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Unified Microsystems presents a range of amateur radio products, notably the **XT-4 MK2 CW Memory Keyer**, a battery-powered iambic keyer designed for portable operations like Field Day, POTA, SOTA, and DXpeditions. It features four non-volatile memories, each storing approximately 240 Morse characters, and operates at speeds from 8-45 WPM. The XT-4 MK2 also includes an auto power save function and paddle reverse, making it adaptable for multi-operator setups. Beyond the XT-4 MK2, the site details the **W9XT Contest Card**, a PC plug-in board offering DVK and CW interface capabilities, allowing operators to record and playback CQs and contest exchanges. Other offerings include the BevFlex-4X RX Antenna System, RAS-4 RX Antenna Switch, VK-64 Voice CW Keyer, and various USB interfaces. Additional products cover electronic development, such as the ATS-1 Terminal Shield for Arduino™ and VR-X Power Supply Voltage Regulators, demonstrating a broader scope beyond just operating accessories. The XT-4Beacon MK2 / CW IDer is also highlighted for beacon projects, capable of storing messages up to 5 minutes at 25 WPM.

Iambic keyer with simple paddles and simple electronic circuit.

CwType v2.35 provides a dedicated terminal interface for **CW operators**, facilitating Morse code transmission from a Windows PC. Users can input characters via the keyboard or a connected paddle, supporting iambic keying. The software manages transceiver control, including PTT and CW keying, through COM or LPT ports. It offers adjustable speed, dash/dot ratio, and inter-letter spacing, with real-time speed display in LPM and WPM calculated by the "PARIS" method. The program includes features like MOX mode for automatic TX on/off, configurable weighting to compensate for transceiver element clipping, and programmable F-key macros for sending predefined text or special sequences. CwType can integrate with logging software such as AALog (V1.0.3 and later) for data transfer, and supports various character sets including English, Russian, and Swedish. A beacon mode is also available, executing the Alt-F12 macro periodically at a user-defined interval. Audio output for monitoring can be routed through the internal PC speaker or a sound card, with options for sine waveform and smooth envelope generation for SSB transmitters. The software is compatible with **Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10** and is distributed as freeware.

Custom iambic and single leveler paddles

Custom iambic paddles by N3ZN

Lego MindStorms Iambic Keyer and Paddle Project by N9SSA

The m0xpd keyer project utilizes a PIC16F628A microcontroller, offering Iambic A and B modes, adjustable speed from 5 to 40 WPM, and variable weight control. It incorporates a sidetone generator with adjustable frequency and volume, along with a PTT output for transceiver control. The design includes a 16-pin DIL IC socket for the PIC, a 3.5mm stereo jack for the paddle, and a 3.5mm mono jack for the PTT output. Powering the keyer requires a 9V DC supply, which is regulated down to 5V for the PIC. The circuit board layout is designed for through-hole components, facilitating home construction. A detailed schematic and a parts list are provided, guiding builders through the assembly process. The project also discusses the firmware programming for the PIC16F628A, essential for the keyer's functionality. Construction details cover component placement and wiring, ensuring proper operation. The keyer's compact size makes it suitable for portable or shack use, providing a reliable CW interface.

Marshall G. Emm, N1FN, meticulously examines iambic keying, dissecting its historical introduction in the late 1950s with transistorized electronic keyers and its purported advantages. The resource defines keying systems, electronic keyers, and various paddle types, including single-lever and dual-lever paddles, clarifying the distinction between iambic keyers and the iambic sending technique itself. It details the two main types of squeeze keying: true squeeze for alternating dot-dash strings and character insertion for specific elements within a character. N1FN critically evaluates the actual efficiency gains of iambic keying, referencing Chuck Adams, K7QO's, keystroke analysis. While a straight key to bug transition yields a 34.1% reduction and a bug to non-iambic keyer offers 16.1%, iambic keying provides only an 11% theoretical improvement. However, considering typical QSO text and Morse code's inherent optimization for common letters, the practical efficiency gain is estimated at a modest 4-6%. The article also highlights how iambic keying's reliance on precise timing gates can impose a speed limit, making it less effective above 40 WPM, where many operators revert to non-iambic methods or single-lever paddles.

Load Sensor add-on iambic paddles for Morserino-32 and K3NG keyer. Open source with aim to provide affordable high quality paddles without specialized mechanical skills.