40 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
40 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Morse Keys
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---
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This page is dedicated to the weird things I've used as morse code keys.
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## My practice key
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I built this back in 2018, and used it to learn how to send morse code over the course of a few weeks.
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Key features are:
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- A key made from a paperclip and some aluminium foil
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- A volume adjustment knob
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- A buzzer to make a sound when the key is pressed
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I later ended up modifying it to use two paperclips and wrote some software to turn it into an iambic keyer.
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Another variation of this existed for portable use. I also wrote out a little morse code cheat sheet on the back incase I got stuck on something while practicing.
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## Paperclip straight key
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Inspired by my practice key, I've occasionally used paperclips as straight keys into my HF radio.
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## PCIe key
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Back when my only HF radio was a [Pixie QRP kit](/radio/pixie), I built a simple straight key out of a PCIe slot cover.
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A little while later, I redesigned this key to use some scrap wood as its base. I still occasionally this key, but I find the metal-on-metal clacking sound it makes to be a little annoying.
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