Note
QST, Nov 1964, p. 127.
QST, Jun 1972, p. 149.
QST, May 1973, p. 168.
After 1970 sold by Barker & Williamson (B&W).
Here is a detailed technical overview of the Barker & Williamson Model 361 CODAX Automatic Keyer, derived directly from the operating manual.
The model 361 CODAX is a solid-state automatic keyer featuring an integrated double-paddle key mounted on the front panel.
Front-panel controls consist of a Speed adjustment (calibrated from 5 to 50 words per minute) and an Audio Gain / On-Off switch.
Both spacing ratios and dot-to-dash ratios are fixed across all speeds. Elements are self-completing, and dashes can be inserted into a stream of dots at any point.
The keyer is operated internally on six standard AA alkaline batteries, providing a run-time exceeding 400 hours.
Keying Mechanism: Transmitter grid-block keying is performed using an internal reed relay.
Audio Capabilities: Includes an internal 1500 Hz audio oscillator for side-tone monitoring and MCW/VOX keying, alongside an internal audio mixer that combines receiver audio with the keying tone for headphone monitoring.
Specifications
– Keying Speed: 5 to 50 WPM default (expandable to 65 WPM with a simple modification)
– Reed Relay Rating: Maximum 15 watts total switched power (up to 250 volts or 1000 mA maximum, provided total power stays under 15 W).
– Keyed Audio Output: 0.05 volts nominal at 1500 Hz.
– Audio Input Handling: Up to 0.5 watt maximum at 4 ohms to 500 ohms impedance.
– Headphone Output: 0.2 volts into 600 ohm headphones.
Paddle Setup: Factory-adjusted to 20 grams pressure with a 0.001 inch gap. Contact spacing and spring tension are independently adjustable via chassis screws.
Receiver / Headphones: The unit connects to the receiver's phone jack via an input cable. Headphones plug into a dedicated jack on the rear panel of the CODAX to hear mixed receiver and sidetone audio.
Transmitter Keying: Connects to standard CW key terminals using the reed relay output. For SSB or AM VOX operation, the keyed audio cable connects directly to the transmitter's microphone input.
References
Review. 73, Jun 1965, p. 26.
