The implict detection of the paddle orientation at start-up has been replaced by an explicit paddle command, <dm>R, which lets you toggle the paddle orientation at any time.
The implict detection of the paddle orientation at start-up has been replaced by an explicit paddle command, <dm>R, which lets you toggle the paddle orientation at any time.
The <dk> pseudo-prosign to toggle transmitter keying has been replaced by a paddle command, <dm>K, for compatibility with the CW Machine firmware.
The temporary suspension of automatic word space insertion has proven so useful that it has its own keypad key now: the Backspace key that you have on many keypads toggles word space insertion. (if you have a keypad without that key, you can still define a message that contains just the \_ command to create similar functionality) On a directly attached keyboard the Backspace key will switch function between an error signal of 8 dits (if you sent the last character with the keyboard) and the word space toggle (if you sent the last character with a key)
The \_ (underscore) command has bee redefined to make it more versatile when used in messages. It lets you temporarily suspend the automatic insertion of word spaces, and, in addition, it causes a message break like the \B command.
A new message command, \_ (underscore), lets you temporarily suspend the automatic insertion of word spaces. This is helpful in situations where you need to keep a word, e.g. a call sign, “together”, so that it can be processed by the logger.
Flashcard mode has been enhanced for an even more powerful training experience:
When you use your paddle to repeat the last word that the Trainer sent, the Trainer will beep if your keying matches that last word. This way flashcard mode can be used without a computer and still give you clear feedback how well you did.
The CW Trainer now provides additional functions which have been suggested by users:
The message generator now has a call sign option which lets you generate text containing random call signs, in addition to the functions for random words and groups
Text entered with the keyboard in the CW Trainer Manager can be translated to Morse
A scratchpad function lets you record any information that you want to save
When you terminate the CW Trainer Manager the CW Machine device will be turned off
This is another revision with significant enhancements in the firmware and software:
The parser which scans your transmission now recognizes several keywords and patterns which let it automatically collect all the information for a log record if you follow certain common conventions, including name, QTH, and received RST.
The VIA keyword in your transmission simplifies the recording of QSL-via information.
The new \D command doubles the character spacing of the next word in a message.
The <dm>O paddle command toggles the on-air status just like the NumLock key
A scratchpad function lets you record any information that you want to save.
When you enter edit mode, the call in the log record is annunciated
When you terminate the CW Machine Manager the CW Machine device will be turned off
To make full use of these new capabilities, please download the updated documentation:
The simulation of the numeric keypad has been improved to provide better handling on Windows tablets, and to avoid interference with other keyboard functions.
An auto-switching feature between the Terminal screen and the QSO List window simplifies operation in situations where you want to maximize both windows to full screen, e.g. on tablets or on computers with smaller screens.
The “keying always on” feature is now a persistent configuration option which can also be toggled on the Configuration screen of the CW Machine Manager (in addition to the <dm>K paddle command). You can now save the settings on the Configuration page to a disk file and restore them with the click of a button.
You can now also set the date and time using the directly attached keypad. If you are using the CW Machine Manager, this is of course irrelevant because the date and time are automatically copied from the PC. If you are “in the field” without a PC connection, however, this greatly simplifies the process.
The new \P message command lets you insert text into a message if a previous QSO with the current station is in the log. You can now change the band using the directly attached numeric keypad, in addition to the current procedure which uses the <dm> paddle command.
The CW Trainer now has a new paddle command <dk> (DK sent together as one letter) which lets you toggle transmitter keying. This is for users who want to use the CW Trainer occasionally as a memory keyer while retaining the Trainer functions. You can quickly enable and disable transmitter keying without going through the Configuration page of the CW Trainer Manager or the joystick menu.
The new <dm>K command lets you disable quiet mode switching, enabling keying in all modes, e.g. in edit mode, where you would normally take the CW Machine “off the air”. This is for situations where you can’t mix your receiver audio with the CW Machine sound (although a simple Y connector is all that is normally required) and want to always listen to your transmitter side tone. You will need a button on your radio to disable transmitter output while still having the side tone - on the Elecraft K3, e.g. this is the Test button. In effect you will be using a button on your radion to go off the air, if required, instead of letting the CW Machine perform that function.
The procedure to set the date and time manually has been simplified. Instead of using several joystick actions, you now enter the date/time with your paddle. If you are using the CW Machine Manager, this is of course irrelevant because the date and time are automatically copied from the PC. If you are “in the field” without a PC connection, however, this greatly simplifies the process.
The CW Trainer Manager now has the “always on top” feature that has been in the CW Machine Manager for a long time. This let’s you keep the CW Trainer Manager on top of all other windows on your desktop, making sure that it will not be covered by other programs which you may start.
CW Machine Manager 4.1.02 and CW Trainer Manager 2.3.02
Many functions of the CW Machine and the CW Trainer are controlled by keys on the numeric keypad, either a keypad that is attached directly to the CW Machine device or a keypad that is part of your Windows keyboard. Many operators prefer the directly attached keypad and position it close to their key, where it can be operated with “the other” hand. In some situations, however, carrying the numeric keypad along may be inconvenient.
Larger laptop computers often have a separate numeric keypad. Smaller laptops often have a keypad that is embedded into the keyboard and activated by a function key. But some Win8 Bluetooth keyboards, or the keyboards of the Apple Mac laptops, don’t have numeric keypads. For these situations the CW Machine Manager and the CW Trainer Manager now have a function to simulate the keypad keys using “normal” keys on the keyboard.
CW Machine Manager 4.1.01 and CW Trainer Manager 2.3.01
Both, the Keyer and the Trainer now have the capability to instantly switch to a Hand key and back to a paddle with a mouse click. In the Keyer this can also be done with the <dm>H command sequence that was introduced in version 4.0.05.
Carlo Consoli, IK0YGJ, a well known and highly accomplished CW operator, has used the CW Machine for a while now, and he liked it so much that he decided not only to produce a video clip showing it in combination with his Intrepid bug, but also to write an addendum to his book, Zen And The Art of Radiotelegraphy, to reflect the unique capabilities of the CW Trainer. This guide to learning CW will be a part of the documentation that comes with the CW Trainer package. Take a look: