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Portable Ham Radio Toolkit & CW Trainer

VAIL SUMMIT

Estimated Price $80-90 USD

A self-contained ham radio companion with a 4-inch display, integrated 47-key keyboard, built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth 5. Practice CW with official training curricula, study for your license exams, check POTA spots in the field, monitor band conditions, key your radio, and log QSOs - all from one battery-powered device.

Open Source (Coming Soon) WiFi + Bluetooth Built-in Keyboard License Exam Prep POTA Spots CW Academy Radio Keying
Learn More Read Manual GitHub Coming Soon
Vail Summit - Portable ham radio toolkit and CW trainer

Project Timeline

Nov 2025
Alpha Testing
Alpha units in testing with early adopters
Jan 2026
Beta Testing
Beta / final production units in testing. Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org to purchase one and join the test group.
Mar 2026
Public Release
Firmware released as open source. Hardware available as kit or assembled.

Interested in getting a test unit at a discount? Currently shipping test units for $75 USD in the USA. Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org to place an order.

Built for Repairability

Designed with longevity in mind. No glue, no proprietary parts. When something breaks, you can fix it.

  • Screen replacement
  • Keyboard replacement
  • Battery replacement
  • Audio jack replacement
  • Standard screws throughout

Complete Ham Radio Toolkit

Everything you need for CW training, license study, and field operation

CW Training

Official CW Academy 4-track curriculum, Koch Method, Vail Master sending trainer, and adaptive practice with real-time decoder.

Explore Training →

License Exam Prep

Study for Technician, General, and Extra class exams with adaptive question pools and progress tracking.

Study Now →

Ham Tools

QSO logger with POTA/SOTA support, real-time POTA spots viewer, live band conditions and solar data, US HF band plans.

View Tools →

Games

Morse Shooter arcade game, Memory Chain, and Spark Watch maritime morse - learn while having fun.

Play Games →

Radio Integration

Key your radio via 3.5mm jack, 10 programmable CW memories, Vail Internet Repeater for worldwide CW practice.

Learn More →

Web Interface

Full dashboard, QSO logging with map, type text to send morse over radio, remote device control from any browser.

See Dashboard →

Training Modes

From beginner to expert, we have you covered

Official Curriculum

CW Academy

Complete implementation of the CW Academy's proven 4-track, 16-session training program. Progress from zero to advanced CW proficiency with structured lessons.

  • Beginner Track: Learn all 44 characters from scratch
  • Fundamental, Intermediate, and Advanced tracks
  • Copy Practice: Listen and type what you hear
  • Send Practice: Key what you see on screen
  • QSO Practice: Simulated on-air contacts
  • Progress saved automatically across sessions
Customizable

Hear It Type It

Five configurable training modes to sharpen your copy skills at any level. Practice what you need, when you need it.

  • Callsigns: Realistic amateur radio callsigns (W1ABC format)
  • Random Letters: Pure alphabet practice (A-Z)
  • Random Numbers: Number-only practice (0-9)
  • Letters + Numbers: Mixed alphanumeric groups
  • Custom Characters: Practice specific problem characters
  • Adjustable group length (3-10 characters)
Real-Time Feedback

Practice Oscillator

Full-featured practice oscillator with adaptive morse decoder that tracks your actual sending speed and provides instant feedback.

  • Adaptive WPM detection using weighted averaging
  • Real-time decoded text display
  • Supports straight key and iambic A/B modes
  • Adjustable tone frequency (400-1200 Hz)
  • Visual WPM comparison (configured vs actual)
  • 9 prosigns supported: AR, AS, BK, BT, CT, HH, SK, SN, SOS
Proven Method

Koch Method Training

Learn characters progressively using the proven Koch method. Start with just two characters and gradually add more as you achieve mastery.

  • Progressive character introduction (8 chars to full alphabet)
  • Customizable WPM and tone settings
  • Real-time accuracy feedback
  • Integrated with adaptive decoder
  • Track your progress over time
Sending Trainer

Vail Master

Master your CW sending with scored practice sessions. Compatible with Iambic Master scoring, track your problem characters and watch your skills improve over time.

  • ARRL Sprint: Contest-style character groups
  • ARRL Sweepstakes: Full exchange practice
  • Mixed Groups: Random character combinations
  • Free Practice: Unscored decoder mode
  • Problem character analytics and history tracking
  • Adaptive decoder matches your actual speed
Coming Soon

LICW Club Training Tracks

Long Island CW Club training curriculum coming soon. Learn with the proven LICW methodology, designed by experienced CW instructors to take you from beginner to proficient operator.

  • LICW Club curriculum integration
  • Structured lessons with progressive difficulty
  • Head copy training techniques
  • Coming in a future firmware update

Ham Radio License Exam Prep

Study for your Technician, General, or Extra class license anywhere

All Three Classes

FCC License Study Mode

Prepare for your amateur radio license exams with the complete FCC question pools. The adaptive study system prioritizes questions you struggle with, ensuring efficient study sessions.

  • Technician Class: Entry-level license questions
  • General Class: Upgrade to HF privileges
  • Extra Class: Full amateur privileges
  • Adaptive algorithm prioritizes weak areas
  • Progress tracking and statistics
  • Download question pools over WiFi
  • Study offline - perfect for travel

Ham Radio Tools

Essential field tools for the active operator

Field Logging

QSO Logger

Log contacts directly on the device or via the web interface. Built for portable operations with POTA and SOTA support.

  • Log QSOs on device with full keyboard
  • Callsign, frequency, RST, mode, notes
  • POTA park reference and SOTA summit fields
  • View and browse logged contacts
  • Statistics: Total QSOs, unique callsigns, bands
  • ADIF 3.1.4 and CSV export via web interface
  • Map visualization of contacts
Real-Time

POTA Spots Viewer

Find Parks On The Air activators in real-time. Essential for hunters and activators who want to know what's happening on the air right now.

  • Live spots from POTA API
  • Filter by band, mode, and region
  • Park reference lookup with grid squares
  • Auto-refresh for current activity
  • Detailed spot info (frequency, mode, activator)
  • Integrated with QSO logger for easy logging
Solar Data

Band Conditions & Propagation

Check current HF band conditions before you operate. Real-time solar and space weather data from hamqsl.com helps you pick the right band.

  • Solar Flux Index (SFI), A-index, K-index
  • X-ray classification and sunspot count
  • Solar wind speed and magnetic field data
  • HF band conditions (80m through 10m)
  • Day and night propagation forecasts
  • VHF phenomena: Aurora, E-skip, meteor scatter
Reference

US HF Band Plans

Quick reference for US amateur radio HF band allocations. Know exactly where you can operate based on your license class.

  • All HF amateur bands (160m - 10m)
  • Color-coded license class privileges
  • Technician, General, and Extra allocations
  • Mode allocations (CW, Phone, Data)
  • Overview and detailed views

Learn Through Play

Gamified training that makes practice addictive

Morse Shooter

Arcade Action Meets CW Training

Defend your town by keying morse code to shoot falling letters. Features an adaptive decoder that adjusts to your sending speed.

  • Arcade-style gameplay with scenery
  • Adaptive decoder matches your speed
  • Supports straight key and iambic paddle
  • Score tracking with high scores
  • In-game speed adjustments

Memory Chain

Simon Says with Morse Code

Test your memory and CW recognition by repeating increasingly long sequences of morse code characters.

  • Standard Mode: One mistake = game over
  • Practice Mode: 3 lives for learning
  • Timed Challenge: 60-second speed rounds
  • 3 difficulty levels (letters, mixed, prosigns)
  • Optional visual hints for beginners

Spark Watch

Maritime Morse Transcription Game

Step into history as a coastal wireless operator. Transcribe distress calls and maritime messages in this immersive morse code game inspired by the golden age of radio.

  • 5 difficulty levels (Easy to Master)
  • Historical challenges (Titanic, Republic, etc.)
  • Speed multipliers (0.5x to 2.0x)
  • Points-based scoring with penalties
  • Campaign mode with missions

Radio Integration

Connect to your ham radio station

Direct Connection

Radio Output Mode

Connect to any ham radio with a 3.5mm keying jack. Two operating modes cover all use cases for both practice and live operation.

Summit Keyer

Device handles all keying logic. Outputs clean straight key format to your radio.

Radio Keyer

Passthrough mode lets your radio's built-in keyer handle timing. Use radio's WPM.

  • Full iambic paddle support with squeeze keying
  • WPM adjustment (5-40 WPM)
  • GPIO outputs for radio keying
10 Presets

CW Memories

Store and recall your most-used CW messages. Perfect for contest exchanges, CQ calls, and standard sign-offs.

  • 10 memory slots with custom labels
  • Up to 100 characters per message
  • Prosign support (<AR>, <SK>, <BK>, etc.)
  • Preview on device speaker before sending
  • One-button send via radio output
  • Web interface for easy editing
Internet CW

Vail Internet Repeater

Practice CW with operators around the world via the Vail Morse Repeater. Connect to the internet-based morse repeater for real-time QSOs without needing a radio license or HF station.

  • Connect to vailmorse.com via WebSocket
  • Multiple virtual "channels" for different groups
  • Hear other operators in real-time
  • Use your paddle or touch keys to send
  • Active community of CW learners and Elmers
  • Perfect for newcomers to practice live QSOs

Web Interface

Full control from any browser

Browser-Based

Dashboard & Settings

Control everything from your browser at vail-summit.local or via direct IP. No app installation required.

Real-time battery and WiFi status
CW speed and tone adjustment
Volume control
Callsign configuration
System diagnostics
WiFi setup and scanning
Contact Logging

QSO Logger

Log contacts directly from the web interface with ADIF export for LoTW, QRZ, and club loggers.

  • Sortable, filterable contact table
  • Map visualization of today's contacts
  • ADIF 3.1.4 and CSV export formats
  • POTA/SOTA field support
  • Station settings (callsign, grid, POTA ref)
  • Statistics: Total QSOs, unique callsigns
Train Anywhere

Web Training Modes

Practice CW directly in your browser with audio playback and real-time feedback. Perfect for training on any device.

  • Web Practice Mode: Real-time decoding via browser
  • Web Hear It Type It: Browser plays morse, you type
  • Web Memory Chain: Play the memory game in your browser
  • WebSocket protocol for low-latency updates
  • Works with USB Vail Adapter for input
Remote Keying

Text-to-Morse Radio Control

Type any text in your browser and transmit it as morse code through your connected radio. Send CW without touching a key.

  • Type text in browser, transmit via radio
  • Also type directly on device keyboard
  • Perfect timing at your configured WPM
  • Prosign support for standard exchanges
  • Preview audio before transmitting
  • Queue messages for sequential sending
  • Great for rag-chewing and contesting
File Management

SD Card Storage

Manage files on the device's SD card directly from your browser. Upload, download, and organize your data without removing the card.

  • Browse files and folders
  • Upload files from computer
  • Download files to computer
  • View storage statistics
  • Export QSO logs to SD card
  • Backup and restore configurations

Bluetooth Connectivity

Wireless integration with computers and keyboards

BLE HID

Bluetooth Keyboard Mode

Turn your VAIL SUMMIT into a Bluetooth keyboard that sends paddle input to your computer. Perfect for MorseRunner, CW Trainer apps, and other software expecting keyboard input.

  • Emulates standard Bluetooth keyboard
  • Left/Right Ctrl for dit/dah (MorseRunner compatible)
  • Passthrough, Straight Key, Iambic A/B modes
  • Works with any BLE-capable computer or tablet
  • Full sidetone while sending
BLE MIDI

MIDI over Bluetooth

Bidirectional MIDI communication for advanced integration with Vail Repeater and MIDI-enabled morse tools on your computer.

  • Standard BLE MIDI protocol
  • Send keyed output as MIDI notes
  • Receive sidetone from computer
  • Control messages for speed, tone, keyer type
  • Compatible with Vail Adapter ecosystem
Keyboard Host

External Bluetooth Keyboard

Connect any Bluetooth keyboard to your VAIL SUMMIT for typing answers in training modes. Great for full-size keyboard practice or when you need a different input method.

  • Scan and pair Bluetooth keyboards
  • Works with standard BLE HID keyboards
  • Alternative to built-in CardKB
  • Paired device remembered
  • Automatic reconnection

Hardware

Built on proven, quality components

Display

  • 4.0" TFT LCD (ST7796S)
  • 480 x 320 pixels
  • Full color, landscape
  • LovyanGFX + LVGL rendering

Processor

  • ESP32-S3 (Adafruit Feather)
  • Dual-core 240 MHz
  • 2MB PSRAM, 4MB Flash
  • WiFi + Bluetooth 5

Input Methods

  • CardKB I2C keyboard
  • Iambic paddle jack (3.5mm)
  • Capacitive touch pads
  • Straight key support

Audio

  • MAX98357A I2S amplifier
  • Class-D, 3W output
  • Software volume control
  • High-quality sidetone

Power

  • LiPo battery powered
  • MAX17048 fuel gauge
  • USB-C charging
  • Deep sleep mode (~20uA)

Storage

  • SD card slot (FAT32)
  • SPIFFS for settings
  • QSO log persistence
  • Web file management
VAIL SUMMIT hardware components and layout

Modular by Design

Choose the configuration that fits your operating style

VAIL SUMMIT is designed with modularity at its core. Whether you need a compact portable setup for POTA activations or a full-featured desk station, the modular architecture adapts to your needs.

VAIL SUMMIT modular design - 3D model showing component layout

Standard Configuration

The classic setup with external paddle jack and CardKB keyboard. Perfect for desk operation and training at home.

Best for: Desk operation, home training

Built-in Touch Key

Integrated capacitive touch pads eliminate the need for external paddles. True all-in-one portable operation.

Best for: Portable, POTA/SOTA activations

Compact Configuration

Smaller battery, minimal case. Maximum portability for backpack portable setups and ultra-light activations.

Best for: Backpack portable, ultra-light

Extended Battery

Larger battery pack for all-day operation without charging. Ideal for field day events and extended activations.

Best for: Field day, extended activations

Expanding Possibilities

The modular architecture allows for future expansion. These modules are planned or in development:

GPS Module Real-time Clock Solar Charging Band Decoder External Amplifier 3D Printable Cases

Open Source Firmware

Coming Soon

The complete VAIL SUMMIT firmware will be open source on GitHub. Contribute features, fix bugs, customize for your needs, or learn from the codebase. Built by hams, for hams.

  • Full ESP32-S3 firmware source code
  • LVGL-based user interface
  • Arduino-compatible build system
  • Detailed documentation
  • Community contributions welcome
GitHub Coming Soon Join Discord

Open Hardware Design

All case designs will be available as STL files for 3D printing. Create your own configuration to match your exact needs, or share your designs with the community.

Interested in getting a test unit at a discount? Currently shipping test units for $75 USD in the USA. Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org to place an order.