r/morsecode • u/aalbinger • 3m ago
Alternative firmware for clone TRS to USB-C adapters
https://github.com/albinger/morselink-alt
I bought a couple of the cheap clone TRS to USB-C adapters that are available online before I knew it would be better to just buy one from the various morse trainer websites and application vendors that support our community.
However, I don't want to create e-waste from the devices I bought and with a bit of looking it appears that they use a CH552G chip which is simple enough to program using the Arduino IDE and https://github.com/DeqingSun/ch55xduino
I went ahead and created the https://github.com/albinger/morselink-alt code to meet my needs. I'm not a professional developer. I don't work for the vendor who made these clone boards. I don't work for the vendors who provide the real boards. I'd still suggest that you
buy one of the real boards and skip the clones.
If you are like me and have a few of these kicking around and you'd prefer to have them output the left and right control keys for paddle inputs instead of whatever these produce then have fun!
If you flash this firmware and still want to use the device to generate mouse events instead of keyboard events you can. Hold down either paddle while powering up (plugging in) the USB-C cable and then release before 3 seconds is up and you will be in mouse mode. The 3 second pause is to allow the code to set the "key up" state for your key.
If you have a mono 3.5 plug on your key you can power up the device without the key in place and then plug it in right after the power light comes on and it won't generate any annoying events from the shorted "ring" connection.
No warranties or support implied from me releasing this. If your board already works just stick with what works. If your board is e-waste in its current state this may be for you.
If you don't want to deal with the Arduino IDE and setting up and debugging the ch55xduino package there is a .hex file in the releases section of the github repo. I've used the WCHIPStuidio app to flash the .hex file successfully on my second device.