Some features

Jitter compensation based on a recursive statistical algorithm.

Locally generated sinewave Sidetone (needs amplified speakers or computer audio interface).

Works with straight key, bugs, any electronic keyer.

Fully standalone, no computer required.

Watchdog for disabling the PTT after 15sec.

PTT control with configurable delay.

 

The Interface

If you’re not comfortable with microprocessors or soldering two connectors, please keep reading—there is a solution!

The project is built around a Teensy 4.1 32-bit microcontroller. Several benefits come with using this board, such as:

 

• Native Ethernet Interface

• Audio library

• Arduino-compatible programming language

• Easy updates using a firmware-like procedure

 

The board with the Ethernet chip and the Ethernet connector kit, can be purchased through PJRC and is relatively inexpensive. By the way, I’m not affiliated in any form with PJRC.

 

The system uses two interfaces, one on the client (operator) side and one on the server (remote radio) side. There is not any difference between the two interfaces, the firmware qualifies the client or the server side.

 

The Client side

Once you get the board, connect your Morse key or the output from your electronic keyer to PIN 0 and GROUND. The sidetone output is connected between PIN 1 and GROUND and goes to an amplified speaker or your computer’s sound card input. In my prototype, I used a 3.5 mm mono jack for both.

Starting with firmware 1.2 (20241028), MORCONI has an internal keyer. Connect the paddle DOT to PIN 0, DASH to PIN 3, 25KOhmm linear pot for the Keyer speed control to GROUND, 3.3V, and A9. (ref. PINOUT picture). The internal keyer emulates standard IAMBIC, Curtis A, Curtis B, and CMOS SuperKeyer (Logikeyer) and ULTIMATIC.

The Logikeyer intervention time-by default 33% of a dash- can be set in the config file. (Keyer LogiFactor).

The Keyer KFactor config parameter (milliseconds) compensate for the Transceiver relay delay, this is different from the weight, it is independent from the speed.

 

Starting with firmware 1.4 (20241104) PIN 4 can be used to drive a LED following the CW being transmitted, PIN 5 follows the CW transmission but in a reverse way (low while transmitting, high while not transmitting) and PIN 6 turns high when there is an active connection.

Starting with firmware 1.6, MORCONI can be controlled by logging and contesting applications over the serial RTS or DTR control lines.

Firmware Version 1.7 adds four memory buttons, URL lookup, and many improvements to the code.

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The Server side

Connect your radio key input to PIN 0 and GROUND. If needed, you can also connect your radio PTT input to PIN 1 and GROUND. The connection to the radio should go through an optocoupler like a 4N35, CNY17, ILD615-4 (2 channels) or a board like the HiLetgo PC817 2 Channel Optocoupler Isolation Board.

 

Change your remote router configuration to expose the TCP port 57373 routed to the MORCONI-SERVER interface.

Edit the MORCONI-CLIENT.CFG file (self-documented) and change the IP address of the server to match your remote installation (local network or remote router exposing the MORCONI protocol TCP port 57373 by default). For now, you can leave everything else with default values. Save the file on a microSD card and insert it into the Teensy slot. Connect the Teensy to your computer, run the Teensy.exe uploader, search for MORCONI-CLIENT.INO.HEX, and upload it to the microprocessor.

 

Modify the MORCONI-SERVER.CFG accordingly to your network configuration, save to another microSD card and program the second interface uploading the MORCONI-SERVER.INO.HEX firmware.

 

Connect everything to your networks, and if everything went well, you’ll hear a 600Hz/40wpm “C” sent from the speaker. The internal LED, which was ON and RED indicating no connection to the radio, will turn OFF and you should be in business.

If the server disconnects, MORCONI sends a 600Hz/40wpm “D”.