Ham Radio Solutions is pleased to offer CW Hotline, a WiFi connected CW tool. CW Hotline was designed to provide a way to key a remote radio station in CW mode, but can be also used as a private Morse code link to friends. Think “The Bat Phone” for CW. It is available with either a built in straight key or paddles, or neither if only external keys will be used. Once it is configured with the local WiFi information, just power up, it will link with selected peers and be ready to send and receive.
CW Hotline is only compatible with 2.5GHz WiFi. 5GHz WiFi is not supported. CW Hotline only supports WPA2 WiFi encryption. WPA3 is not supported. To use CW Hotline on an iPhone Personal Hotspot, enable "Maximize Compatibility".
June 4, 2025 - We have recently made some improvements to CW Hotline.
- CW Hotline firmware version 1.00 or later can now communicate with any VBand channel.
- Note that CW Hotlines running firmware version 1.00 or later will not be able to communicate with other CW Hotlines running firmware before version 1.00
- The server for the CW Hotline firmware versions before 1.00 may be shut down in the future. We recommend all users update to firmware version 1.00 or later.
- Please share any comments on our Discord Server.
To update firmware or settings, use the Connect tab above.
CW Hotline features include:
- A remote CW station keying solution with low latency (2 units required)
- A dedicated Morse code channel for remote friends to communicate and practice
- A stand alone Iambic keyer with built in paddles
- A code practice oscillator with built in straight key
- Jacks for external key or paddles, amplified sidetone speaker, and transmitter keying
- LED indication of link status and keying
- CW Hotline reproduces the timing and “fist” of the sender
- Compatible with VBand Internet CW website and can remove all local latency
- Settings adjustable via WiFi or serial
- Powered via 5V Micro USB cable
- Available as a simple kit with all through-hole components, a mostly built kit, or assembled and tested.
CW Hotline Assembly Manual v0.6
(Current)
CW Hotline Assembly Manual v0.51
CW Hotline User Manual
If the CW Hotline does not appear as a COM port under Windows,
Download the CH341SER.v3.7.zip driver.
You can join us, along with many other users, on our Discord Server.
Check out the Feb 2023 QST article on CW Hotline.
Check out the YouTube videos about CW Hotline from Red Summit RF & HAM Radio For Non-Techies
Buy CW Hotline
CW Hotline kits are available in 2 assembly styles. See assembly manual for details.
- Kit Style B - with a blank PCB, and all through hole components. For those that want a full kit building experience.
- Kit Style C - with a partially assembled PCB. You just need to add the ESP8266 module, 2 LEDs, a button and speaker, and optional iambic paddles. For those who prefer an easier assembly.
All CW Hotlines come with a pre-cut case. When ordering a kit, specify if you prefer a built-in iambic paddles, or to only use an external key. The pre-cut case is different for each choice. Kits no longer include the built in straight key option, but the built CW Hotline can be ordered with a straight key.
Choose US or international shipping. International shipping includes CA, EU, UK, IN, MX, JP, PH, and AU. All other shipping destinations please contact us before ordering.
| Kit $50 USD + shipping | Built and Tested $100 USD + shipping |
|---|---|