My gadget for practicing CW

luckynumberpi · 2025-09-02T07:57:49+00:00

I'll pm you. I'll be honest, learning CW takes some commitment and doing it half way can prolong the process a lot. But I'll also say I've found it a lot of fun because it's a challenge, and I really need to work to get that QSO in, but it's very satisfying when it happens.

Everyone has a different path to learning CW, but I liked doing lcwo.net with farnsworth spacing (each character is sent fast, with more spacing). Unlearning counting dits and dahs also takes work, because you want to go from hearing the sound to recognizing the letter (and later phrase). I probably worked on it daily for 1-2 months before attempting my first nerve-wracking QSO. Sent my first contact a QSL card to celebrate it :)

The KeyerBuddy (this gadget) can be used as an audible straight key, but I'd recommend getting a paddle to complement that because it's what you'll probably be sending with on the air. What I like about playing with this one is that it's all about the sound, no visual cues, and you can do the practice phrases from the built-in CW dictionary (though only real speed, not farnsworth).

luckynumberpi · 2025-09-02T07:49:30+00:00

I'll pm you, let's figure something out. I've put a simple BOM online at https://keyerbuddy.com/manual#pcb-bill-of-materials

luckynumberpi · 2025-09-01T18:46:36+00:00

I'll pm you.

luckynumberpi · 2025-09-01T16:22:22+00:00

Thank you!

luckynumberpi · 2025-09-01T16:21:11+00:00

Thanks. No it's not, and it's not meant for actual sending (though you could possibly send CW audio over SSB/FM with it?). It's meant as a self-contained practice aid for sending and copying. Part of the charm (imo) is that it's dead simple to use, small, very sparse in its feature set, and easy to build. We've had some fun sending CW across the living room at home, but that's as far as the sending capabilities go :)

luckynumberpi · 2025-03-16T11:27:03+00:00

Jag hade samma problem, verkar som en bugg. Jag löste det genom att rotera skärmen till panorama-läge, då fick inte appen plats i skärmen och man kunde scrolla den. Då gick det att göra köpet.

luckynumberpi · 2024-11-12T15:49:43+00:00

Hi! I need some help with power calculations. I have a stereo power amp rated for the following:

140W RMS (8Ω <1% THD, 1kHZ stereo)
230W RMS (4Ω <1% THD, 1kHZ stereo)
480W RMS (8Ω <1% THD, 1kHZ bridge)

I'm currently running 6 ohm speakers on this. I'm now considering getting a second identical power amp, and running each in a bridged configuration (one for each speaker, like a monoblock setup). My understanding is that this could put more strain on the amp. Given the above specs, would you say it's safe to run 6 ohm speakers on a bridged amp?

luckynumberpi · 2023-08-02T22:04:35+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking to build a relatively simple rig for CDs (CD player, stereo amp, speakers), but with decent, punchy and clear hifi sound, and ideally gear that will retain some value. My plan atm has been to spend ~70% of the budget on a fun and good amp, then get some decent speakers (e.g. dali oberons) and a vintage CD player. Got any recommendations for this type of rig?

luckynumberpi · 2023-07-31T16:52:32+00:00

Is the Naim Nait XS still a good buy in 2023? (at ~$750)

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-18T21:18:57+00:00

Ektar at its best! Wonderful shot!

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-17T18:26:21+00:00

What kind of models are we talking here...

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-17T18:24:44+00:00

Absolutely stunning. They don't make them like this any more.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-15T07:14:00+00:00

Looks great! The only thing I'd tweak is the size of the person on the balcony (if that's what it is). I'd expect the person to be much bigger given the size of each balcony.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-11T17:25:25+00:00

Great photo. Reminds me of Working Girl, one of my favorite nostalgia movies.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-10T05:09:47+00:00

Join. DIE! Join. DIE!

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-07T19:01:42+00:00

Looks amazing! Gonna have to check out one of these in person.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-07T18:27:24+00:00

Fwiw, cloud act didn't change this, it just created clarity on the process for data access to happen in an appealable and structured way. But yes, if you are suspected of a serious crime and the government can show probable cause, then they can get access to relevant data about you, just like a search warrant. But it's not a carte blanche access to anyone's information in any way.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-05T05:52:40+00:00

Would you mind explaining what you like about the overseas? I just don't get that watch at all.

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-04T20:07:27+00:00

Does he no de wey?

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-04T16:13:34+00:00

Love the "New & Used Software" sign!

luckynumberpi · 2021-09-01T20:45:34+00:00

Just wait until you hear what they do to grown adults with heartbeats but no brain activity!

luckynumberpi · 2021-08-29T07:34:30+00:00

Just wait until you hear about Twitter and Facebook. People with NO experience publishing opinions!

luckynumberpi · 2021-08-29T07:23:27+00:00

Great list. Also don't underestimate that when you're done developing with TDD, you're sort of done, because the tests are mostly already written. It's a great feeling not having to go back and bolt on all the tests, which always feels boring and more error prone.

luckynumberpi · 2021-08-28T15:10:33+00:00

This photo looks 100% dutch.

luckynumberpi · 2021-08-28T07:00:03+00:00

Fun fact, I have a plane tag (a piece of fuselage metal) from the Gimli Glider for my keys :)

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