I enjoy QRP CW and prefer the N1MM Logger+ while contesting . When Hans Summer (G0UPL) added the potential for computer communications to the firmware for his QRPLabs QCX models, I was very interested.
Hans' latest incarnation of the QCX-style rig is the QCX+. The QCX+ has the hardware for computer communications built in, but the older QCX does not.
You will need at least firmware version 1.03 (the latest version would be best), along with two resistors, a diode and a way to get the TTL data in and out . For the connection to your PC, you will need a TTL to USB converter. The later was the biggest expense by far.
Below (mostly in pictures) is how I added the necessary hardware. Notes and an example N1MM Contest Logger function key file follow.
If you click on the images they will enlarge:
I got my parts from Mouser for about $10 plus shipping (I had four QCX transceivers to convert). The TTL to USB cable was from Amazon for about $14 - but you only need one of those! The 'DTEK DT-6562 USB TTL to 3.5mm audio jack serial cable' worked for me. Be careful - there are non-working imitations out there...
I used very small stranded cable from the junkbox - and the colors helped me keep up with the leads after the shrink tubing was applied..
It is a tight squeeze to get the 3.5mm jack into position (and you may have to bend the shell, tip and ring connections to avoid the CW straight key), but the jack from Mouser conveniently nestles into the cutout on the BaMaTech case which gives you a little more room.
Hans wrote notes on this mod that I would strongly urge you to read. They are in the assembly manuals for the later models on this page and again, I would encourage you to check them out before attempting this mod.
I primarily use N1MM+ for contesting and I use the "CATA1ASC KY" commands to communicate with the QCX directly - no additional electronics other than the TTL to USB cable are needed. Below is a function key file I use for the weekly CWTs sponsored by CWOPS that you might use as a model (after editing, of course).
#REM cwt.MC
#REM 12-30-2020 wb5bkl
F1 CQ cwt, {CATA1ASC KY cq cwt * * k;}
F2 Exch, {CATA1ASC KY ! {EXCH} ;}
F3 Tu, {CATA1ASC KY tu ;}
F4 {MYCALL}, {CATA1ASC KY * ;}
F5 His Call?, {CATA1ASC KY ! ? ;}
F6 DUPE, {CATA1ASC KY B4 e~e ;}
F7 QRZ?, {CATA1ASC KY QRZ? ;}
F8 Agn?, {CATA1ASC KY agn? ;}
F9 Name?, {CATA1ASC KY name? ;}
F10 Nr?, {CATA1ASC KY nr? ;}
F11 Spcl, {CATA1ASC KY HNY e~e ;}
F12 Wipe, {WIPE}
#S&P ----------- Search and Pounce Messages begin here -----
F1 QRL?, {CATA1ASC KY qrl? {MYCALL} ;}
F2 Exch, {CATA1ASC KY {EXCH} ;}
F3 Tu, {CATA1ASC KY tu ;}
F4 {MYCALL}, {CATA1ASC KY * ;}
F5 His Call?, {CATA1ASC KY !? ;}
F6 1371, {CATA1ASC KY 1371 ;}
F7 NICK, {CATA1ASC KY nick ;}
F8 Agn?, {CATA1ASC KY agn? ;}
F9 Nr?, {CATA1ASC KY nr? ;}
F10 Nme?, {CATA1ASC KY name? ;}
F11 Spcl, {CATA1ASC KY HNY e~e ;}
F12 Wipe, {WIPE}
#REM ----------, Special instructions begin at end-of-file -
#REM, S&P F1 calls QRL? before placing the program in RUN mode
#REM, Designed to work in either ESM or non-ESM mode
#REM, F5 uses "!" macro for his callsign
#REM,
73 and good luck!
cln - Nick
WB5BKL
