CWM Mark II - Begali's Web site
CWM Mark II
CW Machine
The CW Machine Story Continues …
When we introduced the CW Machine in 2008, it used state-of-the-art components which we pushed to the maximum to create a device that was, and still is, unique in its capabilities. Technology has progressed rapidly since then, and an unfortunate byproduct was that some components in the CW Machine are either no longer available or can only be found in small quantities at unacceptable prices. So, unfortunately, we had to discontinue the CW Machine. But:
The King is dead – long live the King!
We decided to develop a brand-new device, based on the CW Machine, using the latest technology and programming techniques. The result is the
CW Machine Mark II
Like the original CW Machine, it is an advanced memory keyer combined with an automatic logger, using many of the concepts of the original. It is not yet a finished product, but a functioning prototype which is being improved every day. Here are some basic specs:
· About the same size as the original CW Machine. Since we have not yet developed an enclosure for it, and not all connectors are in their final place, the exact dimensions may change, but they will be in the same ball park.
· It is controlled and shows all information on an 800x480 color touch screen which covers the entire top of the device.
· It uses a fast 32-bit dual-core processor with plenty of memory. So, we are able to program it in C++ - unlike the original CW Machine which had to be programmed in Assembler due to memory constraints.
· It has solid state memory for over 50,000 log records, each with more information than the original CW Machine. It can search these records in real time for a previous QSO with the same station, and if it exists, it can use that information in messages and on the display. We are looking to possibly expand the log capacity to over 100,000 log records.
· It is self-contained and does not need a computer for operation. Therefore, it is not dependent on Windows or any other operating system.
· It can exchange logging data with logging programs in .adi or .adx format via a micro-SD card.
· Like the original CW Machine, it supports all key types and keying techniques. In addition, a USB keyboard is now a co-equal input device, and you can switch seamlessly between key and keyboard within the same QSO, or you can use it as a keyboard keyer without a key.
This is a work in progress, and especially on the hardware side I could show you little except a prototype board with dangling wires. But, to keep you appraised of our progress and of all the specifications and capabilities which are not chiseled in stone, I have decided to run a risk:
As with all my development projects after they have reached some degree of maturity, I write the user documentation in parallel with ongoing development. I will post here a link to the user manual as it develops and update it from time to time. You will see where we stand, although nothing is guaranteed to be final, and you could even send me suggestions to ulrich@steinberg.cc.
The device is being developed in close collaboration with my friend John, WK2T, who will create the final hardware – a professional board with surface-mount components and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques.
And, of course, we are hoping that a beautiful blue enclosure, like with the original CW Machine, will be made in Italy by my friends Piero and Bruna Begali.
I know what you want to ask: when will this product be available? We are shooting for a date sometime in the first quarter of 2026.
This is the link to the user documentation as it develops.
73, Ulrich, N2DE
