Not to be a troll, but really very few people use a straight key any more. Any real morse code use is done with an iambic key (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iambic_keyer) or “paddle”. It would be nice if this design could accept a paddle as well as a straight key.

@Josh-

On the basis of what statistics do you make *that* claim?

On the basis of I’ve never seen any hams using a straight key outside of special vintage contests. Paddle support would just be nice, that’s all.

yea, but a key is just a spring loaded switch, what is different to support? you want a paddle, plug it in

Owh :(
I was hoping this would be a quick job to just port to an attiny45 and I’d be away, looks like its gonna be a bit more involved than that.
Ah well, best get back to revision then

For a bunch of Hams, Yall sure want everything done for you. Now when I was a kid I had to dig up the galenium crystal from my backyard just to make my receiver!

If you want a paddle, add a paddle! Are you a HAM or are you an appliance user?

@joecoder

You beat me to the punch. HAM Radio operaters were some of the original ‘hackers’, what happened to building your own rig and antenna with scavenged material? If a HAM wants to use a paddle with this idea, then figure the interface out. ‘Nuff said!

@el1m1nate

yes, mints…

I have a bunch of these mint containers waiting for a project to jam inside them.

anybody have any ideas how to “un emboss” these mint tins?

Cool, wish I had one.

Is there some software you can run PC side and connect to some pre-existing HID hardware?

I know USB Mice and Joysticks are $1-5 at the second-hand store and I have a bunch laying about the place.

Even better is complete computer control for the disabled using only Morse code!

http://www.makoa.org/jlubin/morsecode.htm

Seems neat, has a lot of different physical interface methods.

I love all the ideas Hackaday gets into my head, I always wanted to learn morse, now a great excuse is total computer control. Could also make a great door lock.

An interesting take as to how to practice sending Morse, using something that most using tasks that most use a lot everyday. The only thing lacking is the immediate feedback that actual Morse contacts can provide, but every little bit of practice will help. Particularly in light that computers aren’t yet very tolerant of sloppy sending, the feed back may very well be immediate. Why isn’t any text being entered? :) Has been quite some time since I tried out PC based code reading software, so newer software may be better than the software I recall? HaD can’t post too much amateur radio hacks or projects INMO.
73 **LKK