PyKeyer

A CW contest keyer and logger in written Python.

Also can be used as a sending and receiving CW trainer.

Background

Over the years, a number of very good logging programs have been developed. The most popular of these today is the N1MM logger. Unfortunately, this is a Windoz-only application and is very difficult to get working under linux. My experience with the other options available for linux are either not being actively maintained and/or are too bloated and/or lacking to be useful for contesting. Hence, the development of yet another keying/logging program.

Features

• Macros and data entry are focused on contest exchanges.
• Basic support for dx, ragchew and satellite contact is also provided.
• Large text used for data entry fields
• Rig can be interface via direct, flrig or hamlib connections
• Rig keying (via DTR) generated either internally or by NanoIO keyer (much more precise)
• Logging uses standard ADIF format
• Optional sidetone generation
• Practice mode for each supported contest
• Variety of text generation facilities for practicing with keyer paddles.
• ...

Installation under Linux:

1. Uses python3 and tkinter
2. Clone gitub pyKeyer, libs and data repositories
   • cd
   • mkdir Python
   • cd Python
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/pyKeyer
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/libs
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/data
3. Install packages needed for pyKeyer:
   • cd ~/Python/pyKeyer
   • pip3 install -r requirements.txt
4. Make sure its executable:
   • chmod +x pyKeyer.py start start_cw
5. Set PYTHON PATH so os can find libraries:
   • Under tcsh: setenv PYTHONPATH $HOME/Python/libs
   • Under bash: export PYTHONPATH="$HOME/Python/libs"
6. Bombs away:
   • ./pyKeyer.py
   • See also start and start_cw for examples how to run this thing

Installation under Mini-conda:

0. Good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23aQdrS58e0&t=552s

1. Point browser to https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html

2. Download and install latest & greatest Mini-conda for your particular OS:

   • I used the bash installer for linux

   • As of July 2023: Conda 23.5.2 Python 3.11.3 released July 13, 2023

   • cd ~/Downloads

   • bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

   • Follow the prompts

   • If you'd prefer that conda's base environment not be activated on startup, set the auto_activate_base parameter to false:

     conda config --set auto_activate_base false

   • To get it to work under tcsh:

     • bash
     • conda init tcsh
     • This creates ~/.tcshrc - move its contents to .cshrc if need be
     • relaunch tcsh and all should be fine!
     • Test with:
       • conda list

   • To blow away a work environment and start over:

     • conda deactivate
     • conda remove -n work --all

3. Create a working enviroment for ham radio stuff:

   • Check which python version we have:

     • conda list

   • conda create --name aa2il python=3.11

   • To activate this environment, use:

     • conda activate aa2il

   • To deactivate an active environment, use:

     • conda deactivate

   • conda env list

   • conda activate aa2il

4. Clone gitub pyKeyer, libs and data repositories:

   • cd
   • mkdir Python
   • cd Python
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/pyKeyer
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/libs
   • git clone https://github.com/aa2il/data

5. Install packages needed by pyKeyer:

   • cd ~/Python/pyKeyer
   • pip3 install -r requirements.txt

6. Set PYTHON PATH so os can find libraries:

   • Under tcsh: setenv PYTHONPATH $HOME/Python/libs
   • Under bash: export PYTHONPATH="$HOME/Python/libs"

7. To run pyKeyer, we need to specify python interpreter so it doesn't run in the default system environment:

   • cd ~/Python/pyKeyer
   • conda activate aa2il
   • python pyKeyer.py

8. Fonts look awful - this seems to be a long-known issue with conda.

   • The ugly fix is replace the offending library in conda:
     • cd ~/miniconda3/envs/aa2il/lib/
     • mv libtk8.6.so libtk8.6.sav
     • ln -s usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libtk8.6.so .
   • This is not a good solution but the best I've found so far

9. Known issues using this (as of July 2023):

   • Fonts look awful - need a better fix than step 8 above

Installation for Windoz:

1. Best bet is to use mini-conda and follow the instructions above.
2. There is an older compiled binary/installer listed on the right panel of this screen. If you want/need a more recent binary, email me or follow the steps in windoz.bat to build it from the source.