RotoTwin 1

This instrument applies the RotoBug principle to a fully-automatic version. The smaller rotor is for dots and the larger is for dashes. The dot and dash speeds and durations are independently adjustable. The bug is made from aircraft aluminum, and all moving parts use ball bearings (eight in all).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• RotoBug
• bug
• morse code
• CW
• key
• ham radio
• amateur radio

[wb9lpu]

Hi, JEB - Thanks for the kudos. No, there is just chaos when both paddles are pressed. If the two rotors were exactly synchronized at a 2:1 ratio, you would expect a string of dashes, which would not be of much help. Since the rotors are independent, you get sort of a "beat frequency" - not Morse code!

[tigerbody1]

too bad we could not read it as it goes...

might even learn sometin'

? words per second?

And is there a reason or system happening here?

[wb9lpu]

Sorry - I meant 15 words per minute. When I get better at putting movies together I do intend to run the text with the sound. I am using the Windows Movie Maker - do you know a better program that is also affordable?

[tigerbody1]

sorry, I don't CW.

What are you saying here?

[wb9lpu]

Hi, Tiger - Look at the text that scrolls up at the end of the clip. It is what the CW message said. The speed was about words per minute - a nice moderate speed for casual conversation. Thanks for viewing.

[The2011Believer]

Hello , great video. I am wondering where i can get a keyer like that. I am a Ham Radio guy and i love that keyer.

73's VE3NCV

[terrycx]

This is the coolest key of all time! - N3JJB

[dreyfusfunkt]

So is there any IAMBIC nature to the key when you hold both paddles?

This is really an incredible design! WOW! Thanks for sharing this, and you have a good fist. -- K6JEB

[epituchano]

Go with this. A fully automatic _mechanical_ key! Simply brilliant. I wish you the best of luck with this great project that should go to market. Sign me up!

I can't tell you how many times I'd like to go portable without having to bring a keyer.

[G0IFI]

@tigerbody1 here's what I got:

"v v qst qst de wb9lpu bt here is the rototwin / made by wb9lpu it is fully automatic for both dots and dashes. tnx 73 de wb9lpu sk e e"

Nice, interesting idea!

73 de Perry G0IFI

[johnpbache]

Thats a beautifully made key.

[uu1cc]

I saw the RotoBug and it was very impressive to me, but this amazing masterpiece is overkill - I need to drink some depressant. Well, this glass of rum for Great Telegraph Wizard, Keeper of The Rolling Keys, Master of (polished) Heavy Metal - WB9LPU!

[sv2hwr]

AMAZING PADDLE!!!!

[nobotti]

Great ! !