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µPaddle – Compact Rechargeable CW Iambic Paddle with Capacitive Touch
µPaddle – Compact Rechargeable CW Iambic Paddle with Capacitive Touch
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µPaddle: Silent Capacitive CW Control
A compact rechargeable two-touch paddle that presents isolated keying contacts to the transceiver's own iambic keyer.
Production is small-batch; the current product page allows roughly two to three weeks for assembly and shipping.
Select the physical hand orientation on the product page. Dot/dash assignment remains a function of the connected keyer or transceiver.
The Signal Path
A paddle is not a keyer. µPaddle replaces the two mechanical contact closures with touch-controlled isolated switches. Iambic A/B behaviour, weighting, speed and paddle reversal belong to the transceiver or external keyer.
What It Provides
Two independent capacitive channels avoid mechanical bounce and audible clicking.
Use with a compatible iambic paddle input after checking the radio manual.
The internal battery supports portable operation; actual runtime varies with use, charging state and battery age.
Vintage and unusual key inputs need verification. Optical isolation does not create an unlimited keying rating. Before connecting, confirm the transceiver's external-key voltage, current and polarity remain within the current µPaddle specification; ask RF.Guru when the radio uses a high-voltage valve-era keying circuit.
Battery and Charging
Charge on a dry, non-combustible surface using a sound USB-C cable and a reputable USB supply. Do not cover the paddle while charging. Stop immediately if it becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged, leaking, noisy or develops an unusual smell. Do not place a damaged lithium-ion device in household waste.
Documentation
Charging indication, startup calibration, keyer configuration and troubleshooting.
Why hearing a digital signal and completing a CW or SSB contact are different link-budget questions.
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Join the notification list →Mini-FAQ
- Does µPaddle generate dots and dashes? No. It presents two touch-controlled keying contacts; the transceiver or external keyer generates iambic timing.
- Why must I hold the enclosure? The touch system uses the operator and enclosure as part of its sensing reference. Hold it normally during startup calibration and use.
- Can I use it with any 3.5 mm key input? Confirm that the radio expects a two-contact iambic paddle on a 3.5 mm TRS input and stays within its external-key electrical limits.
- Can it operate while charging? The current product supports operation while charging, but route the USB cable so it does not disturb touch sensing or introduce station noise.
- What if the battery swells or becomes unusually hot? Stop using and charging the paddle, disconnect it and contact RF.Guru for service or disposal guidance.
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