SideKar

The SideKar Decoder Edition

• Can be used with ANY rig
• Now with a CAT interface to the IC-705 via Bluetooth
• Rich feature set for the Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, and K3s
• Great time saving convenient features for the Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, and FT-897
• Works with the QRP Labs QCX, QCX+, and QSX family of rigs
* Includes a built-in CW Decoder - works with ANY rig
• Includes a built-in Keyer to send CW - works with ANY rig
• Uses USB keyboard (wireless/wired) for transmitting and data entry
• Create & edit 20 messages/macros using the Extreme or the free Message Management Utility
• Built-in logger for 1,000 QSOs with ADIF export
• Sunlight readable
• Small: 4.2 x 2.9 x 1.5" (107 x 74 x 38 mm)
• Lightweight: Only 8.0 oz (227 gr)

Features for All Rigs

• Use wireless or wired USB keyboard or paddle to transmit
• Store messages and macros in 20 slots (80 characters each)
• Change Frequency & Mode instantly using the keyboard
• Use "Grab & Go" feature to capture call for outgoing messages & the log
• Contest features. Field Day Dupe checking included.
• Decode CW using audio from your rig (headphone jack).
• Send CW using the keyboard or paddle (plus PSK & RTTY with Elecraft rigs)
• Practice sending CW with instant feedback on the display screen
• Send CW from the keyboard or paddle using the built-in keyer
• Change CW speed, CW mode, and paddle orientation (dit/dah left/right) quickly from the keyboard
• Choose from four CW modes : Iambic A, Iambic B, Ultimatic, & Bug Mode
• View the display in any conditions with the sunlight readable screen
• Select any one of seven back light levels for night or low light ops
• View all commands with on screen Help Menu
• Runs on 9 volt battery or external 8 to 15 volts DC

Logging

• Store 1,000 QSO's in non-volatile memory
• Time and date automatically populated thanks for a built-in real-time clock
• Frequency & Mode are automatically populated for CAT connected rigs. If no CAT connection, then you only have to enter the data once per band/mode
• Search log via call sign
• Field Day logging - duplicate QSO warning provided
• Event logging features for SOTA, POTA and any event
• Export log as standard ADIF file to PC or Mac
• Export the entire log or just the QSOs for a specific event

Additional features for QRP Labs QCX Family of Rigs

• The SideKar Extreme now has an interface for the QCX, QCX+, and QCX Mini using the QCX's CAT port
• For QCX revs 1-5, a free CAT Port kit is included with your order when you specify "QRP Labs QCX" as your rig at checkout.
• The CAT Port kits consists of 2 resistors, a diode and a 3.5 mm jack. QCX revs 1-4 require all parts, while rev 5 requires just the 3.5mm jack. Click here for the schematic.
Further details are available by QRP Labs at https://www.qrp-labs.com/images/qcx/assembly_A4-Rev-4f.pdf
• The QCX+ and QCX Mini have the CAT port installed already.
• The QCX, QCX+, QCX mini requires firmware version 1.06 or later
• The SideKar Extreme requires firmware version 2.1.6 or later • 20 messages can be stored, which can be a string of QCX CAT commands instead of text to be sent (for rig control).
• Read QCX decoded CW on an 80-character, sunlight readable screen, with Freeze and Scroll Back features.
• Change frequency quickly from the keyboard directly or by using a CAT comment in a Message (also known as a Rig Macro)
• Plus all of the features listed under "Features for All Rigs"
• Includes a one foot (305 mm) serial cable, with right angle 3.5mm connectors for connection to the serial CAT port on the QCX.

Additional Features for Elecraft Rigs

• View 80 characters of decoded text in CW, RTTY, or PSK
• Freeze the screen and scroll back
• Extra spaces of decoded text are removed so more useful text is displayed
• Send CW, RTTY, or PSK via the keyboard or paddle
• Includes a one foot (305 mm) serial cable, with right angle 3.5mm connectors for connection to the KX2 or KX3
• Mounts to the side of the KX3 or the top of the KX2 using available custom bracket(s)
• The brackets are slotted for easy mounting and dismounting.
• A Kickstand is available as an option allowing the KX2 and the SideKar Decoder Edition to rest at a higher angle or use the SideKar Decoder Edition on a desktop. (see the details for the Kickstand in the SideKar Decoder Edition store)
• The SideKar Decoder Edition is compatible with the Elecraft KX2, KX3, PX3, KXPA100, K3, K3S, P3, KPA500
• It is compatible with aftermarket KX3 heatsinks and end panels for protective covers, such as the SideKX End Panels

Additional features for Yaesu Rigs

• The SideKar Extreme has an interface for the FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, & FT-897
• Decode CW using audio from your rig (headphone jack)
• Send CW from the keyboard or paddle using the built-in K1EL WinKeyer (to any rig)
• Change CW speed, CW mode, and paddle orientation (dit/dah left/right) quickly from the keyboard (any rig)
• Choose from four CW modes : Iambic A, Iambic B, Ultimatic, & Bug Mode (any rig)
• Change frequency and mode quickly from the keyboard
• Includes a one foot (305 mm) serial cable, with right angle 3.5mm connectors for connection to the rig for sending CW
• Includes a custom interface cable to connect from the rig's ACC port to the SideKar Extreme.

Additional features for the Icom IC-705

• The SideKar Decoder Edition works with a custom Bluetooth accessory to interface to the IC-705
• Decode CW using audio from the rig (headphone jack).
• Send CW from the keyboard or paddle using the built-in keyer.
• Change CW speed, CW mode, and paddle orientation (dit/dah left/right) quickly from the keyboard.
• Choose from four CW modes : Iambic A, Iambic B, Ultimatic, & Bug Mode.
• Change frequency and mode quickly from the keyboard
• Includes a one foot (305 mm) serial cable, with right angle 3.5mm connectors for connection to the rig for sending CW

The following pictures show the SideKar Extreme. New pictures with the SideKar Decoder Edition will be coming, but they are almost identical to these shown here.

SideKar Extreme on a KX3 with the Compact Keyboard

SideKar Extreme on a KX3 with the Slim Keyboard

SideKar Extreme with a Yaesu FT-817 and a Compact Keyboard

SideKar Extreme on a KX2 with a Compact Keyboard

SideKar Extreme a KX2 with a Slim keyboard

SideKar Extreme with an FT-817 and a Slim Keyboard

Create 20 named messages, 80 characters each using the
SideKar Extreme keyboard or download them using the free Message Management Utility from your PC or Mac

Create 20 named rig macros, 80 characters each using the
SideKar Extreme keyboard or download them using the free Message Management Utility from your PC or Mac

Log 1000 QSOs and export them to an ADIF file using the free ADIF Export Utility.

The SideKar automatically populates the log with the date, time, frequency, and mode.

Change frequency and mode instantly from the keyboard. Available for the:
- Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, FT-897
- Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, K3S
- (planned) QRP Labs QCX and QSX

SideKar Extreme Connector Side

SideKar Extreme Top

SideKar Extreme Mounting slot to KX3