Thursday, January 25, 2024

DIY CW Keyer for Ham Radio



Telegraphic CW keyer for HamRadio

( Based on Cheap Micro controller - ATTiny13  and 8 Pin IC )


Main FEATURES


1. Uses  Left and Right switch paddles for sending CW ( telegraphy codes)

2. Works in 5V dc SUPPLY

3. Very less power consumption

4. Built in SIDE TONE 

5. Can Adjust Speed of sending in real time, using potentio-meter rotary control

6. Can connect to Ham Radio  for sending CW

7. Can be used for CW learning / training


Get More Details in Link

https://github.com/vu3ave/ATTiny13-keyer









CODE USED IN THIS ATTIY CIRCUIT
  
// Simple Iambic Keyer v1.00
// by Ernest PA3HCM
// modified by VU3AVE for  ATTINY13 (1.2 MHz internal clock 
// speed) IC use, which is much cheaper than arduino board


//  You can edit below 2 lines

int Maximum_speed_WPM=30;
int Minimum_speed_WPM=3;

// DONT edit below this line

/*
 1) DOT( dit) is 5th physical pin of the IC ATTINY13
 2) DASH is 6th pin physical pin of the IC ATTINY13
 3) CW out put is at 7th physical pin of the IC ATTINY13
 4) 10k potentiometer(speed control) , center lead connection
    to 2nd physical pin of the IC ATTINY13
 5) Audio tone in output at 3rd physical pin of the IC ATTINY13
 */
#define P_DOT    0   // Connects to the dot lever of the paddle
#define P_DASH   1   // Connects to the dash lever of the paddle
#define P_CW     2   // Output of the keyer, connect to your radio
#define P_SPEED A3   // Attached to center pin of potmeter, 
                     // allows you to set the keying speed.
int speed;
#define P_AUDIO 4   // Audio output through speaker // for ATTINY13

void setup()
{
  pinMode(P_DOT, INPUT);
  pinMode(P_DASH, INPUT); 
  pinMode(P_AUDIO, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(P_CW, OUTPUT);
 
}


void loop()
{
speed = 60000 / (map(analogRead(P_SPEED), 0, 1023, Maximum_speed_WPM, Minimum_speed_WPM) * 73);

  // speed = 100;
 if(!digitalRead(P_DOT))        // If the dot lever is presssed..
     {
    keyAndBeep(speed);           // ... send a dot at the given speed
    delay(speed);                //     and wait before sending next
     }


  
if(!digitalRead(P_DASH))       // If the dash lever is pressed...
    {
   keyAndBeep(speed*3);         // ... send a dash at the given speed
   delay(speed);                //     and wait before sending next
    }
  
}


// Key the transmitter and sound a beep
void keyAndBeep(int speed)
{
  digitalWrite(P_CW, HIGH);            // Key down
  for (int i=0; i < speed; i++)    // Beep loop
  {
   digitalWrite(P_AUDIO, HIGH);
   delay(1);
   digitalWrite(P_AUDIO, LOW);
   delay(1);
  }
   digitalWrite(P_CW, LOW);             // Key up
 }
 
 /////////////code complete////////////
 
  
  
  


EXPLANATION OF CODE AND CONNECTION IN HARDWARE SIDE



#define P_DOT    0   // Connects to the dot lever of the paddle 
#define P_DASH   1   // Connects to the dash lever of the paddle 


This means: you have to connect digital pin 0 to DOT sending
connector of external paddle key -  Also Place a 10 K ohm resistor
from pin 0 to +5V of the circuit board (called pull up resistor)

This means: you have to connect digital pin 1 to DASH sending
connector of external paddle key-  Also Place a 10 K ohm resistor
from pin 0 to +5V of the circuit board (called pull up resistor)




EXPLANATION OF CODE AND CONNECTION IN HARDWARE SIDE


#define P_CW     2   // Output of the keyer, connect to your radio 
#define P_SPEED A3   // Attached to center pin of potmeteru
                     // , allows you to set the keying speed.
#define P_AUDIO 4   // Audio output through speaker



This means: you have to connect digital pin 2 to ge CW on/off
( 0 - 5V ) digital output. you can use it to switch a relay to
trigger cw input of your wireless set

This means: you have to connect digital pin A3 to variation
pin (center pin) of a volume control variable resistor (10 k Pot)
the other free two terminals to 0v and 5V

This means: Connect a 8 ohm speaker through a 10 micro farad 
capacitor from digital pin 4. Other end of the speaker to
GND ( negative terminal of the circuit board)



VIDEO DEMO OF ACTUAL CIRCUIT MADE BY ME




Ham radio, or amateur radio, is a hobby where people communicate with each other using radio waves. One of the most important and traditional modes of communication in ham radio is CW telegraphy, which uses Morse code for communication.


Is straight key / electronic key is better 

for sending CW (Morse code)


 It depends on your individual preferences and goals.
 Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:


Straight Key:

Pros:

Develops good fist: Using a straight key forces you to develop good timing and control over your sending, resulting in a clear and consistent "fist" (sending style).

Sense of accomplishment: Mastering the straight key can be a rewarding challenge and a source of pride for many CW operators.

Portable and simple: Straight keys are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to take with you and operate in the field. They also require no batteries or external power.

Cons:

Slower sending speeds: Straight keys typically limit sending speeds to around 25-30 wpm (words per minute). Electronic keys can reach much higher speeds (up to 60 wpm or more).

More physically demanding: Sending with a straight key requires sustained physical effort, which can be tiring for long periods.

Can be challenging to learn: Developing good fist with a straight key takes time and practice.


Electronic Key:

Pros:

Faster sending speeds: Electronic keys can significantly increase your sending speed, allowing you to make more contacts and participate in faster-paced QSOs (conversations).

Reduced physical effort: Electronic keys require minimal physical effort to operate, making them less tiring for long sessions.

Flexibility: Many electronic keys offer features like adjustable dits/dahs ratios, memory keyers, and iambic keying (which automatically spaces the dits within a dah), allowing you to customize your sending style.


Cons:

Can be expensive: (Our case is different ) High-quality electronic keys can be quite expensive compared to straight keys.

May not develop good fist: Reliance on an electronic key can hinder the development of good timing and fist.

Requires batteries or power: Electronic keys need batteries or an external power source to operate.




Micro Controller : ATtiny 13





ATTINY13 IC






The AtTiny13 is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit AVR RISC-based micro controller from Microchip Technology. It's a popular choice for hobbyists and makers due to its small size, ease of use, and affordability. Here are some of its key features:

  • Low operating voltage (2.7V to 5.5V): This makes it suitable for battery-powered projects.
  • Multiple power-saving modes: These allow you to put the micro controller into a low-power state when not needed, extending battery life.
  • Brown-out detection: This protects the micro controller from voltage dips that could cause it to malfunction.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM







Contact Me : 


Anish VR,
Vazheparambil, poosaripady
near llittle heart school
North Paravur
KERALA -  INDIA
pin: 683513

MOBILE/Whatsapp number : 91 9995957776

email: vu3ave@gmail.com , anishvrajan@gmail.com



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