µPaddle Setup, Calibration and Care
µPaddle Setup, Calibration and Care
Charge it, connect it to a compatible iambic key input, hold it naturally through startup calibration and let the radio create the Morse timing.
µPaddle is a rechargeable two-touch paddle. It does not generate dots or dashes itself: its isolated outputs replace two mechanical contacts, while the connected transceiver or external keyer controls speed, weighting and iambic A/B timing.
Quick start: charge the paddle, disconnect the charger, confirm the radio expects a 3.5 mm TRS iambic paddle, insert the plug, hold the enclosure naturally without touching the paddles for about one second, then begin keying.
Charge the Internal Battery
- Place the paddle on a dry, non-combustible surface where air can circulate.
- Connect a sound USB-C cable to a reputable USB power source.
- The red LED indicates charging; it turns off when charging completes.
- A full charge can take up to about four hours. Disconnect after completion.
Lithium-ion stop conditions: disconnect and stop using the paddle if it becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged, leaking, noisy, slow to charge or develops an unusual smell. Do not open the enclosure or place a damaged battery-powered device in household waste.
Connect and Calibrate
- Read the transceiver manual and select its iambic paddle input, not a straight-key or unknown high-voltage keying circuit.
- Insert the µPaddle 3.5 mm TRS plug. The blue LED indicates operating mode.
- Hold the enclosure in the intended operating hand. Keep the two paddle surfaces untouched for approximately one second while automatic calibration completes.
- Touch each paddle separately and confirm the expected dot/dash response.
- If the sides are reversed, use the radio's paddle-reverse setting where available and confirm that the selected right- or left-hand µPaddle version matches your grip.
Understand What the Radio Controls
Detects two touches and presents two isolated solid-state contact closures.
Creates dots, dashes, element spacing, speed and iambic A/B behaviour.
Provides the normal sensing reference by holding the enclosure consistently.
No universal high-voltage keying promise. Optical isolation separates the touch electronics from the key contacts, but every switching interface still has voltage and current limits. Contact RF.Guru before using µPaddle with vintage valve transmitters or any key input whose electrical specification is unknown.
Operate While Charging
You can use µPaddle while charging. A connected USB cable can nevertheless alter the sensing environment or introduce a station-noise path. If touch behaviour changes, disconnect charging power and repeat the connection and calibration steps above before operating from the internal battery.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| No blue LED or no response | Reseat the 3.5 mm plug, confirm charge state and verify that the radio jack is the paddle/keyer input. |
| Unstable or dropped elements | Disconnect/reconnect, hold the enclosure normally, keep both paddles clear during calibration and check the radio's iambic setting. |
| Dots and dashes reversed | Use the radio's paddle-reverse option or verify the selected hand version. |
| Behaviour changes during charging | Operate from the internal battery and keep charger wiring away from RF and keying cables. |
| Charging never completes | Disconnect the charger. Stop using the unit if it is hot, swollen, damaged or otherwise abnormal, and contact RF.Guru. |
Care and Storage
- Clean with a soft dry cloth; do not allow liquid into the enclosure.
- Protect the plug and touch surfaces from impact and conductive debris.
- Store cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- For long storage, inspect and recharge periodically rather than relying on a fixed unattended-months claim.
Mini-FAQ
- How long does startup calibration take? About one second. Hold the paddle naturally and keep both touch surfaces clear during startup.
- Where are iambic A/B and keying speed selected? In the transceiver or external keyer. µPaddle provides two touch-controlled contact closures.
- What do the LEDs mean? Red means charging; it turns off when charging completes. Blue indicates operating mode after the 3.5 mm plug is inserted.
- Why are dots and dashes reversed? Select the correct physical hand version and use the radio's paddle-reverse setting where available; do not rewire an unknown key input.
- When must I stop using the paddle? Stop for swelling, damage, leakage, unusual heat, smell, noise or abnormal charging behaviour.