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Portable Ham Radio Toolkit & CW Trainer

VAIL SUMMIT

Testing Phase Price $85 USD $95 USD once out of testing (late 2026)

A self-contained ham radio companion with a 4-inch display, integrated 47-key keyboard, built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth 5. Learn CW with the built-in course, study for your license exams, check POTA spots and satellite passes 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 Vail CW School 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
Now
Beta Testing
Beta / final production units in testing. Want to participate in the testing phase? Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org — test units are being sold for $85 USD.
Late 2026
Public Release
No specific date yet. Firmware released as open source. Hardware available as kit or assembled for $95 USD.

There's no specific release date yet, but if you'd like to participate in the testing phase, test units are being sold for $85 USD. Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org to place an order. Price will be $95 USD once out of the testing phase in late 2026.

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

Vail CW School takes you from your first two characters to copying real callsigns, with daily drills and a decoder that tracks your actual sending speed.

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 support, real-time POTA spots viewer, satellite pass predictions, live band conditions and solar data, US HF band plans.

View Tools →

Games

Five built-in games: Morse Shooter, Memory Chain, Spark Watch, Story Time, and CW Speeder. Practice that doesn't feel like practice.

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

Built-in Course

Vail CW School

A structured course that takes you from your first two characters all the way to copying real words and callsigns. Characters play at full speed with extra spacing between them, so you never pick up slow habits you have to unlearn later.

  • 12 modules covering letters, numbers, punctuation, common words, and callsigns
  • Learn a couple characters at a time, add more as you master them
  • Separate character speed and effective speed (Farnsworth timing)
  • Daily Practice drills that focus on your weakest characters
  • Copy Practice and Send Practice with live decoding
  • Progress saved automatically on the device
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, iambic A/B, and ultimatic 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
Record Yourself

Morse Notes

Hit record and key away. The Summit saves your sending so you can play it back later and hear how you actually sound on the air.

  • Record up to 5 minutes per note
  • Library holds up to 200 recordings
  • Play back any note on the device speaker
  • Average WPM shown for every recording
  • Download notes as WAV files from the web interface
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 support baked in.

  • Log QSOs on device with full keyboard
  • Callsign, frequency, RST, mode, notes
  • POTA park reference fields for you and the other station
  • 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)
Hands-Free Logging

POTA Recorder

Working a park? The recorder listens to your sending, decodes the exchange, and logs the contact for you. By the time you finish the QSO, it's already in the log.

  • Decodes your own keying in real time
  • Picks out callsigns and exchanges automatically
  • Contacts drop straight into the QSO logger
  • Set your callsign and park once at the start of an activation
Pass Predictions

Satellite Tracking

Full satellite pass prediction right on the device. Know when the next bird comes over the horizon before you even set up the antenna.

  • Track up to 160 amateur satellites
  • TLE data downloaded from Celestrak over WiFi
  • Transmitter frequencies from the SatNOGS database
  • Next 60 Minutes view for quick checks
  • Plan passes up to 72 hours ahead
  • Live azimuth and elevation during a pass
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

Story Time

Head Copy Training

Listen to short stories sent entirely in CW, then answer questions about what you heard. No pencil, no keyboard, just your ears. This is how you build real head copy.

  • Stories sent completely in morse
  • Comprehension quiz after each story
  • Multiple difficulty tiers
  • Progress tracking as you improve

CW Speeder

Speed Drills

Quick-fire drills that push your character recognition faster and faster. Short rounds make it easy to squeeze in a session whenever you have a few minutes.

  • Match dit-dah patterns under time pressure
  • Short rounds built for quick sessions
  • Watch your recognition speed climb

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
  • Built-in text chat alongside the CW
  • 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 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
  • Settings automatically backed up to SD

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

  • Runs on a standard LiPo pack
  • Battery fuel gauge (MAX17048 or LC709203F)
  • USB-C charging
  • Battery level on screen and web dashboard

Storage

  • SD card slot (FAT32)
  • Settings in flash with automatic SD backup
  • 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 modular. Set it up as a compact portable rig for POTA activations, a full-featured desk station, or anything in between.

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.

There's no specific release date yet, but if you'd like to participate in the testing phase, test units are being sold for $85 USD. Email ke9bos@pigletradio.org to place an order. Price will be $95 USD once out of the testing phase in late 2026.