PICLOG Electric Logging system without PC (Japanese minister prize winner in 2010) 7K1PYG Hiroyuki Nagasawa

Transcription

1 PICLOG Electric Logging system without PC (Japanese minister prize winner in 2010) 7K1PYG Hiroyuki Nagasawa 2011/09/09 1

2 1 Outline of PICLOG I frequently enjoy the CW QSO with lower power at outside. The communications can be realized by small batteries. However, electric logging using PC consumes much larger electric power than that for transceiver. In order to reduce the power consumption for electric logging, I developed small logging system using micro controllers. This system is called PICLOG, and it recodes QSO date/time, callsign, name, RS(T) reports, QTH, band, mode, and messages to be written on QSL card. An extended keyboard makes on-time-logging easy. Peripheral RTC (Real Time Clock) always keeps UTC information, and it can be recorded every QSO. The features of PICLOG are; It can be started up within two seconds after turning a switch on. Then it keeps operation for more than eight hours using four rechargeable batteries. Owing to optimized configuration of component, weight of the system is reduced below 0,5kg. QSO information can be entered using commercially available keyboard connected to PS/2 port, and it recodes necessary information sequentially like QSO date/time(utc), callsign, name, RS(T) reports, QTH, band, mode, and so on. The recording capacity exceeds 1500 QSOs, and stored data can be downloaded as ADI format via RS-232C communication port. PICLOG acts as touch-corder, so that Morse cord can be sent by key input. This function never excludes keyer function. Morse cord can be generated by external paddle. The dot/dash ratio, key-pitch, and dot/space ratio can be adjusted via keyboard operation. Internal LCD shows key-setting, date/time, remaining memory, and characters to be sent. This includes enough function memory of 47 characters x 48channels x 4domains. Those can be selected by keyboard. As popular keyer does, PICLOG can send typical sentences for CQ calling automatically/repeatedly. 2 Consistency of PICLOG 2 1 Fig. 1 Front Panel 2011/09/09 2

3 Fig. 2 Side view 1LCD: Line 1 Line 2 Line 3-4 2PTT indicator: 3Paddle port: 4CW port: 5Data I/O port: 6Keyboard port: 7External DC line: 8LCD contrast: Key setting(pitch, Dash/Dot, Space/Dot, Direction of paddle), Mode, Buzzer, Band Date/Time in UTC (YYMMDD-HHMMSS), EEPROM memory chip. Current memory address on EEPROM Characters on buffer memory 3.5mm stereo jack 3.5mm mono jack 3.5mm stereo jack communicates with PICLOG on RS-232C level (Baud rate=9600, 8bits, Non-parity, StopBit=1). Log data can be downloaded as ADIF Keyboard with PS/2(mini DIN6P) inputs numeric/alphabetical characters DC 8-12V G-(+) 2011/09/09 3

4 Battery Box (4 x AAA) Fig. 3 Inner part of PICLOG Fig. 3 shows inside of PICLOG, and it consists with PCB, battery box, and LCD. Two microcontrollers (PIC16F88 と PIC16F877A) operate the system. PIC16F88 transfers the key-codes to ASCII-code. Then PIC16F877A operates LCD, EEPROM, keyer, and I/O functions. Peripheral modules like Real Time Clock (RTC-8564NB), RS-232C level converter (MAX232), and 20col x 4line LCD(SC2004CSWB), are connected to the PICs. Fig. 4 shows a typical configuration of external connections for PICLOG. Rig Paddle Keyboard Fig. 4 External connections for PICLOG 2011/09/09 4

5 3 Circuit diagram and component list Fig. 5 shows a circuit diagram of PICLOG. The components listed in Table. 1 are selected to make the system compact as mach as possible. Although PICLOG can be operated using internal batteries, external DC power line of 8-12V can be connected to keep the operation for longer time. Keyboard input is detected by interrupt terminal of PIC16F88, and it translated to 8bit ASCII cord based on TTL level. MAX232 transfer the TTL level into RS232C level, and it is exported to data port. If the data port is unplugged, the RS232C level ASCII data turns back to MAX232, and it is transformed to TTL level to be conducted to USART terminal of PIC16F877A. Two 512k EEPROMs and RTC are connected to PIC16F877A via I 2 C line. This makes PIC16F877A enable to read/write. Paddle input and CW output through the B port of PIC16F877A. A photo-coupler, PC813, electrically isolates the PIC from RIG to avoid undesirable feedback circuit. Fig. 5 Circuit diagram 2011/09/09 5

6 Table. 1 List of components Parts name Type Remark B1 Battery CR2032H BZ1 OSC Buzzer BZ 5V C2 Chemical capacitors 100uF 25V 85C C6,C7,C9,C15 10uF 25V 85C C1,C3,C8,C10,C11,C12,C13,C14 Ceramic capacitors 0.1uF C4,C5 Ceramic capacitors 0.01uF D1,D2 Small signal diodes 1S mA D3,D4 1S mA F1 Resetable fuse 170mA IC2 PICs PIC16F877A IC3 PIC16F88 IC4 RS232C level ADM3202AN converter IC5 Real Time Clock RTC-8564NB IC6,IC7 EEPROMs 24LC512 IC1 Voltage regulator 7805 OK1 Photo-coupler PC813 Q1 Ceramic resonator 4MHz Q2 Ceramic resonator 10MHz R4,R5,R6,R7,R10 Resistance (1/6W) 10k R8,R9 150 R3,R11,R12 2k R1,R2 1k T1 npn Transistor 2SC1518Y VR1 10k Trimmer LCD contrast J2,J3,J4 Jack 3.5mm Stereo X4 mini DIN6P PS/2 X5 PIN header 2x7 LCD data line J1 DC jack DC_IN 8-12V LED 5mm LCD 20x4 LCD character SC2004CSLB display Battery Battery BOX AAA x 4 4 How to use PICLOG 4.1 Preparation 1 Turn the main switch off 2 Set four rechargeable AAA batteries (1.2V) into battery box. Otherwise, connect a DC power line with 8 12V. 3 Connect keyboard to PS/2 port 4 Connect paddle to PDL port 2011/09/09 6

7 5 Turn the main switch on. Then PICLOG starts beeping QRV 6 Check LCD display: Line1 shows key setting like "ya8d80w80amx3bckrs" Line2 shows date/time with YYMMDD(UTC) format. This value is incremented every second. 7 Input some alphabetical/numerical characters through keyboard. Then, those are displayed line3-4 simultaneously. (Swedish characters, like Å, Ä, and Ö, are not supported) 8 Input current date and time Put [ESC] to erase characters stored in buffer memory. Then, line3 and 4 are cleared. Input date and time with YYMMDDHHMM format in UTC as like (This means 8minutes pass 1pm on March 6 in 2011). Then put [Ctrl] and [T] sequentially. If the data is available as date/time, it is indicated as on line 2 1. Since the ticking of RTC is maintained by external battery (CR2032), the input date/time information is incremented automatically even after turning the main switch off. 4.2 Keyer function PICLOG acts as keyer by using external paddle. This function is available on turning the main switch on. The setting of keyer is summarized in Table. 2. Table. 2 Setting of keyer Operation Function Remark [Ctrl]+[Y] [Ctrl]+[U] [Ctrl]+[D] [Ctrl]+[W] [Ctrl]+[K] [Ctrl]+[S] Increasing of key-speed Decreasing of key-speed Dash/Dot ratio Space/Dot ratio Dash/Dot configuration on paddle Internal buzzer Indicating in line1 col2-3 with hexadecimal. Default=A8(20WPM). Increment step = 4. From 0 to FC Indicating in line1 col2-3 with hexadecimal. Default=A8(20WPM). Decrement step = 4. From FC to 0 Indicating in line1 col5-6 with hexadecimal. Default=80(3:1). Increment step = 4. From 0(1:1,5) to FC(1:4,5) Indicating in line1 col8-9 with hexadecimal. Default=80(1:1). Increment step = 4. From 0(1:0,5) to FC(1:1,5) Indicating in line1 col 19 with alphabetical. Default= L. It toggles L (Left paddle corresponds to Dash) and R (Right paddle corresponds to Dash) every [Ctrl]+[K] operation Indicating in line1 col 20 with alphabetical. Default= s. It toggles s (non beep) and S (beep) every [Ctrl]+[S] operation. [Ctrl]+[I] Reset Reset all the keyer setting 4.3 Operation mode of PICLOG PICLOG is operated on two kind modes, manual and automatic. The operation mode can be switched by 1 The numbers after the date/time show chip number and address of EEPROM. Those are described in detail later. 2011/09/09 7

8 [Ctrl]+[A]. This section explains how PICLOG acts depending on mode. Table. 3 shows function of PICLOG. Table. 3 Function of PICLOG Operation Function Remark [Ctrl]+[A] Mode switching Indicating in line1 col 11 with alphabetical. Default= M. It toggles M (Manual mode) and A (Auto mode) every [Ctrl]+[A] operation. [Ctrl]+[X] Sending interval of [F1] channel Indicating in line1 col 12 with numerical. Increment 0 to 9 stepping 1. This value means interval in seconds between sending sentences stored in [F1] channel. This function is available when PICLOG is operated in Auto mode. [Ctrl]+[B] Band selection Indicating band information in line1 col 15 with alphabetical symbol, and this corresponds to that written in Table. 4 [Ctrl]+[M] QSO mode selection Indicating QSO mode information in line1 col 17 with alphabetical symbol, and this corresponds to that written in Table. 5 Table. 4 Symbols represented the band information (Those correspond to that indicated in line1 col 15 of LCD) Symbol A B C D E F G H I J K L M N Band 160m 80m 75m 40m 30m 20m 17m 15m 12m 10m 6m 2m 73cm 23cm Table. 5 Symbols represented the mode information (Those correspond to that indicated in line1 col 17 of LCD) Symbol C F S A Mode CW FM SSB AM 2011/09/09 8

9 4.4 Touch-corder function PICLOG converts characters input from keyboard into Morse codes. The characters input through keyboard are indicated in LCD (line 3 4), and also be stored in buffer memory, that has capacity corresponds 47 characters. If [Enter] key is hit, characters in buffer memory are converted into Morse codes immediately. This function makes us enable to send Morse codes without paddle. Some of special Morse codes are represented by symbolic key shown in Table. 6. Table. 6 Symbolic key related to special Morse cord Key Morse cord } KN ] AR [ BK = BT > SK 4.5 CW memory function Configulation of memory PICLOG recodes temporally QSO information like callsign, operator s name, RST report, QTH, and so on. Add to this, typical sentences for QSO can be stored in EEPROMs. PICLOG involves 48 channels x 47 characters buffer memory. Among of them, memory area corresponds to 12 channels, called current-memory, recodes tentative information which be modified every QSO. However, LOG-memory, that is described later, stores the content of current-memory simultaneously to remain the every QSO information. The recodes stored in LOG-memory can be downloaded as ADI format later. Reserved memory area, which corresponds to 36 channels, recodes typical sentences those might not be changed each QSO. This memory area is called stamp-memory. Among of stamp-memory, channels related [F1] key can be used for CQ calling. When PICLOG is set as Auto-mode, sentences related with [F1] key are sent repeatedly with desired interval determined by [Ctrl]+[X]. shows memory mapping of PICLOG. Table. 7 Memory mapping of PICLOG: Two EEPORMs are connected to PICLOG. Those include same memory configuration. Memory address 0000H 0233H 0234H H 0468H 069BH 069CH 08CFH 08D0H - FFFFH Name of memory Stamp memory [Alt]+[Function-keys] Current Memory Stamp memory [Shift]+[Function-keys] Stamp memory [Alt]+[Shift]+[Function-keys] LOG memory 2011/09/09 9

10 Not only tentative information, but also typical sentences are employed during QSO frequently, Those can be stored in PICLOG. The current memory, that consists of 12 channels x 3 domains, recodes typical QSO information like callsign, RS(T) reports, band, mode, name, QTH, contest number, and message to be written on QSL card. Those are related to specified function keys between [F1] to [F12]. When current memory is modified, the latest information is recorded in LOG-memory sequentially. Simultaneously, date/time(utc) information is recorded automatically. Table. 8 shows relationship between QSO information and function key. Table. 8 Relationship between current-memory and function-key Function key F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 Information to be recorded in current memory His callsign RS(T) to be sent Recieved RS(T) His name His QTH Frequency in MHz My power in W His power in W Contest number to be sent (STX) Received contest number (SRX) Remark Message to be written on QSL card (QSL_MSG) On the other hand, typical sentences, those are employed during QSO frequently, are stored in stamp-memory. Stamp-memory is divided into three domains, those selected by [Alt], [Shift], and [Alt]+[Shift] keys. Each domain is segmented into 12 channels. Each channel is related with specific function keys between [F1] to [F12]. Among of them, channels related with [F1] store typical sentence for CQ calling, and it can be sent automatically when PICLOG is set as Auto-mode How to record data into stamp-memory Any data can be recorded by combination of [Ctrl] and [Function key]. [Alt] and/or [Shift] keys are employed optionally to select memory domain. The recording procedure to [Alt]-domain, [F1] channel is written below. 1Hit the [ESC] key to erase the buffer memory. 2Input the desired CQ calling sentence like CQ CQ DE 7K1PYG 7K1PYG/1 PSE K using keyboard. 3Push [Ctrl], [Alt], [F1] sequentially. Then sentence stored in buffer memory is transferred to stamp-memory, and LCD line 3 and 4 are erased. 4Push [Alt], [F1] sequentially to send the sentence recorded. The sentence is sent repeatedly when PICLOG is operated with Auto-mode. The interval between sending is determined by [Ctrl]+[X]. 5The CQ calling can be immediately terminated by hitting any key, so as to input a callsign of person who sending reply. The received callsign can be recorded with [Ctrl]+[F1] How to switch EEPROM PICLOG includes two EEPROMs, those are EEPROM-1 and EEPROM-2. Operation of [Ctrl]+[z] 2011/09/09 10

11 switches EEPROM as toggling manner like EEPROM-1 to EEPROM-2 or EEPROM-2 to EEPROM-2. Both EEPROM consist own memory mapping. This means that PICLOG can be operated at different situations by switching EEPROM. For example, EEPROM-1 is employed at home, while EEPROM-2 at outdoor. The EEPROM number is indicated at line 2, col 15. Each EEPROM recodes about 1000 QSOs Record-and-Play function PICLOG is designed to minimize the logging operation. In order to make operation easy, PICLOG includes several automatic functions described below. Automatic recording/sending of callsign and RST: 1. If you receive callsign as a reply for your CQ calling, input it using keyboard. The CQ calling is automatically terminated. 2. Put [TAB] key. Callsign stored in buffer memory is transferred to [F1] channel of current-memory and log-memory. Then, callsign and His_RST (this is pre-recorded in [F2] channel of current-memory) are sent sequentially. Example: [F1] = CQ CQ DE 7K1PYG 7K1PYG PSE K [F2] = GM UR 5NN BK Send ([Alt]+[Shift])+[F1] channel repeatedly using auto-mode. If station JO1ZZZ is in response regarding the CQ calling, input JO1ZZZ. Then CQ calling is terminated automatically. Put [TAB]. Then PICLOG sends JO1ZZZ GM UR 5NN BK. Simultaneously, the callsign JO1ZZZ and His_RST are recorded in current- and log- memories. How to operate on contest: If the contest number independents with number of QSO, like CQWW DX contest, [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] keys make operation easy as described below. 1. Start CQ calling using [F1] channel of stamp-memory by ([Alt] and/or [Shift])+[F1] key. 2. The callsign received is input via keyboard, and it terminates the CQ calling. 3. Then put [ ] key. Callsign stored in buffer memory is transferred to current- ([F1]) and log- memories. Simultaneously, the received callsign, RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) are sent sequentially. 4. As a reply to your contest number (STX), you might receive contest number (SRX). Input the SRX using keyboard, then put [Ctrl]+[F10] to record it to current- and log- memories. Example for CQWW DX CW contest: [F1] = CQ TEST DE 7K1PYG 7K1PYG TEST [F2] = 5NN [F9] = 25 Sending [F1] channel repeatedly using auto-mode. If station JO1ZZZ is in response regarding the CQ calling, input JO1ZZZ. Then CQ calling is terminated automatically. Put [ ] key. Then PICLOG sends JO1ZZZ 5NN 25. Simultaneously, the callsign (JO1ZZZ), His_RST (5NN), and STX (25) are recorded in current- and log- memories. If you put [ ] key instead of [ ], RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) are sent/recorded sequentially, but not callsign. This operation might be helpful when you join the contest as S&P. If you are requested re-send the contest number by NR?, put [ ] (or [ ]). This operation sends (callsign), RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) skipping recording, so as to avoid undesirable recording in log-memory. If the contest number is sequential and dependents on the number of QSO, [PageUp] and [ ] keys make 2011/09/09 11

12 operation easy as described below. 1. Prior to the contest, put [End] key to initialize the contest number as Start CQ calling using [F1] channel of stamp-memory by ([Alt] and/or [Shift])+[F1] key. 3. The callsign received is input via keyboard, and it terminates the CQ calling. 4. Then put [PageUp] key. Callsign stored in buffer memory is transferred to current- ([F1]) and logmemories. Simultaneously, the received callsign, RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) are sent sequentially. After sending the contest number, it is automatically incremented. 5. As a reply to your contest number (STX), you might receive contest number (SRX). Input the SRX using keyboard, then put [Ctrl]+[F10] to record it into current- and log- memories. Example: [End] -> [F9]= 001 [F1]= CQ TEST DE 7K1PYG 7K1PYG TEST [F2]= 5NN Sending [F1] channel repeatedly using auto-mode. If station SK0TM is in response regarding the CQ calling, input SK0TM. Then CQ calling is terminated automatically. Put [PageUp]. Then PICLOG sends SK0TM 5NN 001. Simultaneously, the callsign SK0TM, His_RST (5NN), and STX (001) are recorded in current- and log- memories. Finally, the contest number (STX) is incremented to 002 If you put [PageDown] key instead of [PageUp], RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) are sent/recorded sequentially, but not callsign. Then contest number is incremented. This operation might be helpful when you join the contest as S&P. If you are requested re-send the contest number, put [ ] (or [ ]). This operation sends (callsign), RST-report([F2]), and contest number([f9]:stx) skipping recording and increment, so as to avoid duplicated recording in log-memory. The contest number can be adjusted by [+]([-]) key for increment (decrement). The contest number to be sent can be transferred to abbreviated alphabet like T (as 0), A (as 1), N (as 9) by operating [Ctrl]+[O]. On operating [Ctrl]+[N], contest number can be sent as numerical. The sending mode is indicated in LCD line 2, col 16 as - (case of number) or _ (case of alphabet). 4.6 How to download log data The log data stored in PICLOG can be downloaded as ADIF file through RS-232C communication line. The RS-232C setting is summarized in Table. 9. Table. 9 RS-232C setting for download Item Baud rate 9600 Character bit 8 Stop bit 1 Parity No Flow control No Value Fig. 6 shows data cable to be connected to PICLOG. 2011/09/09 12

13 3(TxD) 5(GND) 3.5 mm mini plug 2(RxD) 9pin RS232C Fig. 6 PICLOG data cable Remote code via RS-232C PICLOG can be controlled through RS-232C line. The controling codes are listed in Table. 1. Table. 10 Controling code of PICLOG Controling code z q e r o n g Alphabet and number with uppercase [Enter] Function Switch EEPROM 1 2 Execute the sending of data Erase the data Restore the erased data Force characters N, O, T, and A to be sent as alphabetical Force characters N, O, T, and A to be sent as numerical, 9, 0, 0, and A, respectively. Force entire data in EEPROM to be downloaded. Same function with key input Characters stored in buffer memory are converted to Morse code How to download the log data using PICLOGReader PICLOGReader is available for PC with Windows later than XP, and it can be installed using installer file. On starting PICLOGReader, available COM ports are indicated in list box. Connect PICLOG and PC using communication cable. Select COM port on the list box. If the commutation is published, PC starts communication with PICLOG, and shows version number of PICLOG. Refer [Setting] - [Contest Number]. If you prefer converting alphabetical RS(T) reports and contest 2011/09/09 13

14 numbers into numerical, check the [Numerical]. Otherwise, check the [Alphabetical]. Put [Partial Fetch] for downloading log data as ADIF. Then you can keep it in your computer with desired file name. If you are unable to download the log data with [Partial Fetch], the data structure in PICLOG might be destroyed by somewhat reason. In order to bail out the available log data as much as possible, put [Bulk Fetch]. This operation forces PICLOG to ignore any delimiter, and all of the data will be downloaded. You might get past data, those were not meaningless. Finally, you can erase the meaningless data using any editor. On finishing the download, PICLOGReader ask you whether erase the remained data in PICLOG. If you do not need the log data in PICLOG no more, put [Ok]. Otherwise, put [Cancel]. 2011/09/09 14