{"id":341,"date":"2023-05-10T11:03:42","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T09:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sp5tof.vxm.pl\/?page_id=341"},"modified":"2025-11-21T18:39:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T17:39:28","slug":"cw-paddle-key-to-pc-interface","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sp5tof.pl\/?p=341","title":{"rendered":"CW Paddle Key training simulator on PC"},"content":{"rendered":"

The idea of this project is about learn a CW transmitting & decode with PC computer.
\nIt’s dedicated for Paddle Keys, however I’m pretty sure that it could be adopted to straight keys as well.<\/p>\n

Thinking of build up such simulator should be started with recognize all available COM ports in your PC computer.<\/p>\n

We’ll basically need serial COM port. In my case (quite new laptop), a hardware serial port is not available. I guess it would be hard to find it even with new desktops nowadays.
\nThat’s why I purchased USB<->RS232 interface : USB A – RS-232 Akyga AK-CO-02 <\/a> which works perfectly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I can recommend this one also in case of other project I was working on (FT8 modem for Icom), where it’s a part of PTT control circuit.<\/p>\n

Once we have serial port available, we will need to make an interface which connects your COM port at computer with CW Paddle key.
\nI have used the schema created by DF7TV:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is how the prototype pcb looks like :<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the interface is ready, let’s have a look at software part.<\/p>\n

I used CwType by Sergei Podstrigailo (UA90V) :<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Please find a configuration settings(Setup):<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Interface tab:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Please set the correct COM port and Positive keying voltage.<\/p>\n

    2. Sound tab:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Choose correct audio output device and click Apply and OK afterwards.<\/p>\n

    3. Uncheck yellow speaker icon :<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    The decode process should work.
    \n<\/p>\n