Yes, the purpose is stated as EmComm (or PreppComm, in this case) data communication with just a keyboard, QRP transceiver, battery and antenna - no CPU like other data modes. A KX1, battery and antenna will do just as well - if you can send/copy Morse Code yourself.
They don't claim it has no CPU, in fact they say "a few microprocessors". By the way, even a KX1 has a microprocessor in it, a PIC16F876A.
Glenn AE0Q
Quite true! Perhaps I should have said a separate computer, like a laptop, tablet, RiPi, etc. The CPU is integrated into the device rather than a separate stand alone device. Someone could probably make a JS2CALL dedicated transmitter as well.
Except during contests, it doesn’t seem CW is too crowded on the bands, so such a system should not interfere with manual keyed CW Ops.
"Purity" of the hobby is a valid point. Somehow the straight key and iambic paddle key & electronic keyer users found a way to coexist, but adding a keyboard and CPU is a new step-change, for sure.
When JS8CALL came out as FT8CALL, WSJT-X FT8 users objected to crowding the bands with text comms instead of FT8 messages.
When various States made early muzzleloader seasons for hunting, the flintlock rifle folks objected when modern muzzleloader rifles made it easier. It got more people into hunting, but some object it "crowded" the fields and lost the reason for an early season, separate from semi-auto long guns.
So, yes - perhaps discussion of this unit might technically fit into the Digital forum rather than CW. But there’s still a lot to CW that’s more than how the signals are transmitted - it’s the content.