Morse training tools

Online Tools

Lcwo.net

A very nicely built tool to learn code in a structured way. It is based on Koch training and all the settings are saved online in the user profile. The progress of the training is also stored online.

 

Link: lcwo.net

CWops Morse Code Trainer

A very nice online trainer from Stephen C Phillips

 

https://morsecode.scphillips.com/trainer.html

A very interesting QSO Trainer is also available. 

PC based Tools

G4FON Trainer

The "original" Koch trainer for the PC. Has all the different settings for simulating a real world environment including QRM, chirp, etc.

 

http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm

Chuck Adams K7QO Code Course 

Chuck has an excellent manual for the course and a complete cd (in ISO format) containing the course material.

https://www.kkn.net/~k7qo/

Morse Runner

A Windows based sofware that simulates a CW qso. One has to "call" CQ and a response is simulated from multiple stations. QRN, QSB, QRM can be simulated that feels unbelievably real world.

 

http://www.dxatlas.com/morserunner/

Pileup Runner

Windows based software that simulates CW pileup with waterfall interface.

 

http://www.dxatlas.com/PileupRunner/

 RufzXP 

An excellent training software for improving the code receiving, especially call signs.

 

http://www.rufzxp.net/

 

Clone cable for Vertex Standard VX-2500E

I have been using this cable for cloning the VX-2500E for the past 4 years.

Update 30/1/2022:

If your radio is not responding to the Software, then swap the RX and TX connections to the USB dongle. Some dongles have the labels swapped.

Tested the interface with CE63 software on Windows 10 64bit and 32bit. (After setting compatibility mode to Windows XP SP3).

Also note the Pins 1 and 2 is shorted in the diagram. This works. However, one of them may be optional i.e. no connection would be required to either 1 or 2. Please drop a comment if you tried and confirmed the same.

SMD soldering using halogen bulb

I had soldered SMD components that comes in 1206 package using soldering iorn with less effort. But anything less than 1206 is very tough to do with the iron. Recently I saw a video in which a halogen lamp (head lamp of car) is used to de-solder SMD components. I thought I will give a try to solder with solder paste and halogen lamp. Here are the results.

Solder paste that comes in syringe.

I used a small trimmer screwdriver to dab small quantity of paste to the pads on the pcb.Then I placed the SMD component using tweezers. The below picture shows SMD capacitor in 0603 package.

After placing all the components, heated the board using 12V 100W halogen lamp by holding it closely to the board for a minute, slightly moving around.

Here is the result. The quantity of the solder paste matters and it has to be just right.

A word of caution:
The halogen lamp gets really hot and needs to be handled very carefully. Also I had sunglasses while working as it gets really bright.

Powerpole connectors

I am trying to make a DC distribution box like Rigrunner. Rigrunner uses Anderson Powerpole connectors and it is becoming a standard DC interconnecting among the radio equipment. I am planning to make the whole set of equipment in the shack compatible with powerpole.


I bought these connectors off Aliexpress and found that the quality is not upto the mark.The ones from China has the geometry right, but the material and finishing is way off. It has rough, sharp edges and the material is too shiny and sticky and once you stack (sliding together) it, it is very tough to separate them (without bruising your fingers).  I decided to buy the original ones from Powerwrex.

Original connectors on the left side.

Remote Control Panel for ICOM IC-M710

The IC-M710 is a rugged transceiver built for its purpose. Though it covers the whole HF band, it is not intended for use by a radio amateur. The user interface being its weakest point (for a Ham). The features that are sorely missed by a Ham being:

• A Tuning dial - a true VFO tuning dial is missing.
• A real CAT interface.
• A headphone jack

For the last couple of weeks I was pondering over the idea of having a remote control unit that will address the above limitations. Also with the additional features:

• A remote panel that can be used as a face plate for mobile operations.
• Band selection, tuner commands
• Rotator control
• Frequency memories
• RIT
• CW keyer

Update 13/3/2017
1st prototype finished, can go remote on/off, VFO A/B, step size changes, delayed TX freq set, etc.