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
- Connect the USB-C cable to a power source.
- The red LED lights up during charging.
- When fully charged, the LED turns off.
2.2 Power-On & Touch Calibration
- Plug the 3.5 mm stereo plug into your transceiver’s key or keyer input.
- Hold the paddle in your operating hand — required for capacitive sensing.
- When the jack is inserted, the device powers on and a blue LED indicates it is in operating mode.
- The device performs a ~1-second self-calibration.
- 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
- Set your radio to iambic keyer mode.
- Plug the paddle into the "KEYER" or "M-Key" 3.5 mm jack.
- Power on — wait ~1 s for calibration.
- 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.