CWMouse is printed in PLA material. Since mid-2025, I’ve been including in packaging a note with storage temperatures reminder.

PLA softens at 140F, which is easily exceeded in a locked vehicle (or Pelican case) in direct sun on a hot summer day.

#cwmouse #hamradio #3dprinting

I’m still producing CWMouse Iambic Keys based on mouse micro-switches and pivots supported by four ball bearing for exceptional precision and smoothness.

The process of on-boarding Amazon took much more time and patience than anticipated, and almost two months!!

Since I had to send out a large batch to get started, all my stock at this time is on Amazon. Until it mostly sells, I’m not motivated to make more, hence eBay may be out of stock for a while.

Do note that Amazon price is very competitive, as Prime members get free shipping!

I hope you try it and share a review with #cwmouse tag :) 73!

#cwmouse #hamradio #3dprinting

CWMouse is a precise, lightweight, micro-switch based and affordable Iambic CW Paddle.

In previous posts Refining CWMouse and Coverage and E-Commerce Changes, I explored design changes to ease assembly, keeping costs down and noted efforts to diversity Sales.

Below I share what worked, what didn’t and provide project updates.

#cwmouse #hamradio #3dprinting

Since Jan 2025 when I started CWMouse, I sold enough units to print and manufacture a number of batches. The reviews are good and folks are starting to post YouTube videos mentioning it! 😁

Now I’m exploring how to reduce my time needed to assemble CWMice and making them even more price competitive.

#hamradio #cwmouse #3dprinting

The filament spool roller on FLSUN SR 3d-printer (their base-model) is nothing more than a simple metal tray against which the spool will loudly overcome the friction and skid around.

During one cold evening I designed and printed a replacement roller using supplies I already had in my workshop.

#3dprinting #diy

Our family car has a roll-up trunk cover which protects its contents from prying eyes. The sliding mechanism relies on two pins, protruding from brackets in the cover, to slide forward and backward within the trunk.

Recently one of the pins broke and I replaced it with a 3d printed part.

#3dprinting #diy #cars

I’m making available my CWmouse iambic paddle for purchase.

I designed it for my own use as a lightweight, hand-held, portable paddle based on micro-switches. Use of these switches gives it a crisp action not unlike that of a mouse button or a mechanical keyboard.

I’m so happy with the final result, that I decided sell them.

For more information, high resolution pictures and to order one, visit cwmouse.com.

#hamradio #3dprinting #diy #cwmouse

#cwmorse aluminium #cw key feels great, but I’m not happy with missed symbols. I suspect it is sensitive to debris in contacts. I decided to design my own using #3dprinting . Four ball bearings for paddles, magnetic tension and top secret switching components :) I intend to make more of these if youtube key reviewers give it favorable feedback.It is designed for quick no post processing assembly. I learned a lot to go from “one time piece” to no-post processing.

#3dprinting #hamradio #cw #masto2hugo

My budget 3d printer is ready for duty. To me it is a tool and I expect reliable printing. Speed & finish are secondary, but it needs to make strong prints which are dimensionally accurate. #FLSun SR #upgrades to make it that: - Capricorn bowden tube - PEI magnetic build plate - upgraded fan shrouds (printed) - filament roller (printed) - LED lights (mounts printed) - tripod webcam adapter (printed) - #octoprint setup - lots of calibration and tuning

#3dprinting #diy #masto2hugo

Got my FLSun SR, set it up and now working on getting reliable, repeatable and very dimensionally correct prints. I’m using the Vector3D Califlower mk2 test print and calculator to adjust for dimensional accuracy. It is well worth the $13, see: https://vector3d.shop/products/califlower-calibration-tool-mk2 Given low price tag, I would say the only low point is rough spool holder which can be quickly corrected with this spool roller: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6856884 thingiverse.com/thing:6856884

#3dprinting #masto2hugo

Flsun Super Racer is on sale for $199 - I’ve been eyeing their products for a few years, but made do with my upgraded MP Mini Delta. I’m excited to be able to print larger models in one piece and directly via USB (MP has 8-bit processor and is too slow to receive on usb and print reliably - must use memory cards). #flsun #3dprinting #3dp #deals https://us.store.flsun3d.com/products/super-racer-sr

#3dprinting #masto2hugo

No more excuses, I’m starting my #qrplabs #qcx mini build tonight :) The remaining excuse WAS that my new #40m #efhw element and transformer were not tuned. I finally purchased a #nanovna -h and got below 1.2 VSWR in the center of #CW band :) Also used my efhw #3dp insulator to allow quick returning (design similar to tent guy lines lock). Out of curiosity I checked this ant on 10m but it was ~3. It will be easier to make a 10m than go for linked setup.

#3dprinting #hamradio #cw #masto2hugo

Got a fancy #cwmorse .us machined aluminum #cw key. Dual paddle, ball bearings, magnetic tension and base, and fully adjustable. Very precise and a big upgrade from the 3d printed #cwmorse unit. I started with their single 3dp paddle and added stronger springs but it didn’t feel consistent. This one DOES! Some downsides: loud contact clicks, need to hold horizontal due to heavy arms, can’t touch tension adjustment screw when operating. Rating it 8 while #3dp was 4.

#3dprinting #diy #hamradio #cw #masto2hugo

For safety, while flying in backcountry or in case of an emergency, I protect my head against Cessna A-pillar with a Team Wendy SAR Tactical helmet. Recently my old headset died and I upgraded to David Clarke One-X. I engineered a new 3d printed Peltor mount for ear cups. DC’s have great design, where I attached an adapter onto existing #4-40 post and bolted through it. PLA here works only in compression.

#3dprinting #motorcycles #aviation #diy #masto2hugo

https://hackaday.io/project/190258-lm317-radiator-case 12V to 36V input, 9V output regulator for ham radio use with handheld Kenwood TH20A in a car.

#diy #3dprinting #hamradio #masto2hugo