Elecraft K1 - Manual (Page 57)

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LECRAFT
Recording and Playing Messages
The K1 provides two CW message memories of 90 bytes each. CW
messages can only be recorded using a keyer paddle connected
directly to the K1's key jack. Set I N P to P D n or P D r . Messages are
stored in EEPROM, so they won't be lost when power is turned off.
To Record a Message: Hold R E C , and when prompted with 1 - 2 ,
tap either 1 or 2 . The display will then show REC 90, indicating
that 90 bytes of storage are available in this message buffer. This
number will count down toward 0 as long as you are sending.
Whenever you stop sending completely, up to two standard-length
word spaces will be inserted. To stop recording, tap
M S G . If you do
this before starting to send, the original message contents will not
be lost.
To Play a Message: Tap M S G , then select a message by tapping
either 1 or 2 . Message play can be canceled at any time by hitting
M S G again or by tapping the keyer paddle. You can also change the
keyer speed while messages are playing, using W P M + and W P M - as
usual.
Keyer Test Mode: To play back messages without transmitting,
use keyer test mode (page 55). In this mode, you'll see P = 0 on the
LCD during message play, rather than the transmit bargraph.
Using Auto-Repeat
Either message memory can be auto-repeated when played, which is
useful when calling CQ on a quiet band or during contests.
Sometimes a band will be open but will "sound" dead, simply because
no one is calling CQ at that moment. This is a great time to let
auto-repeat do the work.
To use Auto-Repeat: Tap M S G as usual, but then hold either 1 or
2 . The message will then play back continuously until you tap M S G
again or hit your key or paddle. You'll see R P T on the display in-
between message transmissions.
Setting the Auto-Repeat Interval: The length of the pause
between messages during auto-repeat can be programmed using the
R P T menu entry (0 -2 5 5 sec.). Long delays are useful for beacons.
Using RIT During Message Repeat: You can use RIT (if it is
turned on) to listen above and below your receive frequency
between calls. This is useful when stations call you off-frequency.
QRP Operating Tips
Antennas: When you're using low power, a good antenna and
ground system can make a big difference. In general, antennas
should be mounted as high off the ground as possible, and resonant
or multi-element antennas will be the most effective. An excellent
choice for light-weight, multi-band portable use is a long, end-fed
wire, used in conjunction with two or more ground radials and an
antenna tuner. There are many references on antennas available,
including the ARRL Antenna Handbook.
QRP Frequencies: Low-power enthusiasts can be found at certain
"watering holes" on each band, listed below (MHz). An asterisk (*)
indicates European or alternative QRP frequencies.
80 m: 3.560 40 m: 7.040 (*7.030)
30 m: 10.106 (*10.116) 20 m: 14.060
17 m: 18.096 15 m: 21.060
Calling and Listening: Calling CQ with low power may be
frustrating unless you have a good antenna. Usually, you'll spend far
more time listening. Keep transmissions short, especially when
working other QRP stations, which will often be at or even below
the noise level. Narrower filters (< 500 Hz) and slower code speeds
should be used when conditions are marginal.
Contests: Both general interest and QRP-only contests provide a
great way to work new states or countries. The K1, with its low
current drain and compact size, is particularly well-suited to outdoor
events such as Field Day and QRP To The Field.