Straight Key to usb adapter and practice software

[Elbowmac]

Looking for a straight key to usb adapter or device and appropriate software for a Windows 11 computer. Started learning cw and it was strongly recommended that I also practice the code keying. I have a basic straight key which will at least for now be my preferred style. All assistance is appreciated. Haven't decided on a morse code learning course of action but found an easy YT lessons course. Nice and easy and basic.

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/1/2024 at 4:52 PM, Elbowmac said:

Looking for a straight key to usb adapter or device and appropriate software for a Windows 11 computer. Started learning cw and it was strongly recommended that I also practice the code keying. I have a basic straight key which will at least for now be my preferred style. All assistance is appreciated. Haven't decided on a morse code learning course of action but found an easy YT lessons course. Nice and easy and basic.

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[WRXB215]

@SteveShannon does he go over the hardware involved or just the software?

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/1/2024 at 7:28 PM, WRXB215 said:

@SteveShannon does he go over the hardware involved or just the software?

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He briefly discussed connecting to serial port pins, which he does using a USB to serial adapter, beginning at 11:21 in the video. 
The same guy has a video on hardware interfacing but it’s specifically for as ASIO sound card. Here’s that video, but I’m not sure that I would recommend it. 

I’ll keep looking for something easier. 

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/1/2024 at 7:28 PM, WRXB215 said:

@SteveShannon does he go over the hardware involved or just the software?

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One of the neatest ways to practice cw appears to be by using VBAND. This video discusses it. It appears that you can practice QSOs against a bot or against other people who use the same program:

They have a pretty simple key to USB interface that makes your keyer appear to be a key on a USB keyboard.

It’s sold here:

https://hamradio.solutions/vband/ and then click on the STORE button.

 

They also have a wifi interface to a key for use with VBAND. It’s available as a kit or in different states of assembly. It’s called CW Hotline. 
 

I have no experience with these, but I am interested in VBAND and the USB interface. 

[Elbowmac]

Thanks for the videos! Thought there would have been more available, oh well! Will have to see how much tinkering I care to do!!!

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 1:27 AM, Elbowmac said:

Thanks for the videos! Thought there would have been more available, oh well! Will have to see how much tinkering I care to do!!!

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There are many. 

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/2/2024 at 1:53 AM, SteveShannon said:

There are many. 

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What I meant was more plug and play options. Have you ever checked the options that are available on the Microsoft, noticed some available when it told me not to install the CWSoft.....

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 2:08 AM, Elbowmac said:

What I meant was more plug and play options. Have you ever checked the options that are available on the Microsoft, noticed some available when it told me not to install the CWSoft.....

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No, I haven’t.

[Elbowmac]

 

  On 12/2/2024 at 2:30 AM, SteveShannon said:

No, I haven’t.

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Apparently there are a couple of morse code "apps' have been approved by MS. I don't know anything about them either. Think I will try to get the CWSoft running and use the space bar initially. I am only on e,t,i and 5........ Thanks again!

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 3:53 AM, Elbowmac said:

 

Apparently there are a couple of morse code "apps' have been approved by MS. I don't know anything about them either. Think I will try to get the CWSoft running and use the space bar initially. I am only on e,t,i and 5........ Thanks again!

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Good luck!  I’ve been through the letters but then I stop studying for too long and have to start again. I still get C and P and R and U mixed up in my brain. 

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/2/2024 at 3:58 AM, SteveShannon said:

Good luck!  I’ve been through the letters but then I stop studying for too long and have to start again. I still get C and P and R and U mixed up in my brain. 

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How long did it take you to become proficient? Have you used cw yourself?

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 4:03 AM, Elbowmac said:

How long did it take you to become proficient? Have you used cw yourself?

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What I’m saying is that I’m not proficient, not at all.
Just this week, as a result of replying to your post, I’ve started over again. I can go through the levels fairly quickly and learn to recognize characters using the Koch or Farnsworth methods but then I don’t use it and I get distracted by other things.

So don’t think I’m anything special

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/2/2024 at 4:08 AM, SteveShannon said:

What I’m saying is that I’m not proficient, not at all.
Just this week, as a result of replying to your post, I’ve started over again. I can go through the levels fairly quickly and learn to recognize characters using the Koch or Farnsworth methods but then I don’t use it and I get distracted by other things.

So don’t think I’m anything special

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I myself am not currently concerned about the method. Just if I will TAKE the time to dedicate myself to learning and using it completely. Even at 5WPM....... That will be an accomplishment I've put off too long. IF !!!!! Watching the POTA rigs and the usage and it seems good practice and ability to reach out further. Silly question not entirely on point, is 1/2 wave end-fed wire antenna for 70cm a thing??

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 4:16 AM, Elbowmac said:

Silly question not entirely on point, is 1/2 wave end-fed wire antenna for 70cm a thing??

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Not a silly question.  Not draped over a backyard like my EFHW, but that’s what some whip antennas for UHF are - half wave and end fed.  Of course the wire is stiff and usually vertical, thanks to the ultra short wavelength 

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/2/2024 at 4:08 AM, SteveShannon said:

What I’m saying is that I’m not proficient, not at all.
Just this week, as a result of replying to your post, I’ve started over again. I can go through the levels fairly quickly and learn to recognize characters using the Koch or Farnsworth methods but then I don’t use it and I get distracted by other things.

So don’t think I’m anything special

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You did this all in a week???

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/2/2024 at 2:44 PM, Elbowmac said:

You did this all in a week???

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Using Morse Mania I was able to recognize all the letters within just a few days.  You can too. It’s not that difficult. There are multiple levels, with each level teaching two additional letters. The first level is ‘E’ and ‘T’, a single dot and a single dash. But you have to keep at it or it goes away (at least for me).
What’s difficult for me is getting to the point of being proficient enough to send characters.  

I really urge anyone to try Morse Mania.  It’s actually fun.

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/2/2024 at 3:06 PM, SteveShannon said:

Using Morse Mania I was able to recognize all the letters within just a few days.  You can too. It’s not that difficult. There are multiple levels, with each level teaching two additional letters. The first level is ‘E’ and ‘T’, a single dot and a single dash. But you have to keep at it or it goes away (at least for me).
What’s difficult for me is getting to the point of being proficient enough to send characters.  

I really urge anyone to try Morse Mania.  It’s actually fun.

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Still haven't figured out how to fix my ipad... But ran across G4Fon. Windows based, very feature filled, you might want look up. Has input and tests. Haven't explored in depth yet, trying to mix M and A in with the E,T,I and 5. Hamwhisperer channel and site on the yt lessons.

[WRXB215]

  On 12/2/2024 at 10:31 PM, Elbowmac said:

But ran across G4Fon

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I've tried G4Fon but I couldn't get the Farnsworth timing to work. 

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/3/2024 at 3:28 AM, WRXB215 said:

I've tried G4Fon but I couldn't get the Farnsworth timing to work. 

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I’m pretty sure I tried G4Fon when I first got interested in Morse code. It didn’t engage me like Morse Mania. Morse Mania is more of a game.

[Elbowmac]

  On 12/3/2024 at 3:55 AM, SteveShannon said:

I’m pretty sure I tried G4Fon when I first got interested in Morse code. It didn’t engage me like Morse Mania. Morse Mania is more of a game.

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Well finally got Morse Mania installed. Thanks again for the recommendation. Hope I engage with it as enthusiastically! Time will tell

[SteveShannon]

  On 12/3/2024 at 3:13 PM, Elbowmac said:

Well finally got Morse Mania installed. Thanks again for the recommendation. Hope I engage with it as enthusiastically! Time will tell

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Me too!  It’s no substitute for actually using a key but it’s a great way to learn to identify the characters by their sounds.