Remote CW keyer

[Ian Watson]

Hi folks,

I'm interested in building a 'softerhardware/cwkeyer', but I am a little lost. I found the github site and have a log on, but freely admit don't know how github works, it seems too technical in its layout for me. I found the discussion thread, but there doesn't seem much activity there since last year. I guess I'm looking for the schematic and the files to get PCBs manufactured etc. I have a pal who could probably help with understanding how github works.

Is there any info elsewhere that I'm not seeing?

I have an HL2 which is working great, having a fantastic amount of fun using it with both Thetis and SparkSDR.

73,

Ian MM0GYX

[DL1YCF]

The software is a little bit tricky, mainly because the audio must be at 48k sample
rate while the Teensy system software is hard-coded to 44.1k.

But, „hex“ files are provided such that you can simply burn the hexfile to the Teensy
and that’s it.

You have two choices:

a) the „softerhardware“ design from makerfabs

b) a standard Teensy4 with a standard Teensy AudioShield (that is what I am using)

It depends how many „bells and whistles“ you need (Mic input, PTT input, etc. etc.),
if you just need a CW keyer then you only need

- two I/O input lines for the Paddle

- connect headphone to the jack of the AudioShield

and then it is quite simple to build.

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[Ian Watson]

Thanks for info, I already have teensy 4.0 and ordered an audio shield yesterday, so it looks like option b.

[Lou Scalpati]

Ian if I read your email correctly, makerfabs also produces the keyer?  I can't find it on their website.  Do you have a link?

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/a2a412b0-aaa4-4e09-9959-fd29199bb1b3n%40googlegroups.com.

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

Makerfabs made 10 of these keyers for beta testing more than a year ago. It is not a regular item they sell. The CW portion is pretty mature, but the microphone support is untested. I don't want to support this product but recently sent 2 keyers out to people who expressed interest in hope that one of them might drive the project. Any feedback from these people?

If someone is interested beyond just using the keyer, I can try to arrange for one of the 10 that is not in use to be sent.

If someone is willing to organize a group buy from makerfabs, then I'd be happy to provide a little guidance. I think the minimum quantity would have to be 10 units. Cost is around $30 plus shipping, and you must supply your own teensy 4.0.

Search for more information via the group web interface:

https://groups.google.com/g/hermes-lite/search?q=softerhardware%20keyer

73,

Steve

kf7o

[radi...@mail.com]

Steve

I'd certainly be interested in one of these if they ever got to be produced by MF. However, I'm very sorry to report I am no programmer beyond being able to modify simple scripts (just about). Can I ask, if they ever were produced, would they be easily programmed with basic "firmware" (for want of a better word) that enabled the non code-literate individual to get it working with relative ease? I can see on the GitHub entry this seems to already be the case for the keyer software (albeit it's a candidate for updates when required), but in theory does the mic input also work even if you have not had a chance to test it? Also what support is required from the operator's software? I use exclusively SDR Console. I assume the only requirement is for midi to be able to deliver the keying commands in CW mode? I'm not sure SDRC does this yet (although it may do). At the moment I don't see CW "key down" as one of the commands that Simon has in the midi control set though I'm sure he could add it. Presumably only needs "key down" not "key up"? Sorry if this is a stupid question!

 

As far as the mic audio goes, is there any advantage in using the mic input on the keyer over and above using the regular sound card input on the PC? I may be missing something but I don't see the advantage of using the teensy keyer mic input other than keeping all audio input/output on one card for simplicity?

Sorry of these are basic questions but sadly in only have  a basic brain! Anyway, in summary, assuming that basic operation can be achieved by an idiot as per above questions that I would be a purchaser of one of these if it's ever produced. I can see that I'd replace my existing Winkeyer "clone" with this a it does not have fully adjustable sidetone like the Teensy so for this feature alone (and of course most importantly the zero-latency sidetone) it's worth it to me.

73

Max

[Rajiv Dewan]

I am definitely interested in using the cw keener and providing feedback to help improve.  I operate pretty much 100% CW on hf. 

Raj N2RD

— Sent from my mobile

Rajiv Dewan

rmd...@gmail.com

On Sep 16, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Steve Haynal <softerh...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Group,

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/3cf6685b-4b13-48bd-bccd-def951fe2f02n%40googlegroups.com.

[ron.ni...@gmail.com]

If someone is counting to see if there is enough interest for a minimum buy, I would buy a keyer board from Makerfabs if a group buy were arranged. - Ron, n6ywu

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Hi Steve, I'm still looking for some time slot long enough to dedicate to the keyer. Hope to be able to work on it on the following weeks. In the meantime, if there's interest in the group I can help leading that group buy (with your guidance of course).

73

Ramon - KP4RX

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Folks, I took the liberty to create a google form to capture those interested to get the CW keyer through a group buy. If you're interested please fill it out using the following link:

https://forms.gle/VyNgU6yXneUm5Cq58

73 de KP4RX

[Rune Øye]

Hi,

Thanks Ramon for doing this, I just signed up for two Keyer. I would not be surprised if this project could go to the "roof", there must be many people that are interested and particularly the ones doing remote.

73,

Rune LA7THA   

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/bbad1eeb-b3d4-4a3c-b543-9958c57ce444n%40googlegroups.com.

[Mike Lewis]

I tried the form but forces me to use the google email address rather than the email account I actually use (hotmail).  The switch account link on the form did not work to change that required question.

I would like to order 2 units.  

I built a naked T4.0/Audio card version of this with added MIDI remote controls and embedded it into one of my PiHPSDR controllers and can assist in future hardware and software updates.

Mike K7MDL

---

From: herme...@googlegroups.com <herme...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Rune Øye <rune....@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:38 PM
To: KP4RX - Ramon <ramo...@gmail.com>
Cc: Hermes-Lite <herme...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Remote CW keyer

 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/CAPrCTJEOx-5WNSZvrGq%2B%2BSkc2UikOVqA72zmctA9uxO-Te_5FA%40mail.gmail.com.

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Mike, I've modified the form to allow manual email input, please try again. So far we have interest on 13 units so this looks promising.

73 de KP4RX

[KP4RX - Ramon]

So far we have interest on 27 keyers, I'll leave the form open till next Sunday. Steve, when you have a chance, can you point me in the right direction to someone on Makerfabs for the ordering process?

 Best Regards,

Ramon - KP4RX

73

[Steve Haynal]

Thanks Ramon for doing this. I will send you pointers this weekend.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[KP4RX - Ramon]

My pleasure Steve. Thank you for all the wonderful gadgets design!

73

Ramon KP4RX

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Ramon and Group,

The gerber files, BOM and schematic for the CW keyer shield are at:

https://github.com/softerhardware/CWKeyer/tree/main/hardware/teensy_4p0_shield/releases/cwkeyer_0p91

The gerber files for the front panel are at:

https://github.com/softerhardware/CWKeyer/tree/main/hardware/teensy_4p0_frontpanel

You should be able to contact Makerfabs and arrange for these to be made. Makerfabs may be willing to do fulfillment and shipping of individual boards, or you can have them sent to one person for fulfillment and shipping.

Each user must also buy a Teensy 4.0 separately. 

https://www.pjrc.com/store/teensy40.html
https://www.amazon.com/Teensy-4-0-With-Pins/dp/B08259KDHY/

It will be challenging for many to build and program the firmware. We do not use the stock libraries as we fixed bugs in the usb 2.0 audio interface. The details are on this page:

https://github.com/softerhardware/CWKeyer/tree/main

It would be helpful if someone builds and posts recent binary version of the firmware compatible with common firmware loaders such as TeensyLoader or TyCommander.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Steve, thanks for the detailed info. I think I'm just missing the qa testing procedure for makerfabs but I'll try to figure it out. So far we have interest on 42 units which I think is outstanding. I'll start formal talks with Makerfabs this week to move forward and see wich is the better option for us to proceed thanks everybody for the trust.

73 de KP4RX

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Update 10/2/2023

Team, thanks to all who've filled the interest form. We currently have interest in close to 50 units. Makerfabs is on Holidays until Oct 5, as soon as they're back I'll be reaching out to coordinate prices and the right process. I'm leaving the interest form open until we are ready to start the ordering process. In the meantime, I've experimented a little with firmware, while I haven't been able to compile them from sources (Need to sort out dependencies on my computer) I was able to flash the available hex files on Steve's github repo with Teensy Loader on a test unit that he sent me couple weeks ago. I haven't tested functionality yet, but I can confirm the devices identifies perfectly on my Mac. I remember reading on this same thread that another member was experienced on this topic so maybe he can try to compile from sources. I'll be redacting instructions on how to flash easily with the available hex files and will share soon.

I'll keep you updated

73 de KP4RX

[stephen pearce]

I'm interested in one please

I could find your email Ramon kp4rx sorry

de stephen zl1any

[stephen pearce]

could not sorry :(

[radi...@mail.com]

Respond here:

https://forms.gle/VyNgU6yXneUm5Cq58

Max

[Simon Brown]

I'm interested, but don't have Google account so can't complete the form.

Simon (M6OXH not G4ELI)

> >>>>>>>>> ------------------------------
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> >>>>>>>>> *Cc:* Hermes-Lite <herme...@googlegroups.com>
> >>>>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: Remote CW keyer

> >>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/a2a412b0-aaa4-4e09-9
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[KP4RX - Ramon]

Steve, I'm having some difficulties with the test procedure required from Makerfabs for QA, Any chance you have that info from the prototype Build?

Thanks in Advance!

73 de KP4RX

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Simon, send me an email to add you to the list [myfirstname]@[mycallsign].com

Ramon - KP4RX

On Monday, October 9, 2023 at 5:08:47 AM UTC-5 Simon Brown wrote:

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Ramon,

This is part of the reason why I decided to not be involved in taking the remote CW keyer to production - there are always a lot of details and other tasks to take care of that most people don't realize.

Makerfabs sent the batch of 10 directly to me without testing. I tested before sending the units out. Makerfabs may be willing to do that again with one or two designated testers.

Testing may just require sending a programmed Teensy 4.0 to Makerfabs with a checklist (<5minutes per board) of how to test the basics.

Makerfabs sells (or used to sell) an audio hat with the same  audio codec. You can ask them how they test that and perhaps come up with a similar procedure.

[Ramon L. Ramos]

Understood Steve, I know you have a lot on your plate. I'll figure something out, your message gave me some ideas. If anybody else in the group have some ideas on such procedure please let me know!

73 de KP4RX - Ramon

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[radi...@mail.com]

FWIW from a low to medium level user (not a programmer at all but happy to mess with text files if given clear instructions) I am only seeking to use the keyer in a very simple manner. For example, I think I'm right in saying that the settings that can be accomplished using the knobs on the device can also be set via Midi? Personally I don't need this level of control. I simply want to be able to control the keyer via Winkeyer protocol, as I would any other keyer, set the other parameters manually using the knobs on the device (probably set once and forget?), connect microphone and speakers/headphones and (of course) have the keyer key the software (hopefully SDRC when Simon is able to spend time on it) via midi commands.

I don't want to speak out of turn, but my guess is that 90%+ of users will probably want similar, so if there was a basic "standard" firmware file to upload to the keyer that achieved these aims, with minimal requirement from the SDR software end (i.e. just the keying), and have the Shield appear to Windows as just another USB soundcard that would suit me just fine.

73

Max

["Christoph v. Wüllen"]

CW features such as side tone frequency, cw speed etc. are fully settable via the winkey protocol,
no MIDI commands from the computer to the Keyer are needed, if you can live with the default values
of the MIDI channel and the MIDI note numbers for CW key down/up and PTT on/off.

What I was talking about is that non-keyer features like MicBias on/off, or Mic preamp level,
cannot be set by the Winkeyer protocol, so those who do not need or want full MIDI control,
need a firmware whery theirs needs are fulfilled by the defaults.

If you do not consider the mic input (so using this as a keyer) you need not worry, and need no
"tailored" firmware.

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[radi...@mail.com]

Many thanks Christoph for that explanation. Now I understand the requirements much better and yes, my need would be for the latter, so the simplest possible option with minimal setup and simple instructions on how to install it to the Teensy/Keyer albeit perhaps with the need for some simple mods to a text file to set basic options, like the mic bias for example.

I'm sure other people's requirements may well differ. As I say, I don't want to speak for others who may want/need more complexity. 

73

Max

[Charlie Morrison]

Hi Ramon

I've just filled out the google form for 1 device...hopefully I'm not too late

Charlie GI4FUE

[Terry Genes]

I also just completed form for one

Terry G4POP

[Charlie Morrison]

Great Minds and all that Terry ;-)

[Terry Genes]

Did your HL2 arrive yet, pleased with it?

73 Terry G4POP

[KP4RX - Ramon]

Update on the CW Keyer:

Firmware:

Christoph DL1YCF, aware of the rising interest in the keyer updated his firmware and made a new .hex file available on his github account, you can read more here: https://groups.google.com/g/hermes-lite/c/-28IlWfIoeA and here: https://github.com/dl1ycf/TeensyWinkeyEmulator Thanks for that Christoph!

Hardware:

Makerfabs is doing an initial test run on 10 units and will ship a couple of them to me for testing. Afterwards, I'll coordinate with them and the interested people on the list in order of registration to distribute that initial run. We need to come out with some testing procedures for quality assurance, any help from the community on that topic will be really appreciated. I'm leaving the interest form open until we finalize testing and Makerfabs decides to go ahead with volume production. I'll keep you all posted on this thread.

73 de KP4RX - Ramon

[Charlie Morrison]

Hi Terry, all arrived, working VFB....NR2 is a winner :-). Glad to see Thetis has TCI partially enabled, hopefully they'll include TCI audio in a future release

All in All a fabulous Radio for the money

73, Charlie GI4FUE

[KP4RX - Ramon]

12/11/23 Update.

I've received 3 CW keyers from Makerfabs to test. I'll be testing them and working on the testing procedure, I'll keep you all updated on this thread.

73 de KP4RX - Ramon

[Max]

Thank you Ramon for the update and of course for your work on this. Appreciated.