A Morse-code memory keyer tweaked for the fickle

K1EL's K12 memory-keyer kit ready for the Straight Key Century Club's Weekend Sprint. Keyer? Straight-key operating event? What's up with that?

Radios these days! I tell ya!

If you love to use Morse code and you also enjoy using a straight key as well as an electronic keyer, switching back and forth between the two can be a pain in the bazootus, as my Mom used to say.

You’ve got to unplug one sending device, then plug in the other — a hassle if the jacks for these are on the radio’s rear panel. And depending on the radio, you have to enter its menu to turn the keyer off if you want to use a straight key or bug.

At least that’s the way it is with my favorite QRP radios, a Yaesu FT-817 and an Elecraft KX1.

Meanwhile, I’ve become increasingly interested in contesting, which led me to hunt for a memory keyer that wouldn’t break the bank. I came across K1EL’s K12 kit, and it seemed perfect for my needs. Up to six 40-character memories, plus a bunch of other features, and all programmable using a keyer paddle.

The challenge: Turn the keyer into something that will handle keyer paddle and straight key without having to swap devices or kafiddle with menus. After some chin scratching, and a valuable bit of encouragement from Steve Webber, KD1JV, on the QRP-L email list, herewith the K1EL K12 tweaked to use just about any arrow in your CW quiver:

Gain an edge on crowded bands, or, NEScaf(e) anyone?

New England QRP Club's NEScaf audio filter, built, buttoned up, and ready to run.

I don’t care what Punxsutawney Phil says. It’s winter! With one snow storm after another rolling in — even at latitudes where flurries are rare –  there’s plenty of time to:

1. Operate.

2. Break out the soldering iron and whip up a mean mess o’ accessories for the station.

In this case, one project at hand was the New England QRP Club’s spectacular audio filter, which the club christened NEScaf. Check out that link for the full scoop on the kit. This project was ultimately destined for another ham who wanted one but acknowledged that his kit-building days sat squarely in his rear-view mirror.

Warning, Will Robinson: Digression ahead!