CW Keyer

Overview

A keyer generates Morse code with electronically controlled timing. Instead of forming every dot and dash by hand, you press a paddle left or right and the keyer produces correctly spaced elements at a speed you set.

Iambic keying is the standard mode: squeeze both paddles together and the keyer alternates dots and dashes, which makes letters like C, Q and R much easier. Mode A stops on the last element completed; mode B adds one extra element of the opposite type. Most operators settle on mode A and stay there.

Bands and modes

Band coverage

Modes

Safety note

Using it well

• Start slower than you can copy and raise speed only when accuracy holds.
• Set the sidetone to match the pitch you find easiest to copy.
• Practise the letters that need both paddles before you go on air.
• Store your call sign and common exchanges in memory for contest work.