logikey K-5 Electronic Keyer

Logikey K-5 Electronic Morse Code Memory Keyer

(Due to a 300%+ increase in the price of chips and the surface mount PCB, the K-5 has been discontinued Nov 15, 2018).

The new Logikey K-5 keyer replaces the classic K-3 keyer, of which thousands have been sold. The K-5 uses the identical firmware – all operating features of the K3 remain unchanged. The K-5 features a new, lower height chassis/cabinet with improved fit and finish. The K-5 includes a built in battery holder, which accepts three AAA cells, which will run the keyer for many months or even years of normal operating. The K-5 will also run off 12 volts DC, and when powered with 12 volts DC the batteries, if installed, do not drain.

Logikey K-5 Morse Keyer Specifications:

– Fully iambic keyer; can emulate most other keyers including Curtis “A” timing and Accukeyer
– Works perfectly with single-lever, non-iambic paddles
– Six active messages plus 12 “banked” messages, 1530 characters total
– Messages may ‘call’ others and contain programmed functions
– Messages can loop for continuous replay
– Messages can allow break-in for paddle-inserted text with automatic resumption
– Message editing capability of existing messages
– Ultra Speed mode allows messages at speeds to 990 WPM!
– Contest serial number: 001 to 9999, with push-button decrements if needed
– Linear speed control: 5 to 60 WPM, speed range can be easily customized
– Adjustable weighting: 25% to 75%
– Adjustable frequency sidetone monitor, 500 – 900 Hz, internal monitor level control
– Tune function for transmitter adjustment, hand key mode from paddle
– Operator selectable automatic character spacing
– Full beacon capability
– Messages and keyer configuration saved if power is lost
– Variable compensation for QSK transmitter character shortening
– Keyer offers precise speed read-out
– Keys all solid state and most tube rigs (virtually everything made since 1964)
– No paddle “buffering” or “debouncing” required with any paddle
– Comes complete with printed manual (English)
– Runs on 12 volts DC, less than .1 amp, or on 3 AAA batteries when installed in internal battery pack
– Size: 4.25″ (107mm) W X 1 7/8″ (48mm) H X 5 5/8″ (143 mm) D
– Stainless Steel Fasteners
– 90 day limited warranty

The K-5 also includes some circuit refinements, designed to offer improved protection for the CPU from lightning and static discharges.

Fasteners used in the K-5 are all 18-8 stainless steel.

OK. You look at the specs and the features. Pretty spectacular. But you weren’t born yesterday. How the heck do you control all those functions without a keyboard? How do you get the speed readout without a digital display? So how do you talk to it, and it to you?

Simple! Via Morse Code! After all, that’s what this keyer is all about. Want to know the exact speed? Press the right-most two buttons down together and release them. This puts you temporarily into the “Inquiry” mode. The keyer will send a “?” as in “di-di-da-da-di-di” in perfect Morse Code. Now, through your paddle, you send the letter “S” (as in Speed). The keyer responds by sending the exact speed in Morse Code. As soon as it finishes answering the question, it automatically goes back to normal operating.

OK. You want to program the speed range? Easy. Press the left-most two buttons down together and release. That puts you in the “Function”, or control mode. The keyer will send, in flawless Morse Code, “F”, indicating it is now in Function mode. You send “R0825” through your paddle. That sets the Range to run from 8 to 25 words per minute, instantly. That’s how it’s done – all queries and commands are entered or played back through Morse Code, using simple instructions. And as soon as you finish sending the command, it is implemented, and the keyer instantly and automatically returns to normal operating mode.

Loading messages is a snap. Press any button for two seconds – the keyer will send a “C”. Enter the first word of your message. The keyer responds with a high-pitched “didi” indicating acceptance, and that it is entering a word space after that first word. Send another word. It gives the “didi” again. Now, go get a cup of coffee and come back, then send the third word. Pretty intense, huh? And when you are finished, press the same button down again to close the message. For playback, just press the same button briefly and release. Out it comes! If you want to change something later, there is an “Edit” capability too.

And that’s how it is done – you and the keyer communicate via Morse Code through paddle and speaker. Commands are intuitive and simple. Learning everything your Logikey K-5 will take an hour or so, (though you will be up and running in ten minutes) but the comprehensive tutorial makes it easier than you can imagine. And once learned, you will be set for a lifetime of CW pleasure. Many modern transceivers offer built in keyers – most are simplistic and unsophisticated, and not user-friendly. The K-5 feature list is unmatched in any transceiver!

Product Reviews

Have a look at the eHam product reviews of the K-5 or on our Ham Supply User Review page.

Also, read the QST magazine product review for Logikey K-3 in the February 2001 issue, in Adobe PDF format

QST Review of the K-3 Keyer

Keyer Cable Sets Also Available

The HKA Cable Set is a set of three quality cables to interface the keyer with your rig. Included is a 3′ shielded cable with molded 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo plug for your paddle, a 6′ cable with a molded 5.5mm X 2.1mm DC power plug, and a 3′ keying cable with a molded RCA plug on the keyer end, and a fully-shielded metal 1/4″ phone plug to connect to the rig.

The HKB Cable Set is the same as the HKA Cable Set, except that the keying cable has a fully-shielded metal 1/8 inch (3.5mm) phone plug to connect to the rig.

Pricing and Ordering

Logikey K5 Morse Code Keyer – Fully Assembled & Tested: $174.95 (Discontinued Nov 15, 2018)