Introducing the Spy Radio

- Learn and practice morse code - No need for an amateur radio operators licence - Send morse over the internet - Hone your morse skills with two way conversations and games - Simple to construct - Download the basic construction guide for free - Use the Novice and Koch channels for free

The SpyRadio is loosely modelled on the "Paraset" radio. The Paraset radio, designed at Wadham Hall, was a simple light weight portable radio that could be easily disguised in a small suitcase. It was used by the resistance and allied spies to transmit information back to the UK. I have used the Paraset radio as the basis for a replica, however the replica "SpyRadio" transmits over the internet instead of over the airwaves. For more information on the Paraset I would suggest you look at this site https://www.paraset.nl/. It contains a myriad of interesting information about the Paraset.

The SpyRadio is primarily a morse trainer and enables an operator to practice sending and receiving morse code in an interactive environment similar to broadcasting live on air however the messages are transmitted too and from a remote server on the internet. This allows the operator to gain the confidence using morse code before setting forth live on the airwaves.

The SpyRadio runs on a small inexpensive computer called a Raspberry Pi. There are various controls to manage audio volume, cw tone, words per minute and to select a channel. There are two additional switches that enable the morse code to be decoded on a small screen and also to enable display of the actual morse dots and dashes.

The SpyRadio transmits to a remote server which will respond with messages in morse code. The initial channel is called the "Novice" channel and the remote server will send individual lessons starting with AAAA and working up to full sentences. The SpyRadio operator responds to the lessons in morse code and the remote server will score the answer. When the operator reaches a score of 95% the remote server will send the next lesson.

A second channel, the "Koch" channel, uses the koch method of teaching morse using letter pairs sent in succession. The operator uses a screen keypad to type in the letters received and the SpyRadio scores each answer calculating an average score. When the average score exceeds 90% over 20 answers the SpyRadio sends a new letter pair.

Plans and basic construction notes to build a SpyRadio are free to download along with the software. In addition the novice and koch channels are also free to use as as many times as you require. The plans and construction notes will provide a competent electronics tinkerer with an enjoyable project, the components can be recycled when the SpyRadio is no longer required.

A more detailed set of plans including links to suppliers that I have used and templates for the radio to fit into an Ikea storage box can be purchased for a nominal fee. The money will be used to cover the cost of the server in Amsterdam.

I am working on further channels to teach operational procedure, play games and enable interactive communication all via morse code. I will charge a nominal fee to use these channels once they are operational. Again the money received will be used to cover the cost of the server.

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