Using a Raspberry Pi Pico to Convert Keyboard Input to Morse Code

Ever fancied sending a message via Morse code, but the process of working out the dots and dashes to translate your text seems daunting? To make life easier, Katie decided to design a machine that’ll convert the text you type into Morse code in an audible and visual form! The project sits within a portable Raspberry Pi keyboard, too, so it travels well.
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#0:00 Welcome to element14 presents
#0:25 Overview
#1:06 Components
#3:00 Code and Testing
#10:39 Build It!
#13:41 The Reveal!
#14:53 Give your Feedback
#morsecode #raspberrypi #raspberrypiprojects #raspberrypipico

[@Hacker-at-Large]

Typically, ham operators recommend recommend playing characters at the 20 words-per-minute rate, and leaving the inter-character and inter-word spacing at the rate you’re trying to learn (5 wpm for example). This makes increasing your speed at a later time a lot easier.

[@W4EMB]

A 20 wpm with a 5 wpm spacing makes getting on the Air incredibly difficult. One should learn their letters and keep the wpm and get rid of the Farnsworth.

[@maurolimaok]

Nice! will save to watch later. Thanks for the video.

[@av7985]

14:30-14:52 sounds like no pauses between letters (pause time = three dots) 73!

[@randbasic]

Katie! Thank you for a great tutorial! You always have such great projects. Can’t wait to see your next creation!

[@awo1fman]

It would be cool to have a decoder to go with it. This is a really neat project, and it's a prototype but looks like a production device. Kudos!

[@bulldogavenue]

I am learning Morse now. Thanks for the video!

[@dosgos]

Katie always picks interesting projects. Your thought and teaching processes are world-class. Keep up the great work.

[@DrewKane]

Very cool project idea, Katie!

[@AmRadPodcast]

I'm in the middle of trying to learn morse code (ham radio). So now I don't have to? Excellent!

[@bsheldon2000]

As it is virtually impossible to type on a smartphone virtual keyboard without eye sight, a morse keyboard with only two buttons, dot and dash, has been used by some as an input method. I had a renewed interest in morse code when I initially discovered I may lose portions of my eye sight. In my case, injections have allowed me to still retain mist of my vision so far. I am still however learning morse code, both as an option if my eye sight deteriorates and more so because of the geek in me. Plus I was always a touch typist, so it would be cool to be able to type without looking at a keyboard.

[@CMM1215]

Love this project!! A fun toy for sure!!

[@1biblista]

Thank you for this informative and educational video!

[@justovision]

Nice! The pico is very tolerant for power so a basic lipo charger and a battery would be a great addition I think (don't even need a boost) and adding a haptic motor, or just a piezo attached to the top shell might be fun too. I hope you do a follow up.

[@Gilesone1989]

That's original! I like the "artistic" retro spirit of this project.

[@kevinshumaker3753]

Ham Radio still does Morse Code, but isn't required for Technician Class any more. Most 'commercial' and 'First Responder' transmitters in the US use Morse Code for station identification. Back in my Timex Sinclair 1000 days I wrote a keyboard to Morse Code program in Assembly. With the RPis I've been trying to find a program that decodes Morse to Alpha reliably. KD9EFV 73

[@snax_4820]

Looks good!

[@wherami]

Great idea!

[@TheIronHeadRat]

That’s great, thanks 👍

[@Ajtech369]

Yes here in the USA there are some who use Morse code like the military, while I was in the Air Force I had to learn Morse code but since I had already learned it in high school. Although it's been years since I have needed it, it is fun to say S O S in Morse code. 😂😁

[@N4HAY]

Yes my call N4HAY. Morse code (cw) is still enjoyed by many radio amateurs worldwide. I chat with friends most mornings on cw before starting my day. It is a skill worth learning IMHO.

[@salmantechnologies282]

Hello Can We use the pi pico as both host and device and than print the on Serial port key presses

[@seanchallenge]

Awesome video

[@Workshopshed]

I recently found a Dev board that when you bricked it, it flashed SOS in Morse on a LED. Can't remember which but there is a blog about it on the E14 community

[@ChrisLocke1969]

hint: usb splitter ;) Another great video, Katie, I look forward to your next

[@EverettVinzant]

Amateur Radio Operator. Yes, still use Morse Code though it’s no longer a requirement for some licenses in the US. wn7ant 73

[@timgivney]

Rad project!

[@belgiangeek2671]

Is it still possible to reprogram the pico (e.g. to install updates to make the morse speed much faster ) or is the USB of the pico blocked because it is used the keyboard

[@alexanderstohle]

Cool!

[@somethingnonsense5389]

as always, a fun project! If i may add one thing to it: why not add a jack plug on the back attached to a gpio (or indirectly via a transistor) where you repeat the same morse code and you can attach other things!

[@jr4062]

I think you should make a second one to keep for yourself, and donate the other to the museum, but after you expand it to wireless communications, which I think you and the museum will appreciate even more.

[@madmax2069]

While I don't use Morse, many Hams do, and many people getting into Ham radio wanting to learn.

[@patkelley8293]

It would be nice to have an app that translates Morse code. Why? I don't have a reason yet.

[@georgef7754]

Great project. How about a decoder for the next project?

[@Parky2712]

I work in the merchant navy and we still use Morse code by flashing light

[@sotecluxan4221]

🤣🤣🤣