Learning CW with the Xiegu VK-6 Paddle

--By E.T. Bryant

I didn’t think I could learn to do CW because trying to memorize the tones would be difficult for me. Decoding the code as it comes through my speaker seemed to be impossible for me. So, I started looking for ways to decode and transmit the code using a computer. There are several programs available for a subscription fee. But Fldigi does a pretty good job, if the signal is good, and it is free.

I used Fldigi on the Xiegu G106 with the CE-19 data interface, and on my Xiegu G90, I use the DE-19. If you go on YouTube, you will find plenty of videos on how to configure Fldigi, but I couldn’t find any on how to connect the computer running Fldigi to the Xiegu radios. However, it turns out it is very easy when using one of the two mentioned data interfaces above. OK, I know you are asking what this has to do with the VK-6 paddle. Well, after running Fldigi to decode CW and learning the learning the communication protocol, I figured I would probably learn to send code without the computer.

All the Xiegu radios have the settings for speed, key mode, etc., which makes setting the radio to do CW pretty easy. One thing I noticed with Fldigi, when receiving CW, the radio needs to be in USB or LSB. This is different when using WSJT-X, where the radio has to be in U-D for any band. You can also use a Morse Code Key connected to the Key port on your radio while running Fldigi. This means I can receive and decode CW with Fldigi and manually send code with the keyer.

Now we get to the paddle. But first, let me explain that with a straight key, it is up to you to apply the spacing and lengths for the tones. This can be difficult for a novice like me. This is also why decoders have a hard time trying to decode CW coming from a novice who has not quite got the hang of timing and length. However, a paddle takes care of the length of the tone, so you only have to worry about the spacing of the letters and the words. In the radio’s settings, you can select either MAN for a straight key or Auto-L or Auto-R. Auto-L will have the left paddle be the dot and the right paddle be the dash. Auto-R is the reverse.

Now that I have said all that, let me tell you what I like about the VK-6 paddle. It has solid, well-built quality construction with all metal parts, with the exception of the paddles that are plastic.

It comes with a 3.5 mm cable to connect to your radio, and two hex wrenches for adjustment. I found that I did not need to make any adjustments to the paddle, and it works fine. There is also a two-page instruction sheet. Oh yes, and on the bottom there is a rubber-like pad that keeps it from slipping. Is there anything I don’t like about the Xiegu VK-6 paddle? No, it is a great investment and will look great in your shack. I highly recommend either the VK-6 or the VK-5. For now, I am relying on using a paddle like the VK-6. In the future, of course, I would like to get the hang of using a straight key like the Xiegu VK-5.