Morsekeyer ... good !

Andrew O'Brien

Well, I finally got up the nerve to try a rag chew, LIVE, using Morse Keyer6K. I operate away from my 6400 , using LAN. Thus no key at my desk. CWX has worked well for the times I am exchanging reports with a DX station but I had avoided an actual ragchew QSO using a keyboard. Morsekey6K handled things well, easier than I expected , I recommend it for times you don't have access to a key . I would still like to use my straight key for SKCC activity but unless I use a 50 ft cable from back of 6400 to my operating position, that's not going to happen!

Andy K3UK

Gord-VA7GP

Well, for your Straight Key night, or other straight key activities - I can suggest RemoteKeyerInterface:
https://groups.io/g/RemoteKeyerInterface

You have to join the group before you can see the Files. The Files are important to learn how to hook your straight key to the serial-port pins.

In a nutshell (now that I've spoiled the surprise): your key toggles a serial port line. The companion software lets you use Smartlink to connect to your Flex radio. The companion software then generates local sidetone (latency-free), key-closures for the Flex radio, and supports your use of a PTT switch also.

While I find it works well for me, there are a few warts to be aware of:

- does not remember your Smartlink login credentials. I have to cut-and-paste to re-login each time I fire up RemoteKeyerInterface

- does not remember your COM port.

- does not remember your choice of sidetone frequency; it always reverts to 600Hz (whereas I prefer 850Hz). Ditto for sidetone volume, and the "Invert Signals" toggle - which many users reqire.

Nonetheless, it is a viable option for remote straight-keying. But remember, you still may have network-latency which will affect: QSK (forget about this), turn-around time (may lose first character - but perhaps not if you're still within your own home)

Andrew O'Brien

Thanks, very interesting

Andy K3UK