Introducing The Spacelight Keyer

A Next-Gen Keyer for Next-Gen Ops

Spacelight is a new code practice keyer for CW learners, enthusiasts and power users alike. It's built especially for people who are taking classes, whether online or in person. It has innovative new features to aid solo practice at any speed. And of course, it will key most modern rigs.

USB Keyboard Emulation

Spacelight turns your paddle into a USB keyboard. Connect it to your computer and watch as your Morse is decoded into keystrokes, just as though you were typing. Get comfortable by sending real text to your word processor, or even keep a transcript of your QSOs. Regular text practice will help you develop sending fluency and expand your over-the-air vocabulary.

Spacing Feedback

Experienced CW operators know that spacing is critical to legibility on the air. To help you find your rhythm, Spacelight has a metronome feature that gives you subtle feedback after every character or word, to let you know when you're making your spacing.

Clear, Loud Audio

Standalone keyers are much easier for a webcam to pick up compared to rig audio. Spacelight improves the status quo by using a real loudspeaker, rather the piezo buzzer found in most keyers. A 16-bit DAC delivers a sinusoidal sidetone with envelope shaping and a digital volume control. Operators can choose from several available sidetones to sound distinct in a roundtable. For advanced setups a line out jack is provided to inject the sidetone straight into a mixer or sound card.

Power Menu

An expanded menu allows you to adjust and query keyer settings through a powerful Morse interface, in addition to the convenient rotary encoder. Multiple settings profiles are available for instantly adapting the keyer to different tasks.

Feature List

• Keyer Modes: Plain iambic, Curtis (aka "A") with and without dot memory, Accukeyer ("B"), Logikeyer (aka Super CMOS III), Elecraft A, Elecraft B, and Ultimatic.
• Speed: 5 to 73 WPM with optional Farnsworth timing for spacing feedback.
• Adjustable tone, volume, weight.
• Novel code mappings to keyboard control characters.
• Automatic character spacing.
• Selectable debounce algorithms.
• Morse-based menu system.
• Three separate memory profiles.
• Balanced or single-ended audio output.
• Two RGB LEDs for feedback and status indication.

Specifications

General

• Supported key types: iambic and single-lever paddle
• Supported operating systems: MacOS, Windows 10+, Linux

  Spacelight does not currently support mobile devices or straight keys / bugs

  Case

• 3D printed
• Body: carbon fiber PETG composite
• Knob: cellulose (wood fiber) PLA composite
• Lenses: clear polycarbonate

  Audio

• DAC: mono 16-bit DAC with integrated class D amplifier, spread spectrum, active RF emissions-limiting
• Speaker: 1″ driver, 4Ω, 1.3 watts

  I/O

• Jacks: three 3.5mm TRS, aka 1/8" stereo aux
• USB Interface: USB-C connector, HID keyboard emulation
• Encoder wheel adjusts speed, volume, and sidetone; plus all other parameters within Power Menu
• Paddle jack: tip = dot; software reversible
• Line Out jack: 620Ω, single-ended or balanced, non-switched (loudspeaker remains active with plug inserted)
• Rig Key jack: optically isolated, shorts tip to sleeve; rated for 20 mA at 12V.

  Do not exceed the maxium current rating of the Rig Key circuitry. If unsure about your rig, use a multimeter to verify the keying voltage and current. Spacelight was designed to key solid state rigs.

  Electrical

• 5V power via USB
• Standby current 50 mA. Max current 500 mA.

  Mechanical

• Dimensions: 67mm x 101mm x 36mm (2.64 x 3.98 x 1.4″) including knob + feet
• Weight: 133 grams (4.7 oz)

  Environmental

• Temperature range: -18 to 60°C (0 - 140°F)
• Altitude: 3000m (9840') minimum

  Box Contents

• Spacelight Keyer
• 3' USB-C to USB-C data cable
• Instruction Manual

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Do I need to know Morse in order to use Spacelight?

If you are ready to practice sending, then you are ready for this keyer. The basic adjustments of speed, volume and tone are simple. The advanced features are accessed through a menu that is recited to you in Morse, although you can slow it down and ask for repeats.

Q. What is the difference between a key, paddle and a keyer?

A key is the physical input device you use to tap out Morse code. A paddle is a type of key with two contacts, one to send dots and the other to send dashes. A keyer is a hardware or software device that takes input from a paddle and generates the dots and dashes.

Q. Doesn't my rig have a keyer already? What is the advantage to using an external keyer like Spacelight?

Most modern rigs have a keyer built-in but they are sometimes incomplete [1] or buggy 2. External keyers do more, address inconsistency between rigs, are more portable, and simpler for practicing over the internet. Keyers like Spacelight have nifty tricks like timing feedback and the ability to interface with a computer. And they are easier for blind ops to use.

[1]: Icom's most popular radio, the IC-7300, does not have selectable iambic modes.

Q. How do I hook this up to my rig?

Plug your paddle into the front jack with a stereo aux cable. Plug the keying output from Spacelight into the key input on your rig with a second aux cable. Power Spacelight by connecting it to your computer or USB cellphone charger or battery bank with the supplied USB-C cable.

Put your rig into CW mode, the key type to straight key, and turn on VOX/Break-in. Have fun!

Q. Is Spacelight a good choice for vintage tube rigs?

Use caution here. Many older rigs use keying voltages that will damage this keyer. Verify that your rig doesn't exceed the voltage and current specs.

Q. Does Spacelight support VBand?

VBand support is experimental. Don't buy this keyer for VBand.

Q. Does Spacelight support mobile apps like Morse Mania?

Not yet. If you are a mobile app developer and want to work with Spacelight, please drop me a line.

Q. Does the world really need another keyer?

There are a zillion DIY keyers, but I am convinced you deserve better.