SARC CW Tutor Project

The CW Tutor is a compact, feature-rich Morse code training device developed by Bruce Hall W8BH. His original design and documentation can be found in Part 10 of his Pocket Tutor User Guide. The Surrey Amateur Radio Communications Society (SARC) created its own version of this project, which is described in the May 2023 edition of The Communicator.

Background and Purpose

This project was developed in response to the need for a practical and portable tool to support CW training for new students and to provide practice opportunities for experienced operators. Continuous wave (Morse Code) remains a valuable skill for amateur radio operators, especially in emergency communications and low-power conditions.

Project Leadership and Team Contributions

Dino VE7NX led the local implementation, sourcing all the necessary parts, assembling and testing a prototype, and overseeing construction by ten club members. Doug VA7JDJ contributed by designing and 3D-printing a custom plastic enclosure to complete the unit. The collaborative effort made the project accessible to a wide range of builders with varying skill levels.

Technical Overview

The CW Tutor is based on a single printed circuit board that integrates all the essential components. It includes a microcontroller, an LCD display, a speaker, and other supporting electronics. Despite its small footprint, it provides all the features needed for serious CW practice and instruction.

Power and Connectivity

The device is powered by a 7 to 15 VDC source via a standard DC barrel connector, drawing approximately 150 milliamps. It includes a 3.5 mm (⅛-inch) stereo jack that supports both external speaker output and Morse paddle input. This allows users to practice with their own paddles or use amplified audio if needed.

User Interface and Controls

Two main controls are featured on the front panel. A rotary encoder allows users to navigate menus and select functions, while a volume potentiometer adjusts the speaker output. The device also includes a standard-size SD card slot that enables playback of Morse code from stored text files, making it suitable for copying practice without a live instructor.

Wireless Capabilities

The CW Tutor uses the ESP32 microcontroller, which includes built-in WiFi. This enables two CW Tutor devices to wirelessly connect to one another, allowing for interactive practice between two operators in close range. This feature adds a new dimension to CW learning by making real-time peer interaction possible without physical cables.