Projects

This is version 2 of the VK2IDL Morse Code Encoder, a significate update to the original version 1 which was released in 2020. Version 1 was based on an Arduino Nano coupled with a simple 20 x 4 LCD display. Version 2 was released in March 2025 has been completely redesigned using a relatively new development module called the ESP32-2432S028R, more commonly known in the maker world as the ‘Cheap Yellow Display’ or CYD.

While the general internal functionality of the new version is based on the original code, this version has been significantly enhanced to include additional functionality, making use of the features of the new CYD module. These include a full colour touch screen interface, six preset buffers and four selectable keying modes (Manual, Auto, Iambic A and Iambic B). A built-in speaker provides side tone feedback with separate tone frequency and audio volume adjustment. Morse speed is adjustable from 5 to 35 WPM. Transmit output is indicated by a simulated Green LED on the display. Live decoded text of your Morse code is displayed in large text at the bottom of the LCD with two smaller lines of text above showing your Morse ‘history’. A ‘Clear’ button lets you clear the text displays between QSO’s. The unit includes a ground-switching output circuit to directly drive the standard Morse Key input on your transmitter or transceiver.

A number of user settings and options are pre-configurable by editing sections of the code (instructions included further below). This allows you to customise your own preset buffer contents as well as set your preferred defaults at start-up, including keying mode (i.e. Auto, Manual, Iambic A or Iambic B), Morse speed in wpm, side tone frequency and volume level.

The new CYD Morse Encoder module runs from any standard USB power source and is truly pocket sized at just 90mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 10mm deep making it a device you can carry anywhere for Morse practice or on field trips.

A 3D printed case is already underdevelopment.

The Morse Encoder project will generate Morse code from a straight key, a paddle or by typing text on a keyboard. The Morse being sent is displayed on its own 4 line, 20 character LCD making it particularly good for Morse practice as it gives live feedback on your accuracy. The unit has a knob-adjustable Morse speed control with the speed setting is displayed on the LCD in wpm. When using a paddle, the timing of the dits and dahs is automatic based on the speed you have set. The unit is designed to directly dri

This Morse Decoder project will receive Morse code from an audio source, decode it and display it on a built-in 4 line, 20 character LCD. It includes a software controlled noise impulse filter, an automatic input-frequency tuning circuit and a Farnsworth setting for receiving Morse that uses Farnsworth timing. All functions are controlled by three push buttons along the top of the unit. The unit automatically adjusts itself to the speed of the incoming Morse code and displays the speed on the LCD.

This paddle was designed as a replacement for a paddle I had built several years ago which used a strip of printed circuit board (PCB) as the main paddle arm. This new design uses Neodymium disc magnets rather than the usual springs to provide centering and tension of the paddle arm. This idea is not new and there are a number of examples

The Moxon antenna developed by Les Moxon is basically a 2 element beam with the tips folded towards each other to form a rectangle. The result is an antenna with gain slightly less than that of an equivalent yagi but with significantly better front-to-back ratio, a wider beam width (which equates to less critical aiming) and is about 30% smaller.

This construction article describes how to build a Moxon antenna for 6 meters using 12mm aluminium tubing.

The VZ200 Glass RTTY Encoder/Decoder was a software project I created in 1984 during the time I was working for Dick Smith Electronics (DSE). It was a plug-in RTTY module to suit the popular VZ200 and VZ300 computers that were available at the time. The project was published in Electronics Today International ETI) in 1984 and released as a kit through Dick Smith Electronics.

This legacy article includes the original magazine articles describing the project along with the original Instruction manual that was published with the kit.