CW beacon radio

[Deleted User 30222]

Been doing a lot of talking with TNT1450 about converting old 23 channel radios to 10 meters to use as a CW beacon rigs. But since i'm not a HAM, had to look a different direction. I thought that i could use my Galaxy DX959 that had the channel mod done to it. So i can tx above 27.405, but stay below 28 MHz. But i'm confused about one thing. How do i actually set it to transmit a preset code Or any code. I'm guessing i don't actually hold my mic to a speaker with code being played. I am planning on building my own keyer.

[TNT1450]

The way I did it with these old CB's was to key the PTT line, of course these radios I used were just AM rigs so the unmodulated AM carrier makes a CW transmitter. However I have in the past wondered what it would be like to make a PSK beacon, sending a message in PSK31. Of course I'd likely use my HR2600 for that, but since I'd have to set up a dedicated computer I never really felt like putting that plan into motion. I have though seen beacon setups using a small, old laptop running a program sending Morse code. I've simply just used a CW keyer chip with a beacon mode.

[Deleted User 30222]

Kind of using this for a start.

YOUTUBE_ADMIN

YOUTUBE_ADMIN

[51]

i would just put a spst switch on the tx line, then inject the audio (code,voice etc) directly into the mic audio line. using a recorder, computer etc thru an impedance transformer to play a looping audio track. just an idea

[Deleted User 30222]

i would just put a spst switch on the tx line, then inject the audio (code,voice etc) directly into the mic audio line. using a recorder, computer etc thru an impedance transformer to play a looping audio track. just an idea

I do have a few switches. And i might pick up a spare pc for something like that. But I still have to figure a lot of this out. Like exactly how to inject, don't really understand that part. And what a impedance transformer is. I can Google that. What i've been thinking about. Is it possible to use a old mic cable to wire up a keyer that way. Kind of a plug and play. And that would be for manual code.

[51]

just connect your audio devices audio output directly to the transmitters audio input line. you will need to do that thru a transformer to avoid level mismatch, distortion, overdrive etc. your transmitters audio input is probably roughly around 600 ohms. your audio out device will most likely be 5k - 10k ohms. so you need to match these impedance's as closely as possible to avoid said symptoms. all you have to do is figure out the ratio between the two and buy your transformer accordingly. here is an example of what you need: [Please login or register to view this link]. as far as the second part of your question, if you are using a plain AM cb radio for your transmitter, than no you cant hook up a key straight to the radio to get morse code. the transmitter needs to have some sort of audio oscillator circuit to give you your cw sidetone and inject it onto the carrier. you also need a more efficient way to key the transmitter because if you go straight thru the mic jack to the tx line, its very possible that you will induce very loud key clicks, or not. that you would have to experiment.

[Deleted User 30222]

The way I did it with these old CB's was to key the PTT line, of course these radios I used were just AM rigs so the unmodulated AM carrier makes a CW transmitter. However I have in the past wondered what it would be like to make a PSK beacon, sending a message in PSK31. Of course I'd likely use my HR2600 for that, but since I'd have to set up a dedicated computer I never really felt like putting that plan into motion. I have though seen beacon setups using a small, old laptop running a program sending Morse code. I've simply just used a CW keyer chip with a beacon mode.

This is something I would like to try with my DX959. Not sure if that makes a difference. Plus, you guys are talking over my head. This is all new. So please explain. And is this something i need? [Please login or register to view this link]


Or do i stick with this. [Please login or register to view this link]

[TNT1450]

I have some friends who are into Arduino, but I personally don't know anything about it. To make a simple CW beacon, I don't think Arduino is necessarily needed when a simple keyer chip with beacon mode works just fine. I think building a controller in Arduino is overly complicating things.

[Deleted User 30222]

I have some friends who are into Arduino, but I personally don't know anything about it. To make a simple CW beacon, I don't think Arduino is necessarily needed when a simple keyer chip with beacon mode works just fine. I think building a controller in Arduino is overly complicating things.

So your telling me to go with the PK keyer kit. But use the NORCAL chip? Still not sure how this connects to my DX959

[TNT1450]

Either Norcal or PK will work, both chips have the exact same pinout so they're interchangeable. I built the keyer, then the keyer output keys the PTT line of the CB I converted to a beacon. The unmodulated AM carrier makes a perfectly good CW signal. That's the simplest and easiest way to do it. I don't know if you'll get key clicks or not, but I don't have that problem with the old Midland I used.

[Deleted User 30222]

Either Norcal or PK will work, both chips have the exact same pinout so they're interchangeable. I built the keyer, then the keyer output keys the PTT line of the CB I converted to a beacon. The unmodulated AM carrier makes a perfectly good CW signal. That's the simplest and easiest way to do it. I don't know if you'll get key clicks or not, but I don't have that problem with the old Midland I used.

Hate to keep bugging you. And i do appreciate all your help. So what your saying is, connect the keyer to my 4 pin mic. I do have a old mic cord that i could use to wire it up. Would that work?

[TNT1450]

Yeah, it should. Just connect the keyer's output to the PTT wire, and the keyer ground to radio ground.

[Deleted User 30222]

Yeah, it should. Just connect the keyer's output to the PTT wire, and the keyer ground to radio ground.

I'll give that a try later on this afternoon. Let you know what happens.

[MDYoungblood]

Are you planning to loop the transmit with something giving your power output, frequency, location, time, etc., like the WWV stations?

3's

Greg

[Deleted User 30222]

Are you planning to loop the transmit with something giving your power output, frequency, location, time, etc., like the WWV stations?

3's

Greg

I have no idea what i'm doing. Trying to learn as i go. For that part, was thinking of picking up this. I heard this can be used for that.

[Deleted User 30222]

Ok people, really need your help here. I have the above kit. My goal is to use the pc to send tx to the Arduino, which is connected to a breadboard. So that i can connect a old mic cable to my DX959

[19dt2120]

Happy new year to every One!

Don't focus only on CW ,there is a variety of digimode software with beacon functions whereby u can check also the results on some websites like [Please login or register to view this link] & [Please login or register to view this link] .
Starting a beacon with the knowledge that there would be other stations who maybe could be receiving/decode ur sgnl would be more satisfied .
Just start simple with an sound-card interface en some kind of pc,laptop,rspi,phone or etc. because there is not so much to find for u with arduino and some kind of beacon with modulator for cb! Why only txing if you can also use ur rx too.