µPaddle Compact Capacitive-Touch Iambic Paddle – User Manual

1. Overview

The µPaddle is a portable, capacitive-touch iambic paddle with:

  • USB-C charging
  • Integrated 3.5 mm stereo plug
  • No moving parts (“touch” paddles)
  • Instant iambic keying setup — plug in and go

2. Quick Start

2.1 Charging the Battery

  1. Connect the USB-C cable to a power source.
  2. The red LED lights up during charging.
  3. When fully charged, the LED turns off.

2.2 Power-On & Touch Calibration

  1. Plug the 3.5 mm stereo plug into your transceiver’s key or keyer input.
  2. Hold the paddle in your operating hand — required for capacitive sensing.
  3. When the jack is inserted, the device powers on and a blue LED indicates it is in operating mode.
  4. The device performs a ~1-second self-calibration.
  5. After calibration completes, the paddle is ready for CW operation.

3. Operating Modes

Iambic Keying

  • Compatible with iambic-mode keyers.
  • Dots and dashes are generated by the host keyer logic — not by the paddle itself.

Ergonomics & Handling

  • Designed to be handheld — no fixed mount required.
  • Ensure consistent contact with your hand during operation for stable touch sensing.

4. Technical Specifications

Feature Details
Power Rechargeable Li-ion, USB-C
Charging LED Red while charging, off when full
Operating LED Blue when jack is inserted (operating mode)
Input 3.5 mm stereo plug
Operation Capacitive touch
Calibration ~1 seconds on power-up
Keying Mode Iambic (via external keyer or transceiver)

5. Troubleshooting & Tips

  • No response after plugging in?
    Ensure you're holding the enclosure firmly — capacitive sensing relies on contact.
  • LED stays lit after hours?
    This device charges slowly by design (up to 4 hours for a full charge) to extend battery lifespan, as it operates below its maximum charge capacity.
  • Unstable operation / dropped characters?
    Make sure your transceiver is set to handle iambic paddles (typically “Iambic A” or “Iambic B”).
  • Portable use?
    The compact, solid-state design makes it highly suited for portable ops (POTA/SOTA). Just keep your hand on the paddle during use.

6. Example Use with a Transceiver

  1. Set your radio to iambic keyer mode.
  2. Plug the paddle into the "KEYER" or "M-Key" 3.5 mm jack.
  3. Power on — wait ~1 s for calibration.
  4. You’re ready to practice or call CQ.

7. Care & Maintenance

  • Clean the housing occasionally with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Avoid dropping or exposing the paddle to heavy shocks.
  • When charged to 60% or higher, this device can be left unattended for months. When unplugged, there is no load on the battery !

8. Summary

The µPaddle is a modern, touch-based iambic paddle that offers:

  • Wire-free handheld use
  • Fast, simple setup
  • USB-C charging with LED indicator
  • Blue LED for clear operating status
  • Ideal portability and reliable performance

Plug it into your rig, hold it naturally, and start keying — no fuss, no setup needed.