My HaliKey CW Experience

Dan Trainor

Hello All SmartSDR for Mac CW users, I just wanted to express my positive experience with the new HaliKey device that enables you to connect your paddles directly to a MacBook and operate CW. The HaliKey is an adapter that has a 3.5mm socket on one side, and USB-C on the other, with an FTDI serial chip in the middle. Tip connects to CTS, Ring connects to DCD, Sleeve connects to ground. And it works great! I have been testing it by making many QSOs this week and not a single dropped dit or dah, or any timing issues. And I am operating remote over SmartLink. I can't recommend it enough. It is supported by SmartSDR for Mac which has a built-in morse code keying function. The installation is plug and play. Just plug it in USB port then go to Tools⇒CW Keyer Settings and select the USB serial port and BOOM away you go. In this dialog box you can also enable/disable local side tone, set internal keyer to Straight, Iambic A, Iambic B, or Iambic B strict, swap paddles, display keys characters in CWX window or not (if you use CWX). I have tried this adapter with various amounts of TX delay and also internet latency. I can't get it to skip a beat (yet). This is a game changer for me as I can now operate CW remote RELIABLY with only my MacBook. Awesome! Dan de WA1QZX.

Dan Trainor

https://electronics.halibut.com/product/halikey/

W7NGA

Thanks Dan .. just ordered one. SmartSDR for Mac is the way to go!

W7NGA

Russ Ravella

Really love mine too ! No nonsense; just works. Great design.

Russ KR6W

Dan Trainor

Yes, I agree. SmartSDR for Mac is the way to go.

SmittyHalibut

N6MTS, SmittyHalibut, maker of the HaliKey here.. :-)

Thank you all for the kind words. I'm so glad that it's working so well and filling such a niche for everyone. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you have any other niches you think I might be able to fill. Always looking for more good ideas.

Cheers, 73 de N6MTS
-Mark

AA5SH

Hey @SmittyHalibut may not be using the proper terms but:

12V→24V upconverter cable to run the new Maestro C off of bench/portable voltage easier.

I as well like your Halikey. This may already exist but another gap/struggle I see with the new Maestro C is getting Microphones going since now it is the TRRS format and by default none of the 3 other flex microphones just work I had. May be a good opportunity for OHIS or other to easily get that going. That could just be education and links not sure. Haven't dug into it much.

73, Michael, AA5SH

Russ Ravella

Hey Mark,

Well, since you asked let me just repeat my request for an iOS version.

Thanks, Russ KR6W

N4OC

Hello all— just wanted to say I purchased two Halikeys, one for my CW key and the other for my foot switch. Both work great. It makes the hookup with SmartSDR for MAC a breeze.