Recently a reader wrote:
I just wanted to thank you for your instruction and advise. Last night I passed my Technician and General exams!!! One question, where would I look to find equipment to send CW with my computer / keyboard??
I replied:
Congratulations on getting your ticket! I don’t do CW by keyboard, and I’d really encourage you to try sending by hand before just jumping onto the keyboard. It’s not that I have anything against computer-generated code, but I think sending manually is more fun. :)
Having said that, I just googled “CW keyboard” and came up with the following:
- K1EL K44 CW Keyboard/Reader Kit. $129 kit, $149 assembled.
- MFJ-452 CW Keyboard/Keyer. $160.
Of these two, I’d go with the K1EL K44. I have built several K1EL kits, and they are well-designed and well-made. Another reason is that I’ve had problems with MFJ products in the past and don’t usually recommend them.
In addition, some logging programs, such as N3FJP’s AC Log (http://www.n3fjp.com/aclog.html), allow you to send CW via a keyer connected to the computer via a serial port or USB port. To go this way, you’ll need something like the K1EL WKUSB-SMT CW Keyer (http://www.hamcrafters2.com/WKUSBX.html).
Do any of you have experience with CW keyboards? If so, which ones would you recommend? Which ones would you not recommend?
Bob, KG6AF says
If you have a Windows computer, try a free program called CW Type. You can download it at http://www.dxsoft.com/en/products/cwtype/ . I’ve found this program to be powerful yet fairly simple to learn.
You’ll also need an interface to your transceiver. I’ve had good luck with a USB-to-quarter-inch-plug interface that you can find at:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=6.5mm+CW&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X6.5mm+key+port.TRS0&_nkw=6.5mm+key+port&_sacat=0
These are inexpensive, and should work with any transistorized transceiver; tube rigs may have too much voltage across the open key for this interface to handle.
Todd KD0TLS says
http://wimo.de/morse-keyer-accessories_e.html#cwktiny
This is a tiny keyer that can fit *inside* of a standard keyboard.
It can also be used as a standard keyer with a paddle.
With some additional programming, it can do other nifty things:
Dual-frequency CW, FSK CW, Slow Hell Mode, QRSS, Fat CW, beacon, etc.
It needs 12V (7-15) and costs about $52.
I haven’t used it, but I’ve seen it in use.
Dan KB6NU says
Cool! Thanks for the link.
David Allen says
I regularly use the keyboard built into the free RCFORB client at remotehams.com, but caution, that all remotes do not support every character you may want or need to use. Familiarise yourself with each remote station that authorises you to know what it is capable of. Most work great, and the only char none of them ever support is the A|a char, because development hasn’t added it so none of them can issue it.
Todd KD0TLS says
This is the one that I use when I get tired of sending QRS:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Autokey-Morse-Code-Beginner-II-CW-Trainer-Ham-Radio-Morse-Code/1709846_32291172441.html
It’s designed as a trainer, but it keys a transmitter just like a straight key (i.e. not an audio output). Attach a PS2 keyboard, and you can send up to 40 wpm. $92
The “cons” are that it’s very finicky about the 12v DC supply. It can’t have much ripple, so a wall-wart won’t do. Any regulated supply or battery will be fine. There’s also no fine speed control; adjusts only in increments of 10 wpm.
As a trainer, it’s very demanding — which is why I use it. Spacing, weight and speed need to be nearly perfect, or it won’t read.
If CW ops are going to continue to drop contacts whenever someone sends “QRS”, then they are going to have to resign themselves to the use of keyboard CW. “Code snobs” don’t encourage skill improvement; they turn people off from the mode at the crucial early stages.
Dan KB6NU says
Very cool, Todd. I’m going to have to check this out.
Carl Dahlberg says
Designed a Morse keyboard quite a few years ago but since that time the keys were deteriorating . Rather than try to rebuild the Morse keyboard I decided to use a program on the internet instead. It is F6DQM cwplayer. It has a range of Morse code speed of 5 up to 50 words per minute. The program can be installed easily on your computer. When using it you can type way ahead of the outgoing cw. It has a very large buffer memory. It sends perfect Morse code.
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks. I hadn’t heard of this program before. How do you key your rig with this program? Do you need a USB-serial converter? I didn’t see any documentation on F6DQM’s website.
Carl Dahlberg says
To key the transmitter I took the audio output of the computer and fed it into an 8 ohm input of a small audio transformer. I fed the signal from the 1k output of the transformer into a bridge rectifier made up of 4 small diodes. The DC output of the rectifier operates a reed relay which is used to key the transmitter.
F6DQM shows the circuit on the internet along with some other interfaces for keying the transmitter. I am using an old computer that my son-in-law gave me. Once the computer has the program installed there is no need for the computer to be connected to the internet.
P. J. Hicks says
I just turned 75. I have a moderate case of age related tremors that make sending CW very difficult. My hands seem to want to include random extra elements. This frustrates me to the point that I start to freeze up. I agree that CW by hand is fun; I have been a CW fan since 1959. But it is becoming less so. That’s why I am investigating keyboard sending. I am presently playing with CW Type. It looks to be very easy and capable.
If you are physically able I would highly recommend hand sent CW. It gives your “fist” an individuality that makes it ‘yours’.
Liam K says
Linux Mint here. Need USB out to key in interface (of QRP Labs QCX transceiver) ideas will be appreciated.