New 'Version 4' uCPO Universal Code Practice Oscillator c/w built in 6 mode Morse tutor Fully Built and Tested

This is the new (23/5/21) version of the uCPO  even better than before!

This is a Fully Built and Tested Unit

Whats New with the Mk4?

The difference between the two versions is subtle but did require a new PCB to be designed.

Upto now the uCPO needed a Morse key of some kind plugged in in order to use the Morse Tutor side, well after a number of requests the uCPO now has a small push button that allows the user to enter and control the tutor side without the key.

The second change is that some users asked if the low level AUX output level could be given a little boost. The MK4 has approx an extra 6dB boost on this output.

The third change, the tutor  always started in ‘Letters’ mode, now the tutor stores the operating mode in a EEPROM and will remember the last used mode when next turned on.

Finally a minor change was to change the on board pitch control from what was a 25 turn control to a standard single turn board mounted trimmer, this makes more sense as the pitch range is only in the order of a few hundred hertz’s (400 to 1000Hz) so they was no real need for a 25 turn trimmer to start with. This makes tone adjustment easy!

NEW How to use the uCPO Videos here  (Video shows MK3 version but setup is just the same)

Universal Code Practice Oscillator (uCPO) with built in Morse tutor

uCPO New MK4 Specifications

Now can be used Fully as a standalone tutor WITHOUT a Morse key.

3 Mode Processor Controlled Morse Oscillator/Tutor

Mode 1:- Straight Key Practice Oscillator
           
             Variable Tone : 400-1000Hz
             (via internal trim pot)
             AutoSense  Key type

Mode 2:- Iambic/bug/Sideswipe Mode

AutoSense Key type
Variable Tone : 400-1000Hz (via internal trim Pot)
Adjustable Speed 10-35wpm
User selectable Iambic A or Iambic B + dot memory

Mode 3:- Morse Tutor Mode

            Built in 6 Mode Morse tutor
            1) Random Letters
            2) Random Numbers
            3) Random Prosigns
            4) Mixed Mode
            5) International Callsigns (*Advanced mode)
            6) Contest Mode (*Advanced Mode)
            7) Adjustable WPM rate (10 to 30+wpm)
            8) Adjustable Gap (Farnsworth Mode 0-3sec approx)

*Advanced modes
The two advanced modes have been designed to add a bit of realism and interest to your practice sessions, the speed of each ‘over’ will automatically change by upto +/- 10%.  So some will be faster than your set speed and some slower, just like the real world. To make things even more realistic the user can select VariTone mode too. In this mode the pitch as well as the speed will change.

• Zoom /Decoder Output feature
  
  Since the world has changed a lot in the past year. Many of us are now not meeting up in clubs for practice sessions and so organisations such as CWops and the CW Academy are using Zoom or Skype for remote training. The uCPO has a built in low level output socket for connecting to a PC or Mac, this output is a sinewave for a cleaner sound. This output can also let you run decoding software on the computer to test your own sending or to show what the tutor is sending so you can check your own receiving. The uCPO also has a volume limited headphone output for personal practice too. (please note that this output is intended to be used with normal headphones, ear buds, or earphones. Not electronic Noise reduction type like the ones produced by Bose)
  
  The uCPO is built around a clever little processor chip and offers a lot of features. With all these features being controlled by just a single knob and a straight/paddle key the initial setup can seem a little complicated the first time you try it but for many the default settings will be fine,

Default settings

Automatic Key selection
Side Tone Pitch approx 700Hz
Tutor Speed:-17 WPM
Vari-Tone for advanced Tutor modes ON
Iambic B Mode active