This uses an arduino device as a keyboard emulator. Owing to the types of USB interfaces only the 32u4 and SAMD based boards (Leonardo, Esplora, Zero, Due and MKR Family) will work as a native Mouse and/or Keyboard to a connected computer.
This is reported to work well on Vail as well as VBand
Compile the code in Arduino IDE and upload to your arduino
note: The code must sit in the same named folder ( change the folder name after download or move to sketchbook in a new folder. (version 2+ of Arduino does not seem to care so much )
note2 you may need to download library Tools->Manage Libraries... then search and add "Keyboard.h" ( HID required too but may be included anyway ).
note3 Make sure you set the board to a 32u4 or SAMD based board otherwise the compile will fail since the Keyboard object will not be defined ( not supported by the board).
note4 Make sure you also set the board to 3V/5V 8MHZ/16MHz as required. I managed to brick my Arduino Pro Micro by having the wrong type. I did however manage to resurrect the device by re-installing the bootloader using a Nano as ISP. See here for how to do this: https://www.instructables.com/Burn-Bootloader-Arduino-Nano-As-ISP-to-Pro-Micro/ Note that there is an easier way to do this by hitting reset twice quickly ( need to use shorting wire on mini as no reset button ) and you have 8 seconds to load your software correctly. As my Arduino does not do this fast enough ( compile/upload ) I ended up selecting upload and waiting to double-reset just before the IDE started the upload ( takes a bit of timing ).
Connect a lead to your paddle with the following:
Paddle Arduino
---------------------------
Ground Ground Pin
Dit Pin 2
Dah Pin 3
I use PIN 2,3 here as they are next to ground PIN on some boards so makes for easy wiring.
Then connect the arduino device to your computer USB port. Most computers will recognise it as a HID/Keyboard device.
Note the pins can be configured in the code. It the DIT and DAH are the wrong way around - change the connection or change the code.
The new Version I take portable with laptop and mini-key.... The glue is just used to take strain on connectors.
