USB Arduino Morse Code Key

Ever wanted to type on a computer with a morse code key or to learn/teach morse code? You are on the right page!

For my other projects, check out my website calvin.sh

Step 1: Gather Materials

• 1 × Arduino/Genuino Micro

• 1 × 3v buzzer

• 1 × morse code key (I got this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Morse-code-straight-key-Made-in-Taiwan-/161178779257?hash=item258700fe79:g:aqEAAOxygPtSs5kk)

• 1 × 120Ω resistor

• 1 × circuit board

• 4 × M4×0.50 round head machine screws

• 2 × 6-32×1/2" round head machine screws

• 2 × 6-32 machine nuts

• Some mounting tape

• Some jumper wires

• You might also want to learn morse code if you don't already know

Step 2: Code

You can try a simulation of the circuit with the code here.

Upload the code to the Arduino/Genuino Micro

The Keyboard library allows the Arduino/Genuino Micro to act as a keyboard

In my code seven and eight dot("......." & "........") are backspace and a really long dash("-") is space but you can change them to whatever you feel like.

Step 3: Solder

Solder all the parts onto a perfboard according to the diagram. Keep in mind the button represents the morse code key.

You can try a simulation of the circuit here.

Step 4: 3D Print the Base

You can edit the model here.

You can order one from an online 3D printing service or print one yourself. The 3D model is designed with www.tinkercad.com, it's basically MS paint for 3D modeling.

Online 3D printing services:

www.sculpteo.com

www.shapeways.com

i.materialise.com

more on Google

Step 5: Assemble

1. Wire the two wires sticking out of the circuit board under the morse code key

2. Secure the morse code key onto the base with two 6-32×1/2" round head machine screws and 6-32 machine nuts

3. Tape the circuit board on to the bottom cover with mounting tape

4. Secure the bottom cover with the four M4×0.50 round head machine screws

5. Adjust the bottom screws/bolts to level the morse code key

Step 6: Start Typing

Here's a US navy training video on sending morse code

Plug it into your computer and start typing

Don't forget, in my code seven and eight dot("......." & "........") are backspace and a really long dash("-") is space

Comments

[SamuelP32]

Why did you use internel pulldown. Why could you not just use a 10k resistor.

[CalvinL8]

Why wouldn't I use internal pulldown?

[SamuelP32]

I made a mistake. There is no built in pulldown resistor. there is only a 20k resistor that can be used to pull it high but I would expect that you would not want to pull high, you want to pull low.

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Nice! That is really cool. This would be great for teaching people how to use morse code.

[CalvinL8]

Ya it is, I got three people interested in morse code the first day when I brought it to school.