The 'Mouse-Keyer'

The 'Mouse-Keyer'

from Wayne Gunnell, KB1JQX on April 10, 2012

The "Mouse-Keyer"

I have tried/built several keys and just wasn't satisfied with what I had found.

I tried several straight keys, single and double paddles but nothing felt right to me.

I was cleaning out a drawer and ran across and old computer mouse and while deciding if I wanted to keep it or toss it I found myself playing with the buttons. Right, right, right… left, left, left …right, right, right, I tossed it into the trash can amused at myself for clicking Morse code on a mouse. (Yeah I just got my technicians license and am now trying to learn Morse code)

Then it hit me - That felt right!

I disassembled the computer mouse and using the switches for the mouse right and left buttons I wired it for a CW keyer. It works great! Spending a lot of time on the computer, I am really comfortable with using a mouse so this was perfect for me. I have attached some photos of the device.

Enjoy, and please feel free to share this article and email me with any questions!

Momentary Contact Switches On the Mouse Board

The Wiring of the Switches. (I cut the traces on the board so no other components affected interfered the switches.)