Build a Straight-Key Keyer

摘要

Off andonforsometimenow, I've been mus-about designing and constructing my own simple, inexpensive CW station. Each new QRP and construction article that comes along catches my attention. Wouldn't it be fun to design a straight-key keyer, a direct-conversion receiver, a companion QRP transmitter, and an antenna tuner, and string up a multi-band'dipole in the back yard and operate the station?! At the same time, I've spent the last few years at my 8-to-5 job enjoying designing and programming micro-computer-based products. Finally, while on vacation in December, I decided it was time. Go for it. Let's design that station and let's use PIC micro-controllers wherever possible. What fun! Like all New Year's resolutions, the full station may never get built, but it's my intention to do so. I've lost that first pound already; this article presents the station input, a straight-key keyer with on-board key (see photo A).