eHam
eHam Forums => CW => Topic started by: W2KG on February 09, 2023, 02:45:22 PM
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I am trying to get back on CW after some years absence on other modes. Used to have a really good fist, but at 79 that has gone along with a number of even more cherished faculties. I would like to try using a keyboard to send so that I can be copied. My own copying ability has remained sound, so I don't need a reader, but I sure would like to hear some recommendations.
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The only standalone units I know of are still in production are made by MFJ. An MFJ-551 keyboard ($50) is paired with an MFJ-464 or MFJ-498 keyer ($250).
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Hands down, homebrew or bought, a K3NG arduino keyer. I put mine together for about $25 worth of parts. Standalone with a paddle or keyboard, interface as a winkeyer, all the features you would ever want or need.
https://github.com/k3ng/k3ng_cw_keyer/wiki (https://github.com/k3ng/k3ng_cw_keyer/wiki)
Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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Do you have a Windows computer? If so, I can recommend a free CW keyboard program and an inexpensive USB-to-rig CW interface.
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May I ask what radio are you using ?
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Another option is one of K1EL's products. The latest is the K-45 CW Modem with USB keyboard interface: https://www.k1elsystems.com/K45X.html
Earlier iterations of this device are the K-42 and K-44, which required a PS/2 keyboard.
These all have CW readers which require audio input with a pitch frequency of around 720 Hz, but you don't have to use this feature or even hook it up.
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May I ask what radio are you using ?
I am using a Yaesu FT-857.
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Do you have a Windows computer? If so, I can recommend a free CW keyboard program and an inexpensive USB-to-rig CW interface.
I am using an Apple Mac Book Pro (2022).
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Well, Tom I mostly send with a bug and sometimes with a paddle. I purchased a MFJ 452 keyboard unit, no reader to mess with since my friend had gotten older and was having trouble sending also, he also had the keyboard, so we figured we could do some back and forth with them. At fist, it was kind of fun but became very boring fast. Also, coping a keyboard to me is a real drag. It's almost like it sterile or something, lacks all character. If the Op. starts sending lots of periods and stuff, it's a drag fast! Its a last resort as far as I am concerned. I would rather copy a guy@10wmp or anything vs keyboard. 73 Rich
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KG - You and I are in the same boat...and it's shipping water! ::) I've been a CW buff for about 67 years. I am 87 years old.
I developed Parkinson's a couple years ago which ended my ability to send CW. After wallowing in self pity for two years I decided to try a keyboard keyer....again. I have an extensive background with keyboard keyers, having built 3 of them from scratch.
I presently own the K1EL k-42 keyboard keyer with which I use a small footprint keyboard. The K-42 has been described as the "Swiss Army knife" of keyboard keyers. I can recommend this keyer.
To be honest, I have to agree with RAC...using a keyboard keyer is a drag...boring...unfulfilling after using a hand key, bug and a couple keyers for 67 years.
BUT, in order to retain the most important part and the most fulfilling part of CW...the head copying of Morse, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do!
Good Luck OM.