Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.3C (Added WSPR , APRS TX with PC )

 Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.3C (Added WSPR , APRS TX with PC )

Version 0.3C includes tasks associated with computers. You can use the same cable you used to update the firmware. If you just want to receive APRS you will need some modifications. This modification can also be used for FT8 communication that will be supported in the future.

0. About UV-K5 v0.3C

-DIG.M (Digital Mode) menu has been added. When Digital Mode is ON, the External CW Key does not work. When using the CW Key, turn Digital Mode OFF. If the Digital Mode is changed (ON->OFF or OFF -> ON), be sure to turn the radio off and then turn it back on.

-Stand alone WSPR function has been added. Before going outside, use UV5DigManager to input WSPR information into UV-K5.

-A function to send APRS messages by connecting to a computer has been added. You can easily receive data by simply modifying the programming cable (the cable used when updating the firmware).

-The cable used in APRS is also used for connection with WSJT-X, which is scheduled to have additional features in 0.3X

-AMFIX applied when receiving from Spectrum & Waterfall (Todo in 0.3B)

-Fixed issue with GPS coordinates with more than 4 decimal places in APRS (Todo in 0.3B)

- STATUS (top of screen) ICON rearrangement

- Fixed issue where the Monitor function is activated under certain conditions when Spectrum & Waterfall is closed. ( Commented by Sean, N7SIX)

- APRS, SSTV SideTone volume (Added in Version 0.3) changed ( -> 100)

- CWFM (F2A) SideTone volume changed ( -> 100)

- Remove SSB Filter menu, The SSB Filter function has not been deleted. When SSB mode is selected, 2K+ (BandWidth 3~4Khz with Hacked function) operates automatically.

- Remove Live.Seek Menu, The Live Seek function has not been deleted. It operates fixed to Live Seek.2. (Signal detection and simple spectrum display when moving frequency with direction keys)   The Live.Seek feature may be deleted if a replacement feature is added to Spectrum & Waterfall.

1. Digital Mode ON

To save WSPR data on UV-5K or transmit APRS using a PC, Digital Mode must be turned on.

Caution: When Digital Mode is ON, External CW Paddle or External CW Straight Key can no longer be used. When using the External CW Paddle, be sure to turn off Digital Mode.

If the Digital Mode settings are changed, turn off UV-K5 and turn it on again. (Reboot)

'DIG.M' in the menu and change it to ON.

After the value is changed, turn off and turn on UV-K5.

(If the DIG.M value has been changed, be sure to reboot. UART operates at high speed)

If 'DIG+' is displayed on the screen, it is ready to receive data from the PC.

You do not need to do anything on UV-K5 to receive WSPR data from a PC or transmit APRS data using a PC. Please keep this screen as is.

2.Saving WSPR data to UV-K5

Before you go outside, you must save the data required for WSPR transmission in UV-K5. 

If you go to SOTA, the coordinates of the mountain in question are stored in UV-K5 in advance.

2.1Connect UV-K5

To save WSPR data on UV-K5, connect the data cable. (You can use the same cable used for firmware update)

2.2 Run UV-K5 DigiManager

   Select the Serial Port where the data cable is connected and click the Connect button.

2.3 Entering WSPR data

Power does not adjust the RF output of UV-K5. This is simply data transmitted along with WSPR transmission.

For RF output, please select one of H, M, and L on UV-K5.

2.4 Transferring data to UV-K5

    After entering all data, click the Transfer button.

If WSPR data has been transmitted, it is displayed on the UV-K5 screen as shown below.

 

You can additionally save the second and third data by changing the number at the beginning of the WSPR item.

3. Send WSPR

3.1 Send

To transmit WSPR, only one UV-K5 is required.

Select T.WSPR from the menu.

Press the ‘Menu’ button once more.

The WSPR frequency and WSPR data stored in UV-K5 are displayed on the screen.

At even minute 00 seconds, press one of the buttons 1, 2, or 3 for more than 1 second.

Transmission takes approximately 120 seconds.

3.2 pskreporter

The WSPR you sent can be checked through pskreporter.

https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html

3.3 WSPR Additional Information

The UV-K5's frequency is quite stable.  It operates much more stably than the SI5351 module, I experimented with VHF WSPR on UV-K5 and received everything successfully.

Additionally, I enabled WSPR to be transmitted in the 50Mhz and 28Mhz bands.

To use 50Mhz and 28Mhz, you must install an LPF or BPF filter. The spur signal is generated louder than the main signal.

The WSPR frequency is automatically selected to be close to your VFO frequency. (Only 2M, 6M, and 10M are available)

To use the 6m band, enter any 6m band frequency and run WSPR.

4. APRS TX using PC

4.0 APRS on UV-K5

If you are trying APRS for the first time on UV-K5, you must save the APRS transmission frequency in the channel in advance.

Tune the regular VFO to the APRS frequency appropriate for your country or region.

Then go to the ChSave menu and move to the very end.

Then, the APRS MSG or APRS GPS item will automatically appear.

You can save it there.

Save both APRS MSG and APRS GPS.

- This is to transmit APRS at any time while your radio is in operation.

4.1 Data Cable Mod

To transmit APRS using a PC, you do not need to modify the data cable.

However, simple modifications are required to receive APRS data. You must connect the frontmost signal (audio) to the 2.5mm plug.

In my case, I cut the DATA cable with a knife to connect the wire to the very front of the 2.5mm plug.

Caution: Be careful when soldering GND (the rearmost part of the 2.5mm plug). The plug may melt. It is recommended to connect GND in the middle of the cable.

Insert a resistor (5k~20k) between the wires connected to the frontmost part of the 2.5mm Plug

Just connect to the Line-In or Mic-In of your computer. You can also use an Audio Sound Card.

This cable will also be used in the future when using FT8.

4.2 Run UV-K5 DigiManager

Select Comport and Click to 'Port Optn'

Select Type (STATUS or  Message)

After entering all items, click the Transfer button.

4.3 Receive APRS

I don't know much about APRS.

This time, while developing the APRS function, I ran the programs provided by testers.

Rather than using the information below, please contact APRS experts near you.

I tested it with Dire Wolf. Receiving is also possible.

Transmission is all handled by the UV-K5, so all you have to do is set up Direwolf's Audio IN.

5.Download

https://github.com/phdlee/uvk5cec/releases/tag/v0.3b

Basic Mode : file : CEC____B.packed.bin
CW Speed : 5WPM ~ 50WPM
Keypad Straight Key, Keypad Paddle, External Straight Key, External Paddle (IAMBIC.A)
Recommended for users under 15 WPM.

Expert Mode : file : CEC____C.packed.bin
CW Speed : 5WPM ~ 50WPM
External Paddle IAMBIC.A or IAMBIC.B
External Straight Key
Recommended for all users who do not use the Keypad Straight or Keypad Paddle built into the radio.
Even during keying, the user's key control is detected. Therefore, it is more flexible than Basic Mode and key errors are reduced.