CW Coders

A group dedicated to the scientific exploration and open development of Interrupted Continuous Wave and Morse Code Telegraphy.

As a community we explore the computer science, electrical, electronic and radio-frequency engineering concepts covering all aspects of CW equipment and operation.

The practice of CW operation is a deceptively complicated area that offers much to explore. On the surface it seems rather straight foward. Morse Code is perhaps the simplest method of encoding language and the single-frequency interrupted carrier-wave is the simplest of rf transmission modes. Together these two simple concepts significanly constrain the core requirements.

However, once solutions start to involve electronic keyers and microcontroller / computer software the domain rapidly expands to include many of the most interesting and challenging aspects of Human/Computer interaction. The real-time nature of events and the coupling of both input and output elements result in requirements that are usually only required by electronic musical instruments. Not even modern video game controllers require the time-domain resolution that our devices require.

As with all aspects of engineering and highly-technical applications there is an abundance of different methodologies and solutions available. This is especially true when it comes to learning methods. In our group we respect all attemtps to solve the challenging problems we face. We'll strive to catpure any relevant resources and approach our catalogging and discussion all existing and emerging solutions without bias. Innovation and experimentation is especially encouraged.

Initial interersts and objectives include:

  • Learning

    • Pedagogy of Learning Morse Code
    • Techniques for teaching/learning/mentoring
    • AI inspired learning techniques

  • Resource Catalog

    • Key Types
    • Language/Grammar of Morse Code
    • Existing Keyer Implementations
    • Learning Resources
    • Learning/Teaching Clubs/Institutions

  • Keyer Software

    • Abstraction Layer Model
    • Universal Software Library (Portable Code; C and/or Rust)
    • CW Signal Extraction and Digital Decoding
    • Keyer Modes

  • Keyer Firmware

    • Port examples of hardware abstractions
      • ESP32S2
      • ESP32S3
      • Arduino
      • Raspberry Pi Computers
      • Raspberry Pi Micros (RP2040)

  • Interconnect

    • TCP/IP network Protocol/s
      • Interface/Configuration
      • Internet Relay Services
        • Channels
    • USB/Serial Protocols
    • Key Event Protocols (Original Key/Paddle timing events)
    • Human Interface Device Protocol

  • Hardware

    • Single / Dual Pole Keys
      • Straight Key
      • Single-Lever Dual Pole
      • Dual-Lever Dual Pole (Iambic)
    • Sidetone / Oscillators
    • Tx Output Key / Isolation Circuits
    • Debounce
    • Screen/LCD
    • Microcontroller References / Reviews
    • Schematic / PCB Layout / EDA
    • Measurement and Performance
      • Minimum Key response-time / Max WPM accuracy
      • Key to Tx response time
      • Jitter