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Mac-native CW Contest Setup

Bill_K8BTU
Bill_K8BTU Member ✭
in SmartSDR for Mac
I’m contemplating the purchase of a FLEX-8600M and I am exploring a Mac-native setup for CW contests in the field (Field Day, Winter Field Day, etc.), without any networked or Internet-dependent connections. At home, it will be connected to a switch and router, etc. I’d like to share my proposed configuration and get feedback from anyone who has tried something similar.

Equipment List:
FLEX-8600M
MacBook Pro (Apple Silicon) running macOS 26 (Tahoe)
SmartSDR for Mac (DL8MRE)
SkookumLogger (K1GQ)
Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter
WKmini - WinKeyer 3.1 (K1EL)
Ethernet cable (shielded CAT6a)
Keyer paddle
Heil Sound Pro Set Headset

Proposed Setup & Workflow:
Mac <> FLEX-8600M: Ethernet Cable (via Belkin USB-C Adapter).
Mac <> WKmini: USB Cable.
WKmini <> FLEX-8600M: 3.5mm Keying Cable (from WKmini Key Out to Flex Key In). This handles the actual RF triggering.
Paddle <> WKmini: 3.5mm cable into Paddle In. Allows for manual keying.
Headset <> FLEX-8600M: Plugged directly into the radio's headphone/speaker jack for zero-latency monitoring.

Data Flow:
CW Keying: A macro is triggered in SkookumLogger. The text is sent via USB to the WKmini, which generates the pulses. These are sent as electrical closures to the FLEX-8600M’s rear key input.
Frequency/Mode Logging: SkookumLogger connects directly to the FLEX-8600M over the Ethernet link using the native TCP API. Changes made on the SmartSDR for Mac interface or the 8600M front panel are reflected instantly in SkookumLogger.
Audio Monitoring: Audio travels directly from the Flex radio to the headset (no DAX or network audio involved in the monitor path).

Motivation / CW Timing Issue:
I understand that CW sent via software through SmartSDR CAT can sometimes experience latency or jitter due to OS polling. By using WKmini hardware keying, I am aiming for "weight-perfect" timing even at high contest speeds.

Questions for the Community:
Has anyone implemented a similar stand-alone, Mac-native contest station using the FLEX 8000/6000 series with SkookumLogger and a hardware WinKeyer? If not, have you found a method that works?
Are there any specific settings in SmartSDR for Mac or the 8600M front panel I should watch out for to ensure the rear-key input is treated as a straight-key closure (disabling internal iambic)?

I’d love to hear about others’ experiences or any optimizations you’ve discovered.

Thanks in advance!
Bill, K8BTU

Comments

  • K3CDY
    K3CDY Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 17

    Howdy Bill!

    That's a nice pick-list you have! I would suggest you give Software Defined Connectors (SDC) a try for your CW keying and contest logging, versus Skookum and a WinKeyer. For some mysterious reason, the Skookum author doesn't like Flex, thus its integration is inferior to SDC and it's unlikely to get any love.

    I think SDC's skimmer is fantastic, and it's eye-watering collection of features and solid Flex integration make it a compelling choice. While setup is a bit arcane, the support is fantastic, especially for a free app.

    You've probably also given it some thought, but the upcoming Aurora is a pretty compelling product too, especially given its power, weight, and integration. The only possible wrinkle would be 120VAC power in the field. I'm not a field operator, but an Aurora 510 is in my near future.

    Good luck!

  • Jean_Luc F5JRC
    Jean_Luc F5JRC Member ✭✭

    Hi Bill, you should really try SDC, it works extremely well. During the installation, you may have to run a command in the Terminal, otherwise macOS security tends to block it. Once that’s done, it runs flawlessly. You just need to send $20 to Yuri to get the SmartSDR API. The author is very responsive, and honestly, it’s well worth it.

    https://www.lw-sdc.com/

    73's Jean-Luc / F5JRC

  • N5NHJ
    N5NHJ Member ✭✭✭

    Not sure about those winkeyers. Perhaps you can give a look at the MorCoNI project.

  • Bill_K8BTU
    Bill_K8BTU Member ✭
    Hi Bill, Jean-Luc, and N5NHJ!

    Thank you for the information on Software Defined Connectors (SDC). I will download the software, check out the manual, and watch some of his videos. It looks like a much better alternative to Skookum and WinKeyer.

    Bill - I absolutely considered the new Aurora product. As you noted, however, there is no method to power the unit from a battery (which is understandable since the Aurora likely runs at a much higher internal DC voltage to achieve its power rating efficiently).

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