Tag Archives: CW

CW Straight Key, Steampunk Style. Made From Salvaged Materials

A CW (Morse Code) Straight Key is one of the simplest HAM Radio goodies to build. The concept is simple, short out the two Key leads. This leaves plenty of room for creativity and style with this make.

I used a piece salvaged aluminum around the size of 3mm X 13mm, a scrap piece of 2×2, some screws, washers, a spring, some ring connectors, a fulcrum pin, and a 3.5mm mono plug. I had all these parts in various “junk bins”.

First thing I did was use Inkscape to  make a simple SVG shape for carving out the wooden base from the 2×2.

 

 

 

 

CW-Key SVG Files

I used OpenBuilds CAM (OBCAM) to create the GCODE and OpenBuilds Control (OBC) to send the GCODE to the CNC.

Next I used the surfacing feature of OBC to make a little jig to hold my aluminum piece. Then I milled the Aluminum to match the base.

With the parts all made it was just a matter of assembling and then adjusting everything to work smoothly. Add some stain and sealer and I am ready for field day!

Check out the full video on YouTube and please take a second to subscribe to my channel:

73 – KK6VHH