HaliKey and MIDI keys

You can send CW on RHR with a real key. A small USB adapter turns your paddle or straight key into a MIDI device, the browser reads it directly, and the console times the dits and dahs and keys the station. No software to install, and it works on every station.

Two adapters are supported:

• The HaliKey MIDI, which implements the MoMIDI specification. MoMIDI carries the exact timing of each key closure, so your fist arrives intact.
• The CTR2-MIDI, whose key jack does the same job alongside its knob and buttons.

Both need Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Safari has no MIDI support.

Set up a HaliKey

1. Plug your paddle or key into the HaliKey, and the HaliKey into a USB port.
2. Open Tools → Integrations and choose HaliKey MIDI.
3. Check Enable HaliKey MIDI and allow the browser to use MIDI devices when it asks.
4. Under MIDI Device, pick HaliKey (recommended). Click Refresh if it is missing.
5. Decide who does the timing:
   • Use software keyer checked (paddles): the console's iambic keyer turns your paddle's dit and dah contacts into properly timed elements.
   • Use software keyer unchecked (straight key, bug or an external keyer): the key's closures are sent to the station exactly as you make them.

Key Status shows the dit, dah and key inputs light up as you press them, which is the quickest check that everything is connected.

Keyer settings

The same settings appear on the CTR2-MIDI tab.

Using it

Connect to a station and switch the radio to CW. Your key works alongside the console's type-ahead CW and macros. The sidetone comes from your computer, so it has no delay; the signal you hear on the station's monitor arrives a little later because it has travelled to the station and back.