The SMART Keyboard consists of a Graphical User Interface or GUI which runs in the Windows environment on a PC and an Interface Unit which is connected between the PC and the transmitter or transceiver. Unlike many keyboard programs, the SMART Keyboard Interface unit connects to the PC via the USB port. The program runs on all versions beginning with Windows 98. Two GUI programs are available, the original SMART Keyboard program and the Key-n-Log program. The first is only a keyboard program. The latter is both integrated keyboard and logging program. The Key-n-Log program is highly recommended because it has all the capabilities of the original keyboard program was well as a very capable logging program.

Interface Unit

The SMART Keyboard Interface Unit is actually a complete electronic keyer which communicates with a host computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) link. The electronic keyer is not fully functional without the host computer because the information necessary to control the keyer's speed and timing comes from the computer via the USB link. When the computer is running the SMART Keyboard program, the host computer and the interface unit together provide a CW keyboard as well as a traditional keyer which responds to paddle inputs as well.

An article authored by N4YG on the SMART Keyboard appeared in QST July 2007. Click here to view the article entitled "The SMART Keyboard".


The hardware for the SMART Keyboard Interface Unit is quite easy to build with the parts kit which includes everything you need complete the project. Click here to request information on the parts kit.