Cliff: THANKS for a very thorough video on a direct CW interface. I constructed mine on a perf board, and it looks ugly. BUT it works! I used it to key my FT-817ND, and am now considering a second one for my X1M. Great inspiration to build a relatively simple circuit! Now to sell the extra components on eBay...
Great video, thanks. When using the stereo plug as you did, you could solder the wires connected to the rings together, then it will look like a mono plug to the radio. 73, km6wt
Very nice tutorial! I may try this set-up with N1MM+ or HRD! For sure, soldering is a dying art; after all, most people are just plain lazy to try or learn. Great "Elmer said so" project!
I'm going to use N3FJP software to drive a 30 year old MorseMachine via its Serial in port. In 39 years of operation, I have never done keyboard CW, always either paddles or keys. But I am a CW Sweepstakes junkie, probably the only one remaining who does not use a keyboard. FJP's circuit is very similar to the serial input of the MM-3. The only differences are a 3904 rather than 2222 transistor and 10K rather than 4.7K resistor in series with the transistor base. Beyond that, since the machine was built, RTS is still RTS, DTR is still DTR. So what drives a Winkeyer should drive a MorseMachine. I'm just waiting for the parts to build the DB9 to RCA cable. DE N8CPA
Enjoyed the video but there is one additional thing I feel should be mentioned. The actual speed of the cw may vary from the selected speed. This is due to the fact that the ascii to morse conversion is quite processor intensive. This will vary based upon processor speed and Operating System activity. The only way to guarantee flawless cw is to do the conversion outside of the PC such as is done in Winkeyer and the AEA Morse Machine.
Thanks, Don. I've never noticed this. I could see how a slow computer with limited RAM running multiple programs/processes could have occasional timing issues, though. - Cliff
QRP School Even fast PCs can have a problem if you are in a contest in Run mode at 25-30 wpm. If you notice in your logging program notes window he mentions that timing could be a problem. N1MM is the predominant contesting program and believe me, there's a lot going on inside besides sending CW. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. Keep 'em coming. 73 Don
Hello Cliff, enjoying every single video You publish , excellent mentoring for all of us getting into the qrp field. My question is not directly connected to this video, but rather regarding that stand for MTR radio, looks really great. So if You can provide more input on where to fetch it, I appreciate it a lot. 73s from Croatia, Vladimir
Hello, Vladimir! The stand I was using in this video is actually a desk stand intended for an HT. I got it from here: www.niftyaccessories.com/HT_desk_stand.php You may notice other stands in my videos. I have made a number of 3D-printed stands for my QRP radios. None are available for sale online, unfortunately. Thank you for the kind words. 72 - Cliff
I'm enjoying your videos. Always good to have a new project to start up. On this topic, I believe I played around with a cool app on an Android phone where the user could make an interface between their phone and their keyer. The phone would produce an audio tone which the interface module would utilize to ground your key circuit. I cannot remember the name of it, but I have the interface laying around here somewhere.
+Radninja88 That's a really cool concept! I was just telling a friend that I was thinking of building an arduino-based keyer with a number of pushbuttons for sending messages - including a automatically incrementing serial number for contesting. I didn't think about how a phone could replace the arduino hardware AND provide a much easier way to edit messages, etc. Thanks for tell me about this app and interface! - Cliff
No problem. I watch another channel regularly on youtube, it's VK3YE. He's got a LOT of videos on experimenting with qrp and has one or two on the arduino and cw.
I just checked it out ***** . That looks like a lot of fun and a lot of "tinker value". I'll surely dig up my arduino I have laying in a box somewhere collecting dust and play around with it. Thanks for the find.
I understand that this is an old video. Nowadays I have read of sub-ideal performances due to the non-real time nature of Windows. Therefore people use WinKeyer or similar devices (i.e. dedicated electronic keyers, controlled by the PC). What is your recommendation? Go this route, risking that the soft keyer might sometimes skip a dit or go for WinKeyer or free clones? TU dit dit
WinKeyer is superior to this circuit. However, my experience is that it’s rare for errors to occur due to the multi-tasking nature of Windows. I mostly use an old Rigblaster Plug n’ Play interface for CW and it uses the serial port pins (like the circuit shown in this video). I don’t have any timing issues that have caused me to covet a WinKeyer but, again, the WinKeyer would be a technically better solution. -Cliff
Hi there Cliff. I presume that the jack that you used to plug into the rig is a sealed-molded on one. The other alternative would have been to solder a link wire from the ring to ground to convert the the jack plug into a mono plug ?. Would not the radio then accept it as a straight key ?. 73 de John - G0WXU
Cliff: I am an unemployed Electronics Engineer and I do PC Board layouts. I would be happy to team up with you and other Hams who need boards laid out and produced. Let me know if interested.
RE your CW interface and the logging software... so I'm guessing his software is just outputting an 800 Hz tone (give or take) Right? Or does your QRP rig have its own builtin keyer? I don't remember you saying what kind of signal is passing or if it's just an on/off switch. And a comment, as I understand it, the reason for a stand-alone or outboard sound card like SignaLink is that you don't have interuptions like Windows doink sounds, sounds from inserting and removing USB devices, email sounds and Norton software mucking up the system as it always does. I love building circuits too. I once had a great SSTV circuit, but you have to weigh the consequences - just sayin'. Nice video and thanks. Oh, have you ever done a video on using old PakRatt and DSP-232 boxes which our computers no longer connect to?
It's just an on/off switch. Let me explain this a little better for a future reader of this question... When someone is sending Morse Code using an old-fashioned Straight Key, they are pushing down on the key and the contact closure is being detected by the radio. The radio is then sending a carrier... which is interpreted as a tone by the receiving station. Okay, so THIS CIRCUIT in the video is using a transistor as a switch to simulate the contact closure of a straight key. With the serial cable connected to the computer, the computer software sets the voltage of a serial port pin (DTR or RTS) HIGH, and the circuit closes the contact, causing the radio to think that someone has just closed the contacts of a straight key. When the appropriate amount of time has passed for a Dit or a Dah, the computer software will set the voltage on that pin to LOW, and the radio will think that the operator has eased off of the key, causing the radio to stop transmitting the carrier. This circuit can be used with any ham radio software that is capable of sending morse code via serial ports. This would include most contact logging software and software that is used for digital modes. To answer your last question, no, I've never done a video about PakRatt or any other serial devices. - Cliff
Hi, Adam. The purpose of this circuit it to allow a computer program (contest logging software) to send morse code. When you're working a contest, you type in the station's call sign into the logging software and then press a pre-defined function key to send the call sign and the exchange information. The software will toggle a pin on the serial port to simulate someone using a straight key. By plugging this circuit into the serial port on the computer side and the telegraph key jack on the radio, the radio will detect the contact closure being made by the circuit. It's as if a ghost is sending morse code. So, the usefulness of it is strictly limited to those who want to type on a keyboard or press pre-defined function keys and have those keystrokes converted into morse code and sent through your radio. I hope I explained that well enough... I don't feel like I've done a good job, here. - Cliff
Hello Cliff.. I really enjoy all your videos of QRP world.. really I am very interesting in that.. here in Costa Rica, could be very funny to have a QRP adventure... Just a question about this video, the PTT serial interfase with optoacoplator you have tested ??? Greetings from Costa Rica, and hope very soon to get my ham call ... regards
Hello, Alfonso. You would be very popular working portable QRP from Costa Rica! Many people would want to contact you, my friend. To answer your question... No. The circuit uses a transistor to close the "switch". I got the design from another website that also shows how to build it with an optocoupler: www.n3fjp.com/cwschematic.html Thanks, Cliff
Cliff....can you buy the interface somewhere? I don’t have the capabilities to build at this time but CW through my computer would be useful. Recovering from surgery and this looks great. 73’s KG5UYD
Jerry, I have a RigBlaster "Plug & Play" computer interface that includes CW functionality. There may be other, cheaper options. Maybe someone will see this comment and provide some other choices for you. Here is the Plug & Play: www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pnp
Hi, Paul. This is the information we distribute to hams using our CW setup on Field Day... RUN A FREQUENCY Find a frequency that you can run, the press either F1 (looped every 3 seconds) or F2 (non looped). This will send our callsign twice to help other stations copy our call, then ends with "FD". There is no need to send "CQ FD" since everyone else KNOWS we are calling CQ. The [Call Sign] [Call Sign] FD accomplishes the CQ call in as short a period of time as possible, and makes it clear we are working the FD exchanges, and by giving our call twice, we make it easy for other stations to copy us. The other station will send their call, say "W1ABC". We enter "W1ABC" into the log, touch the TAB key (to move to the Category Field in the log, and to check if the station is a dupe, then touch F3, which will send "W1ABC 3F TN". He will then send his report, which we enter into the Category and Section field of the log, and touch F4, which send "TU [Call Sign]" and enters the contact into the log. If we have a good run going, we should be able to continue using F3 and F4 to run the frequency, and occasionally using F1 or F2 to "CQ". SEARCH AND POUNCE If instead, you want to search and pounce, tune the radio to find a station you can copy, enter his call into the call field of the logging program and touch the TAB key. This will check to see if the call is a dupe, and put you in the field to enter the CATEGORY and then ARRL section. Then touch the F5 key, which will send "[Call Sign]" once. Hopefully the other station will hear your call, and send something like "[Call Sign] 2A OH" which says, "I copy your station and my report is 2A OH". Fill in the Category and Section fields in the program then touch the F6 key, which sends "TU 3F TN" and enters the contact into the log. This tells the other station you copied his report, and that your report is 3F TN. The other F keys do the following: F7 sends "?" F8 sends "AGN" F9 sends "DUP" F10 sends "3F TN" without the TU, in case the other station requests a repeat of our exchange. F12 is reserved by the program to enter any text from the keyboard. As you enter the text, it will be sent. To exit keyboard mode, touch F12 again.
I see some alternate products making claims that the computer will induce timing issues, and thus their external standalone hw does not suffer from that phenomena. Have you experienced this with your setup? thanks de K8MH
WinKeyer is superior to this circuit. However, my experience is that it’s rare for errors to occur due to the multi-tasking nature of Windows. I mostly use an old Rigblaster Plug n’ Play interface for CW and it uses the serial port pins (like the circuit shown in this video). I don’t have any timing issues that have caused me to covet a WinKeyer but, again, the WinKeyer would be a technically better solution. -Cliff
Okay I am completely clueless about what I am going to ask, my father would like to practice Morse code and I thought if there is a way he could send it to me via internet, i could respond back to him. Is there a way he could have the old school hands on sender connected to the internet via a app on the web. Sorry if I am not clear, Dad is 87 and if there is any way I could set him up to send Morse code to me via the internet, that would be great, thanks.
Yes, but it might work differently than you think... This circuit sits between a computer and the straight key jack of a radio to aid with sending Morse Code via software. So, it's not a Push-To-Talk switch that stays closed until time to receive again. Your computer software (like N3FJP's logging software) will be responsible for sending Morse Code characters at whatever speed you've set. So, to send the letter "T" (a single dash), the software will set the DTR or RTS line high (applying voltage to the pin, whichever line you've configured) which will ground the circuit as if you'd closed the contacts of a straight key. Your radio will begin transmitting a carrier as if your finger was holding down the key. When the software determines the correct amount of time has elapsed to stop sending the carrier (completing the sending of the dash element in our example), the line will go low again and the radio will stop sending a carrier... as if our hand has been released from the key. At this moment, if your radio is capable and has been configured for Full Break-In ("QSK"), you'll be returned to Receive Mode and can hear any transmissions between the elements of your Morse Code characters. Most radios have only one key jack and it can be configured to work with either Paddles or a Straight Key. A Straight Key needs only two wires (for Ground and Contact) while Paddles need three wires (Ground, Left Paddle, Right Paddle). If your radio supports Paddles, it almost certainly has a built-in "keyer" to generate a stream of dits and dashes when the paddles are closed. To use this circuit, you'll need to put the CW jack in Straight Key Mode and disable the built-in keyer. - Cliff
That's right. It will work with any radio that has a jack that will work worth a straight key. The circuit appears to the radio as if a straight key is plugged in. -Cliff
+Hammer USN Hello. The dummy load shown in this video is a "Falcon Antennas 10 Watt Dry Dummy Load Model FDL 10 Made in the USA". It wasn't a kit. I've searched for it and can't find a source. I wish I remember where I bought it! Sorry... - Cliff
Ok great video and good instructions, now I would like one on building this feature to use on a Kenwood TS830S, they have Grid Block keying and I am told that nothing built for computer interface will work on them because of the voltage,
Boy, you got me on this. I have no clue how you'd solve this problem with a forty-year-old radio! I'll bet this is a fun, old rig to play with. Congrats on having one! - Cliff
Can we use an android smartphone in order to send with CW what we write on the keyboard and receive on the screen the words that the radio receive in CW?
There are smartphone apps that can decode Morse Code that is picked up by the phone's microphone. The apps are pretty good at decoding but the person sending Morse Code has to be very good at sending AND the incoming audio signal needs to be strong. When the person sending Morse Code is sloppy and/or the signal fades, the decoding apps get confused. I'm unaware of a smartphone app that triggers a circuit connected to the key jack of a radio in order to send CW. If anyone reading this knows of such a solution, please jump in here! - Cliff
The solution is to NOT promote anything wich made also the CW automatic : while we can't learn digital protocols like PSK, JT etc etc we CAN learn the Morse code for sure. Wich mean also to learn how to zerobeat, how to "spot" and much more. I'm sorry but pressing couple Function-Key on a PC keyboard isn't CW and will never be. CW mean State of the Art.
Hell yeah! I’m going to build this for a bluetooth to serial device so I can send CW from my iphone while portable... Just need to figure out a way to time delay the signals somehow... Anyone know how to build the circuit that takes morse code audio pulses, and converts those CW audio tones to contact closures? There’s one video on youtube that shows it being done, but not the details of the circuit. So... it works by using a CW tone app on a phone, and running the headphone audio output to a xformer that steps up the voltage, rectifies it to DC, then feeds the pulses (tones) to a transistor to close it like a switch. This way the keyer port of the radio can be wired to that transistor.. I just need the resistor and cap values required between the rectifier, and transistor.
Is this different than PSK31? Do you need a radio with SSB or can you use just a CW transceiver? Will CwGET & CwType program work on CW transceiver only?
Yes, this is different than PSK31. This is a circuit that connects between your computer's serial port and your radio's Key jack... so that the radio thinks you've got a straight key plugged into it. This has nothing to do with decoding Morse Code, either. Your computer software must be capable of generating Morse Code timing and setting the serial port pin HIGH whenever the contacts should be closed (as if you were pressing down on a straight key). CWGet will decode Morse Code that it "hears" via your computer's sound card. In looking at the very sparse description on CWType, you can use an SSB radio (voice) to generate CW via an audio pitch of your choosing. In other words, the computer software will generate a tone at, say, 600KHz and transmit that audio tone in sideband mode. That works the same as putting your radio in CW mode and closing the contacts, making the radio send a carrier for CW. As to whether CWType can set a serial port pin HIGH and emulate a straight key, I don't know. Maybe someone reading this comment can help us out. If you find out, please reply so others can learn what you've learned. Thanks - Cliff
how can ı make interface circuits for web cams or spekars for arduino or smartphone imean that could u some books about making interface circuits or some sources(sorry for bad english)
Ok, I built the circuit, seems to work as simple hardware PTT in fldigi, but I can't find any programs that can use this. Fldigi only allows winkeyer for CW Morse..
If you're talking about keying the radio for CW, you don't need an RS232 connector. The circuit described in this video will emulate closing the contacts on a straight key. So, you'd put your radio in Straight Key mode and your computer software will generate the code by closing that electronic switch, which simulates a human pressing the arm of a straight key to close the contacts. If you're talking about using the FT-100 for digital modes, you actually DO have a serial port in the form of the Mini-DIN Data Jack on the back of the radio. There are Ground, Data In, Data Out, and PTT pins. I believe you can buy a Tigertronics Signalink box with the appropriate cable(s). -Cliff
@@cristyperera1936 I'm still a little confused... You're writing to me with a comment on a video that shows how to create a circuit to allow ham radio logging software to emulate a human being sending Morse Code with a straight key. This circuit can be used by hams running contests/pileups to keep their hands on the keyboard to log contacts while the logging software takes care of sending Morse Code. For this application, you don't need a radio with a serial port. There is no serial data to send to the radio for generating Morse Code. Not to muddy the waters, but in that situation, you might want a CAT connection between the computer and radio (via serial port) so the logging software can poll the radio to get the band and operating frequency for logging the contacts without your having to enter that information manually. Okay. So, if you're NOT writing about that but, instead, are asking about using Digital Modes like PSK-31, FT-8, etc. that's different and has nothing to do with this video. For digital modes, you need 1) a way to get the audio from the radio to the computer for decoding, 2) a way to get the computer-generated audio to the radio for transmission, and 3) a way for the computer to signal the radio to go into Transmit mode. This is usually done with the PTT pin of the mic jack or data jack BUT it can also be done quite successfully by just putting your radio in VOX mode. In VOX mode, the presence of audio being sent to the radio will signal the radio to go into Transmit mode... just as if you were using your voice (SSB) in VOX mode and the radio detects that you've spoken so the radio switches to Transmit mode. The Tigertronics Signalink website has a web page that shows how to set the jumpers for all radios. You'll just need to look to see if both your radios have the same jumper settings. Here is that page: www.tigertronics.com/sl_wirebm.htm
The diagram shown at 1:27 is the schematic. There is 1 transistor, 2 diodes, and 2 resistors. The names/values of the parts are shown in the diagram. I don’t have part numbers for Mouser, Digi-Key, etc. but you will find these parts by searching their catalogs online. I’m sorry to not be more helpful with this. -Cliff
If these contests have become so competitive and automated, then screw it....Might as well have a contest to see how many people you can get to answer random number phone calls. Oh crap. What have I done.......? LOL bob, KF7ZSA
+KX36 Thanks for posting this. I just happened to have several of those USB-to-Serial converters so it was easy for me to mock up the circuit with what I had on hand. I've seen several of the FTDI USB-UART breakout boards but the ones I'd trust are $15 or so. Do you have a link to one that you'd recommend that also includes a link to the various operating system driver(s)? If so, please post it here so future readers could benefit. I appreciate it! - Cliff
Genuine FTDI chips work well and FTDI's got good custmer service, but there were so many fake FTDI chips on ebay that they updated their drivers to brick any fake chips when they're plugged into windows. I take it that's what you're referring to when you say you don't trust them. There's a chinese USB-to-serial chip that's gained popularity since that FTDI controversy, the CH340. These are cheap and readily available on ebay and seem to work fine. A quick search on ebay brings up 400 results starting from $0.93, most of which are full PCBs not just chips. :D
Cliff or KX36, Tnks for your QRP schooll. Could you tell me what would be used to drive the PTT using the CH340. When I hook up using TXT, I get a constant stream of dits and cant get them to stop. Thank you.
KX36 I built one of the with the ftdi and it works great. some of the interfaces only include transmit and receive but NOT the control signals. so look carefully before you order!
An electronic circuit that sits between your computer and your radio, allowing a program on your computer to emulate a straight key for sending Morse Code. It's very useful in a CW contest as your contest logging software can automate the sending and exchange of CW data. Without this (or something like it), you'd have to send the other station's call sign by hand, etc.
The circuit works fine, however I would like to see an opto-coupler rather than a transistor. It is important to de-couple the ground connection between the computer ground and the rig ground. The computer ground will add to the noise floor of your receiver, if not de-coupled. I use the PC817 4-pin DIL coupler. I also add a diode into the DTR input path, anode on the DB9 side, to eliminate unneeded reverse current when the circuit is idle. Furthermore I add a small LED with a 10kOhm resistor in series between the cathode of the added diode and the DB9-ground for visually check the operation. AA0JR, email on QRZ.com
Sounds great, Jakob. As you probably know from watching the video, I took the circuit from Scott Davis’s website. Do you happen to have a schematic of your circuit? -Cliff
Cliff:
THANKS for a very thorough video on a direct CW interface. I constructed mine on a perf board, and it looks ugly. BUT it works! I used it to key my FT-817ND, and am now considering a second one for my X1M. Great inspiration to build a relatively simple circuit!
Now to sell the extra components on eBay...
i built this and i can confirm that this circuit and tutorial works very well! thank you for the video!!
+smallenginedude71 Cool! Glad to have helped! - Cliff
Great video, thanks.
When using the stereo plug as you did, you could solder the wires connected to the rings together, then it will look like a mono plug to the radio.
73, km6wt
Very nice tutorial! I may try this set-up with N1MM+ or HRD! For sure, soldering is a dying art; after all, most people are just plain lazy to try or learn. Great "Elmer said so" project!
I'm going to use N3FJP software to drive a 30 year old MorseMachine via its Serial in port. In 39 years of operation, I have never done keyboard CW, always either paddles or keys. But I am a CW Sweepstakes junkie, probably the only one remaining who does not use a keyboard. FJP's circuit is very similar to the serial input of the MM-3. The only differences are a 3904 rather than 2222 transistor and 10K rather than 4.7K resistor in series with the transistor base. Beyond that, since the machine was built, RTS is still RTS, DTR is still DTR. So what drives a Winkeyer should drive a MorseMachine. I'm just waiting for the parts to build the DB9 to RCA cable. DE N8CPA
Thanks Cliff I saw one of these at field day and just gotta build one!
Enjoyed the video but there is one additional thing I feel should be mentioned. The actual speed of the cw may vary from the selected speed. This is due to the fact that the ascii to morse conversion is quite processor intensive. This will vary based upon processor speed and Operating System activity. The only way to guarantee flawless cw is to do the conversion outside of the PC such as is done in Winkeyer and the AEA Morse Machine.
Thanks, Don. I've never noticed this. I could see how a slow computer with limited RAM running multiple programs/processes could have occasional timing issues, though. - Cliff
QRP School Even fast PCs can have a problem if you are in a contest in Run mode at 25-30 wpm. If you notice in your logging program notes window he mentions that timing could be a problem. N1MM is the predominant contesting program and believe me, there's a lot going on inside besides sending CW. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. Keep 'em coming. 73 Don
Hello Cliff,
enjoying every single video You publish , excellent mentoring for all of us getting into the qrp field. My question is not directly connected to this video, but rather regarding that stand for MTR radio, looks really great. So if You can provide more input on where to fetch it, I appreciate it a lot. 73s from Croatia, Vladimir
Hello, Vladimir! The stand I was using in this video is actually a desk stand intended for an HT. I got it from here: www.niftyaccessories.com/HT_desk_stand.php
You may notice other stands in my videos. I have made a number of 3D-printed stands for my QRP radios. None are available for sale online, unfortunately.
Thank you for the kind words. 72 - Cliff
Many thanks for answer ! Vlad
No tengo idea de electrónica, pero lo he echo yo mismo, y va de maravilla. Muy fácil.
Many thanks for this well done and easy understandable exposure.
Best 73.s
Michael, ON4MI
This is great! I'm laying out a board for the opto-isolated version of this now. Thanks for sharing! 73, Rex KE6MT
I'm enjoying your videos. Always good to have a new project to start up. On this topic, I believe I played around with a cool app on an Android phone where the user could make an interface between their phone and their keyer. The phone would produce an audio tone which the interface module would utilize to ground your key circuit. I cannot remember the name of it, but I have the interface laying around here somewhere.
+Radninja88 That's interesting. If you find the name of that app, let me know and I'll check it out. thanks - Cliff
Here we go! Androidomatic Keyer (AKA). Check it out on the Play store. I have it on my tablet. (I dedicated a tablet to the radio projects)
+Radninja88 That's a really cool concept! I was just telling a friend that I was thinking of building an arduino-based keyer with a number of pushbuttons for sending messages - including a automatically incrementing serial number for contesting. I didn't think about how a phone could replace the arduino hardware AND provide a much easier way to edit messages, etc. Thanks for tell me about this app and interface! - Cliff
No problem. I watch another channel regularly on youtube, it's VK3YE. He's got a LOT of videos on experimenting with qrp and has one or two on the arduino and cw.
I just checked it out ***** . That looks like a lot of fun and a lot of "tinker value". I'll surely dig up my arduino I have laying in a box somewhere collecting dust and play around with it. Thanks for the find.
I am going to make this.Tnkz de 4S6CPT!
I understand that this is an old video. Nowadays I have read of sub-ideal performances due to the non-real time nature of Windows. Therefore people use WinKeyer or similar devices (i.e. dedicated electronic keyers, controlled by the PC). What is your recommendation? Go this route, risking that the soft keyer might sometimes skip a dit or go for WinKeyer or free clones? TU dit dit
WinKeyer is superior to this circuit. However, my experience is that it’s rare for errors to occur due to the multi-tasking nature of Windows. I mostly use an old Rigblaster Plug n’ Play interface for CW and it uses the serial port pins (like the circuit shown in this video). I don’t have any timing issues that have caused me to covet a WinKeyer but, again, the WinKeyer would be a technically better solution. -Cliff
Hi there Cliff. I presume that the jack that you used to plug into the rig is a sealed-molded on one. The other alternative would have been to solder a link wire from the ring to ground to convert the the jack plug into a mono plug ?. Would not the radio then accept it as a straight key ?. 73 de John - G0WXU
Cliff: I am an unemployed Electronics Engineer and I do PC Board layouts. I would be happy to team up with you and other Hams who need boards laid out and produced. Let me know if interested.
RE your CW interface and the logging software... so I'm guessing his software is just outputting an 800 Hz tone (give or take) Right? Or does your QRP rig have its own builtin keyer? I don't remember you saying what kind of signal is passing or if it's just an on/off switch. And a comment, as I understand it, the reason for a stand-alone or outboard sound card like SignaLink is that you don't have interuptions like Windows doink sounds, sounds from inserting and removing USB devices, email sounds and Norton software mucking up the system as it always does. I love building circuits too. I once had a great SSTV circuit, but you have to weigh the consequences - just sayin'. Nice video and thanks. Oh, have you ever done a video on using old PakRatt and DSP-232 boxes which our computers no longer connect to?
It's just an on/off switch. Let me explain this a little better for a future reader of this question... When someone is sending Morse Code using an old-fashioned Straight Key, they are pushing down on the key and the contact closure is being detected by the radio. The radio is then sending a carrier... which is interpreted as a tone by the receiving station. Okay, so THIS CIRCUIT in the video is using a transistor as a switch to simulate the contact closure of a straight key.
With the serial cable connected to the computer, the computer software sets the voltage of a serial port pin (DTR or RTS) HIGH, and the circuit closes the contact, causing the radio to think that someone has just closed the contacts of a straight key. When the appropriate amount of time has passed for a Dit or a Dah, the computer software will set the voltage on that pin to LOW, and the radio will think that the operator has eased off of the key, causing the radio to stop transmitting the carrier.
This circuit can be used with any ham radio software that is capable of sending morse code via serial ports. This would include most contact logging software and software that is used for digital modes.
To answer your last question, no, I've never done a video about PakRatt or any other serial devices. - Cliff
thanks Cliff... I make both circuits and works really good....
about work qrp from TI could be very interesting....
hope very soon to get my Ham call
Excellent, Alfonso! I hope to talk with you on the air someday soon... - Cliff
You can buy a direct Cw usb cable. Goes straight from usb to 3.5mm plug for key
Do you need a sound card for this? Presumably you would need something more complicated to receive/decode on a computer
Hi, Adam. The purpose of this circuit it to allow a computer program (contest logging software) to send morse code. When you're working a contest, you type in the station's call sign into the logging software and then press a pre-defined function key to send the call sign and the exchange information. The software will toggle a pin on the serial port to simulate someone using a straight key. By plugging this circuit into the serial port on the computer side and the telegraph key jack on the radio, the radio will detect the contact closure being made by the circuit. It's as if a ghost is sending morse code. So, the usefulness of it is strictly limited to those who want to type on a keyboard or press pre-defined function keys and have those keystrokes converted into morse code and sent through your radio. I hope I explained that well enough... I don't feel like I've done a good job, here. - Cliff
Hello Cliff.. I really enjoy all your videos of QRP world.. really I am very interesting in that.. here in Costa Rica, could be very funny to have a QRP adventure...
Just a question about this video, the PTT serial interfase with optoacoplator you have tested ???
Greetings from Costa Rica, and hope very soon to get my ham call ... regards
Hello, Alfonso. You would be very popular working portable QRP from Costa Rica! Many people would want to contact you, my friend.
To answer your question... No. The circuit uses a transistor to close the "switch". I got the design from another website that also shows how to build it with an optocoupler: www.n3fjp.com/cwschematic.html
Thanks,
Cliff
Cliff....can you buy the interface somewhere? I don’t have the capabilities to build at this time but CW through my computer would be useful. Recovering from surgery and this looks great. 73’s KG5UYD
Jerry, I have a RigBlaster "Plug & Play" computer interface that includes CW functionality. There may be other, cheaper options. Maybe someone will see this comment and provide some other choices for you. Here is the Plug & Play: www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pnp
Just finished building it - fun project. What function key assignments do you recommend for field day? 73, Paul
Hi, Paul. This is the information we distribute to hams using our CW setup on Field Day...
RUN A FREQUENCY
Find a frequency that you can run, the press either F1 (looped every 3 seconds) or F2 (non looped). This will send our callsign twice to help other stations copy our call, then ends with "FD". There is no need to send "CQ FD" since everyone else KNOWS we are calling CQ. The [Call Sign] [Call Sign] FD accomplishes the CQ call in as short a period of time as possible, and makes it clear we are working the FD exchanges, and by giving our call twice, we make it easy for other stations to copy us.
The other station will send their call, say "W1ABC". We enter "W1ABC" into the log, touch the TAB key (to move to the Category Field in the log, and to check if the station is a dupe, then touch F3, which will send "W1ABC 3F TN". He will then send his report, which we enter into the Category and Section field of the log, and touch F4, which send "TU [Call Sign]" and enters the contact into the log. If we have a good run going, we should be able to continue using F3 and F4 to run the frequency, and occasionally using F1 or F2 to "CQ".
SEARCH AND POUNCE
If instead, you want to search and pounce, tune the radio to find a station you can copy, enter his call into the call field of the logging program and touch the TAB key. This will check to see if the call is a dupe, and put you in the field to enter the CATEGORY and then ARRL section. Then touch the F5 key, which will send "[Call Sign]" once. Hopefully the other station will hear your call, and send something like "[Call Sign] 2A OH" which says, "I copy your station and my report is 2A OH". Fill in the Category and Section fields in the program then touch the F6 key, which sends "TU 3F TN" and enters the contact into the log. This tells the other station you copied his report, and that your report is 3F TN.
The other F keys do the following:
F7 sends "?"
F8 sends "AGN"
F9 sends "DUP"
F10 sends "3F TN" without the TU, in case the other station requests a repeat of our exchange.
F12 is reserved by the program to enter any text from the keyboard. As you enter the text, it will be sent. To exit keyboard mode, touch F12 again.
Thanks. 73, Paul
I see some alternate products making claims that the computer will induce timing issues, and thus their external standalone hw does not suffer from that phenomena. Have you experienced this with your setup? thanks de K8MH
WinKeyer is superior to this circuit. However, my experience is that it’s rare for errors to occur due to the multi-tasking nature of Windows. I mostly use an old Rigblaster Plug n’ Play interface for CW and it uses the serial port pins (like the circuit shown in this video). I don’t have any timing issues that have caused me to covet a WinKeyer but, again, the WinKeyer would be a technically better solution. -Cliff
Good evening cliff
I use N3FJP LOG,
Is you selling the cable for tx cw how much $? shipping canada
excuse my bad English.
Tnx VA3SY
If you dont want to build it N3FJP sells it for 25$ USD www.n3fjp.com/cwschematic.html
Okay I am completely clueless about what I am going to ask, my father would like to practice Morse code and I thought if there is a way he could send it to me via internet, i could respond back to him. Is there a way he could have the old school hands on sender connected to the internet via a app on the web. Sorry if I am not clear, Dad is 87 and if there is any way I could set him up to send Morse code to me via the internet, that would be great, thanks.
Question Cliff does the trip lite hold DTR and RTS high when transmitting and fall to ground when receiving. Thanks for your video Ron C KG5GFV
Yes, but it might work differently than you think... This circuit sits between a computer and the straight key jack of a radio to aid with sending Morse Code via software. So, it's not a Push-To-Talk switch that stays closed until time to receive again. Your computer software (like N3FJP's logging software) will be responsible for sending Morse Code characters at whatever speed you've set. So, to send the letter "T" (a single dash), the software will set the DTR or RTS line high (applying voltage to the pin, whichever line you've configured) which will ground the circuit as if you'd closed the contacts of a straight key. Your radio will begin transmitting a carrier as if your finger was holding down the key. When the software determines the correct amount of time has elapsed to stop sending the carrier (completing the sending of the dash element in our example), the line will go low again and the radio will stop sending a carrier... as if our hand has been released from the key. At this moment, if your radio is capable and has been configured for Full Break-In ("QSK"), you'll be returned to Receive Mode and can hear any transmissions between the elements of your Morse Code characters.
Most radios have only one key jack and it can be configured to work with either Paddles or a Straight Key. A Straight Key needs only two wires (for Ground and Contact) while Paddles need three wires (Ground, Left Paddle, Right Paddle). If your radio supports Paddles, it almost certainly has a built-in "keyer" to generate a stream of dits and dashes when the paddles are closed. To use this circuit, you'll need to put the CW jack in Straight Key Mode and disable the built-in keyer. - Cliff
nice video,nice project,,,this interface works in any radio?
That's right. It will work with any radio that has a jack that will work worth a straight key. The circuit appears to the radio as if a straight key is plugged in. -Cliff
+QRP School thanks....this circuit works only with this programme?
+DeSoLaTE GuS It will work with any program that can send CW by keying the radio via a serial port.
+QRP School ok,thanks again,73...
de SV4RJA
excellent man , thanx! how about that dummy load do u have a video on that build?
+Hammer USN Hello. The dummy load shown in this video is a "Falcon Antennas 10 Watt Dry Dummy Load Model FDL 10 Made in the USA". It wasn't a kit. I've searched for it and can't find a source. I wish I remember where I bought it! Sorry... - Cliff
Ok great video and good instructions, now I would like one on building this feature to use on a Kenwood TS830S, they have Grid Block keying and I am told that nothing built for computer interface will work on them because of the voltage,
Boy, you got me on this. I have no clue how you'd solve this problem with a forty-year-old radio! I'll bet this is a fun, old rig to play with. Congrats on having one! - Cliff
@@QRPSchool oh well it was worth a try, thanks anyway
Very nice ,I am now making this!73s
Dear Sir,if iwant to use N1MM,how do i use it???
De YD0NVU TU 73
I wonder if this circuit could be used to send Hellschreiber aka Feld Hell ?
Can we use an android smartphone in order to send with CW what we write on the keyboard and receive on the screen the words that the radio receive in CW?
There are smartphone apps that can decode Morse Code that is picked up by the phone's microphone. The apps are pretty good at decoding but the person sending Morse Code has to be very good at sending AND the incoming audio signal needs to be strong. When the person sending Morse Code is sloppy and/or the signal fades, the decoding apps get confused.
I'm unaware of a smartphone app that triggers a circuit connected to the key jack of a radio in order to send CW.
If anyone reading this knows of such a solution, please jump in here! - Cliff
The solution is to NOT promote anything wich made also the CW automatic : while we can't learn digital protocols like PSK, JT etc etc we CAN learn the Morse code for sure. Wich mean also to learn how to zerobeat, how to "spot" and much more. I'm sorry but pressing couple Function-Key on a PC keyboard isn't CW and will never be. CW mean State of the Art.
Can this be used with a TS-480hx radio......
Yes. It can be used with any radio that has a CW mode. You plug this circuit into your radio as if it was a straight key.
Hell yeah! I’m going to build this for a bluetooth to serial device so I can send CW from my iphone while portable... Just need to figure out a way to time delay the signals somehow... Anyone know how to build the circuit that takes morse code audio pulses, and converts those CW audio tones to contact closures? There’s one video on youtube that shows it being done, but not the details of the circuit.
So... it works by using a CW tone app on a phone, and running the headphone audio output to a xformer that steps up the voltage, rectifies it to DC, then feeds the pulses (tones) to a transistor to close it like a switch. This way the keyer port of the radio can be wired to that transistor.. I just need the resistor and cap values required between the rectifier, and transistor.
Is this different than PSK31? Do you need a radio with SSB or can you use just a CW transceiver? Will CwGET & CwType program work on CW transceiver only?
Yes, this is different than PSK31. This is a circuit that connects between your computer's serial port and your radio's Key jack... so that the radio thinks you've got a straight key plugged into it. This has nothing to do with decoding Morse Code, either. Your computer software must be capable of generating Morse Code timing and setting the serial port pin HIGH whenever the contacts should be closed (as if you were pressing down on a straight key).
CWGet will decode Morse Code that it "hears" via your computer's sound card.
In looking at the very sparse description on CWType, you can use an SSB radio (voice) to generate CW via an audio pitch of your choosing. In other words, the computer software will generate a tone at, say, 600KHz and transmit that audio tone in sideband mode. That works the same as putting your radio in CW mode and closing the contacts, making the radio send a carrier for CW. As to whether CWType can set a serial port pin HIGH and emulate a straight key, I don't know. Maybe someone reading this comment can help us out. If you find out, please reply so others can learn what you've learned. Thanks - Cliff
how can ı make interface circuits for web cams or spekars for arduino or smartphone imean that could u some books about making interface circuits or some sources(sorry for bad english)
Do you know of software to decode receive. Then you could transmit and receive with a computer.
Hello, Tim. There are a number of apps for smartphones that can do this. I wish I could be of more help in this area... -Cliff
Ok, I built the circuit, seems to work as simple hardware PTT in fldigi, but I can't find any programs that can use this. Fldigi only allows winkeyer for CW Morse..
try cwtype or N4FJP Software
I have a FT-100,how I can connect to operate PTT? no RS232 connector!
If you're talking about keying the radio for CW, you don't need an RS232 connector. The circuit described in this video will emulate closing the contacts on a straight key. So, you'd put your radio in Straight Key mode and your computer software will generate the code by closing that electronic switch, which simulates a human pressing the arm of a straight key to close the contacts.
If you're talking about using the FT-100 for digital modes, you actually DO have a serial port in the form of the Mini-DIN Data Jack on the back of the radio. There are Ground, Data In, Data Out, and PTT pins. I believe you can buy a Tigertronics Signalink box with the appropriate cable(s). -Cliff
@@QRPSchool I have a signal link for IC-718.which i use for digital,i have to change jumbers no?
@@cristyperera1936 I'm still a little confused... You're writing to me with a comment on a video that shows how to create a circuit to allow ham radio logging software to emulate a human being sending Morse Code with a straight key. This circuit can be used by hams running contests/pileups to keep their hands on the keyboard to log contacts while the logging software takes care of sending Morse Code. For this application, you don't need a radio with a serial port. There is no serial data to send to the radio for generating Morse Code. Not to muddy the waters, but in that situation, you might want a CAT connection between the computer and radio (via serial port) so the logging software can poll the radio to get the band and operating frequency for logging the contacts without your having to enter that information manually.
Okay. So, if you're NOT writing about that but, instead, are asking about using Digital Modes like PSK-31, FT-8, etc. that's different and has nothing to do with this video. For digital modes, you need 1) a way to get the audio from the radio to the computer for decoding, 2) a way to get the computer-generated audio to the radio for transmission, and 3) a way for the computer to signal the radio to go into Transmit mode. This is usually done with the PTT pin of the mic jack or data jack BUT it can also be done quite successfully by just putting your radio in VOX mode. In VOX mode, the presence of audio being sent to the radio will signal the radio to go into Transmit mode... just as if you were using your voice (SSB) in VOX mode and the radio detects that you've spoken so the radio switches to Transmit mode.
The Tigertronics Signalink website has a web page that shows how to set the jumpers for all radios. You'll just need to look to see if both your radios have the same jumper settings. Here is that page: www.tigertronics.com/sl_wirebm.htm
is there a pdf of this to build with a parts list
The diagram shown at 1:27 is the schematic. There is 1 transistor, 2 diodes, and 2 resistors. The names/values of the parts are shown in the diagram. I don’t have part numbers for Mouser, Digi-Key, etc. but you will find these parts by searching their catalogs online. I’m sorry to not be more helpful with this. -Cliff
If these contests have become so competitive and automated, then screw it....Might as well have a contest to see how many people you can get to answer random number phone calls.
Oh crap. What have I done.......? LOL
bob, KF7ZSA
Would you really bother with the big USB-serial DB9 converter these days? You can get a small
+KX36 Thanks for posting this. I just happened to have several of those USB-to-Serial converters so it was easy for me to mock up the circuit with what I had on hand. I've seen several of the FTDI USB-UART breakout boards but the ones I'd trust are $15 or so. Do you have a link to one that you'd recommend that also includes a link to the various operating system driver(s)? If so, please post it here so future readers could benefit. I appreciate it! - Cliff
Genuine FTDI chips work well and FTDI's got good custmer service, but there were so many fake FTDI chips on ebay that they updated their drivers to brick any fake chips when they're plugged into windows. I take it that's what you're referring to when you say you don't trust them.
There's a chinese USB-to-serial chip that's gained popularity since that FTDI controversy, the CH340. These are cheap and readily available on ebay and seem to work fine. A quick search on ebay brings up 400 results starting from $0.93, most of which are full PCBs not just chips. :D
+KX36 Awesome. I looked up the CH340 and it looks great. Thanks for bring this up! - Cliff
Cliff or KX36, Tnks for your QRP schooll. Could you tell me what would be used to drive the PTT using the CH340. When I hook up using TXT, I get a constant stream of dits and cant get them to stop. Thank you.
KX36 I built one of the with the ftdi and it works great. some of the interfaces only include transmit and receive but NOT the control signals. so look carefully before you order!
that not all true people use paddles to contest with
what's this?
An electronic circuit that sits between your computer and your radio, allowing a program on your computer to emulate a straight key for sending Morse Code. It's very useful in a CW contest as your contest logging software can automate the sending and exchange of CW data. Without this (or something like it), you'd have to send the other station's call sign by hand, etc.
@@QRPSchool thanks and intresting
I am N8WZW
I have always wanted to be a champion weightlifter and win lots of prizes........But they wouldn't let me use my forklift.
The circuit works fine, however I would like to see an opto-coupler rather than a transistor. It is important to de-couple the ground connection between the computer ground and the rig ground. The computer ground will add to the noise floor of your receiver, if not de-coupled. I use the PC817 4-pin DIL coupler. I also add a diode into the DTR input path, anode on the DB9 side, to eliminate unneeded reverse current when the circuit is idle. Furthermore I add a small LED with a 10kOhm resistor in series between the cathode of the added diode and the DB9-ground for visually check the operation. AA0JR, email on QRZ.com
Sounds great, Jakob. As you probably know from watching the video, I took the circuit from Scott Davis’s website. Do you happen to have a schematic of your circuit? -Cliff
Thanks so much for posting! 73!de KJ5DVL