Sunday, May 30, 2021

Remote CW Straight Key [FlexRadio and RemoteHams.Com]

Note:  As presented this project requires a FCC Amateur Radio license.  It's not hard to get and it is a fun and rewarding hobby. Also, learning Morse code is no longer a requirement.

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As a remote ham radio operator that enjoys using a manual CW (Morse code) straight key we were presented with two problems:

Since both require slightly different hardware wiring to the PC running the remote rig, we set out to make something that would be a universal connection regardless of which platform we are using. 

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The hardware connection is simple and shown below.  It does require a USB/RS-232 adapter and using the RS-232 terminal block break out module shown makes things easier.   There are many example of these two items on Amazon.Com, etc.

For both applications software is needed as well.

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For our RemoteHams.Com solution go here.

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For the FlexRadio solution you will need to install the excellent and easy to use Remote Keyer Interface software.   Follow the RKI link for the software and you will also find the very helpful RKI message board that I personally proved is helpful and tolerant of 'stupid' questions.  Seriously, the software has great documentation and even though I asked a "RTFM" question I got helpful direction from the forum.   After you install and run the RKI software you will see this screen: 

Make the remote connection to your FlexRadio via your SmartLink login and select the correct COM Port for your (now) USB straight key.  Verify the other options are selected per above screen shot and you should be good to go.

BTW, Remote Keyer Interface software has several other cool features in addition to this simple application.

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Summary:   My remote CW manual straight keying problems are solved!

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