The beauty of the K3NG design is that you don't need to follow a rigid schematic pinout. You can rewire your board and update the keyer_pin_settings.h file to tell the Arduino which pin is doing what. #define paddle_left 2 #define paddle_right 5 #define cw_output_pin 11 #define sidetone_pin 13 Project Resources
Solder two 4.7k resistors from pins 2 and 3 to +5V. Solder your left paddle wire to Pin 2. Right paddle to Pin 3.
To help you get started on your specific build, let me know: Which (Nano, Uno, Mega) do you plan to use?
If you're interested in building the K3NG Keyer, you can find the full schematic and instructions on various online forums and websites, including GitHub and amateur radio communities. k3ng keyer schematic
K3NG has written a top-notch keyer based on the arduino platform. Its strengths are its modular design and extensive feature list; blog.templaro.com Getting Started with the K3NG Arduino CW Keyer 2
The is intimidating only if you look at it as a monolithic diagram. Break it down: It is just five small circuits working together. The Arduino reads switches (paddles), processes your Morse code via the legendary K3NG firmware, and closes a transistor to ground your radio's key jack.
Elias sighed and pulled up the official GitHub repository for the K3NG Keyer on his laptop. He scrolled past the massive keyer.h file and opened the PDF schematic. The beauty of the K3NG design is that
A standard K3NG keyer schematic is modular. You can build the bare minimum code-generating circuit or add peripheral modules as needed. 1. The Keyer Paddle Input Circuit
Symptom: Your radio keys constantly, except when you press the paddle. Cause: Your radio uses "Active High" keying (common on some homebrew rigs), but the K3NG schematic is "Active Low" (Grounded). Fix: Change the configuration in k3ng_keyer.ino from KEYER_ACTIVE_LOW to KEYER_ACTIVE_HIGH . No hardware change needed.
The K3NG Keyer is widely considered the ultimate open-source Arduino-based CW Morse code keyer, offering a level of customization, features, and functionality that often surpasses commercial alternatives. Created by Anthony Good (K3NG), this project provides a flexible solution for amateur radio operators looking to build a high-performance keyer. Solder your left paddle wire to Pin 2
Understanding the schematic is the first step toward building your own custom hardware. Core Component: The Arduino Architecture
Many advanced K3NG schematics include a 1N4148 diode in reverse parallel across the transistor (Cathode to +V, Anode to Collector). This protects the transistor from the "flyback voltage" created by the relay coils inside older tube radios.
Usually reserved for the sidetone output (audio monitoring). D11 & D12: Often used for the transmitter keying lines. 2. The Keying Circuit (Transmitter Interface)