Vail Summit User Manual

1. Power on: Flip the power switch on the top-left edge of the device. The screen will display the Vail Summit logo and boot to the main menu.
2. Navigate menus: Use the arrow keys on the CardKB keyboard to move through menu options. Press ENTER to select, ESC to go back.
3. Choose a mode: Scroll to your desired mode (we recommend Practice Mode for beginners) and press ENTER.
4. Start practicing: Connect your paddle to the middle 3.5mm jack on the right side, or use the built-in capacitive touch pads on the CardKB.

WiFi is optional but enables web interface access, POTA spots, band conditions, and firmware updates.

1. From the main menu, select Settings → WiFi Setup
2. Select Scan Networks to see available networks
3. Choose your network and enter the password using the keyboard
4. Once connected, the device will display its IP address

• Practice Mode: Best starting point. Use your paddle or capacitive touch to send CW with instant audio feedback and decoded text display.
• Set your WPM: Go to Settings → CW Settings to adjust your speed (5-40 WPM).
• Try CW Academy: If you're learning CW, the built-in CW Academy curriculum guides you through structured lessons.
• Play Morse Shooter: A fun way to practice recognition - key the correct character before it reaches the ground!

• CW Training: Official CW Academy curriculum, Koch Method, Hear It Type It, and Vail Master sending trainer
• Games: Morse Shooter, Memory Chain, Spark Watch - learn while having fun
• License Exam Prep: Study for Technician, General, and Extra class exams
• Ham Tools: QSO logger, POTA spots viewer, band conditions, HF band plans
• Radio Integration: Key your radio directly, 10 programmable CW memories, Vail Internet Repeater
• Web Interface: Full dashboard, remote control, QSO logging with map visualization
• Bluetooth: HID keyboard mode and MIDI mode for external applications
• Adaptive Decoder: Real-time morse decoding that adjusts to your sending speed

1. Charge the device (if battery installed) using the USB-C port, or operate while connected to USB power.
2. Power on using the switch on the top-left edge.
3. Set your callsign: Go to Settings → Callsign to enter your amateur radio callsign (used for QSO logging and CW memories).
4. Configure WiFi (optional): Settings → WiFi Setup to connect to your network.
5. Adjust CW settings: Settings → CW Settings to set your preferred WPM, tone frequency, and key type.

The Summit supports two WiFi operating modes:

Station Mode (Default)

Connects to your existing WiFi network. This is the normal operating mode that provides internet access for POTA spots, band conditions, and the Vail Repeater.

Access Point Mode

Creates its own WiFi network when no known networks are available:

• Network Name: VAIL-SUMMIT-XXXXXX (where X is unique to your device)
• Password: vailsummit
• IP Address: 192.168.4.1

AP mode is useful for accessing the web interface when away from your home network, such as during portable operations.

A full-featured practice oscillator with real-time feedback. This is the ideal mode for daily practice and warm-up.

• Sidetone: Configurable audio feedback (400-1200 Hz)
• Adaptive Decoder: Real-time WPM detection using weighted averaging
• Decoded Text: See your CW displayed on screen as you send
• Key Types: Supports straight key, iambic A, and iambic B
• Prosigns: Recognizes AR, AS, BK, BT, CT, HH, SK, SN, SOS

Official CW Academy curriculum with four progressive tracks and 16 sessions each:

• Beginner Track: Learn all 44 characters from scratch
• Fundamental Track: Build speed and accuracy
• Intermediate Track: Improve head copy skills
• Advanced Track: High-speed operation

Practice Types

• Copy Practice: Listen and type what you hear (10 rounds)
• Send Practice: Key what you see on screen
• QSO Practice: Simulated on-air contacts

Note: Sessions 1-10 focus on copy practice only. Sessions 11+ unlock all practice types.

Five configurable training modes to sharpen your copy skills:

• Callsigns: Realistic amateur 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 you define

Adjustable group length from 3-10 characters per group.

The proven Koch method for learning CW progressively:

• Start with just 2 characters and add more as you achieve mastery
• Progress from 8 characters to the full alphabet
• Customizable WPM and tone settings
• Real-time accuracy feedback

Sending trainer with scored practice sessions, compatible with Iambic Master scoring:

• ARRL Sprint: Contest-style character groups
• ARRL Sweepstakes: Full exchange practice
• Mixed Groups: Random character combinations
• Free Practice: Unscored decoder mode

Tracks problem characters and displays analytics to help you improve.

Study for your amateur radio license exams with the complete FCC question pools:

• Technician Class: Entry-level license
• General Class: Upgrade to HF privileges
• Extra Class: Full amateur privileges

The adaptive study system prioritizes questions you struggle with. Download question pools over WiFi and study offline anywhere.

Arcade-style game where you defend your town by keying morse code to shoot falling letters.

• Letters fall from the sky - key the correct character to destroy them
• Adaptive decoder matches your actual sending speed
• Supports both straight key and iambic paddle
• Score tracking with persistent high scores
• Adjust speed during gameplay

Simon Says-style game testing your memory and CW recognition:

• Standard Mode: One mistake ends the game
• Practice Mode: 3 lives for learning
• Timed Challenge: 60-second speed rounds

Three difficulty levels: letters only, mixed alphanumeric, and prosigns. Optional visual hints for beginners.

Maritime morse transcription game inspired by the golden age of radio:

• Step into history as a coastal wireless operator
• Transcribe distress calls and maritime messages
• 5 difficulty levels (Easy to Master)
• Historical challenges featuring famous incidents (Titanic, Republic, etc.)
• Speed multipliers (0.5x to 2.0x)
• Campaign mode with missions

Log contacts directly on the device or via the web interface:

• Full logging fields: Callsign, frequency, RST, mode, notes
• POTA park reference and SOTA summit fields
• View and browse logged contacts
• Statistics: Total QSOs, unique callsigns, bands used
• Export to ADIF 3.1.4 or CSV via web interface
• Map visualization showing contact locations

Real-time Parks On The Air spot viewer (requires WiFi):

• 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)

Check current HF propagation before operating:

• 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

Data sourced from hamqsl.com.

Quick reference for US amateur radio HF allocations:

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

Connect to any radio with a 3.5mm keying jack using the bottom port on the right side.

Summit Keyer Mode

The Summit handles all keying logic and timing. Outputs clean straight-key format to your radio, regardless of whether you're using a paddle or straight key.

Radio Keyer Mode

Passthrough mode that sends paddle signals directly to your radio. Your radio's built-in keyer handles timing - use this when you prefer your radio's keyer settings.

• Full iambic paddle support with squeeze keying
• WPM adjustment (5-40 WPM) in Summit Keyer mode
• GPIO outputs for direct radio keying

Store and recall your most-used CW messages:

• 10 memory slots with custom labels (up to 15 characters)
• Up to 100 characters per message
• Prosign support: <AR>, <SK>, <BK>, etc.
• Preview on device speaker before sending
• One-button send via radio output
• Edit via web interface for easier typing

Perfect for contest exchanges, CQ calls, and standard sign-offs.

Practice CW with operators around the world without needing a radio license or HF station:

• Connects to vailmorse.com via WebSocket
• Multiple virtual "channels" for different groups
• Hear other operators in real-time
• Use your paddle or capacitive touch to send
• Active community of CW learners and Elmers

Requires WiFi connection.

BT HID (Keyboard Mode)

The Summit appears as a Bluetooth keyboard. Your paddle input is converted to keyboard keystrokes, compatible with apps like VBand and other CW software.

BT MIDI

Bluetooth MIDI mode for compatibility with MIDI-based CW applications.

Once connected to WiFi, access the web interface at:

• mDNS: http://vail-summit.local
• IP Address: Displayed on screen after WiFi connection

The dashboard shows status cards for battery level, WiFi signal, QSO count, and more.

Full-featured logging interface with features beyond the device screen:

• Sortable columns and real-time search/filter
• Map visualization showing contact locations (Maidenhead grid squares)
• Export to ADIF 3.1.4 or CSV format
• Statistics dashboard

Several training modes can be used via the web interface:

• Web Practice: Real-time practice with WebSocket connection
• Web Memory Chain: Play Memory Chain from your browser
• Web Hear It Type It: Browser generates audio for training

The web interface provides access to:

• WiFi configuration
• CW settings (WPM, tone, key type)
• Radio mode settings
• CW memory editing
• System information and diagnostics

Connect your paddle to the middle 3.5mm jack on the right side of the device.

• Wiring: Standard TRS connector (Tip = DIT, Ring = DAH, Sleeve = Ground)
• Pull-up: Internal pull-ups enabled, active LOW

The CardKB keyboard includes built-in capacitive touch pads:

• Located on either side of the space bar area
• Left pad = DIT, Right pad = DAH
• No external paddle required for basic practice

The Summit supports three keying modes (configurable in Settings → CW Settings):

Straight Key

Simple on/off keying. The device generates the sidetone for exactly as long as you hold the key down.

Iambic A

Alternating priority with element memory. When you squeeze both paddles, the keyer alternates between DIT and DAH, stopping at the end of the element being sent when you release.

Iambic B

Last-contact priority (full squeeze keying). Similar to Iambic A, but if you release during an element, the keyer will complete one additional alternate element.

The CardKB mini keyboard provides full alphanumeric input for:

• Answering training questions
• Entering callsigns and settings
• QSO logging
• CW memory editing
• WiFi password entry

Adjust the audio output volume from 0-100%. Uses software attenuation to prevent distortion.

Enter your amateur radio callsign. This is used for:

• QSO logging (your station)
• CW memory macros
• Web interface identification

• Scan Networks: View available WiFi networks
• Saved Networks: Up to 3 networks can be saved
• AP Mode: Create a local access point when no networks available
• Connection Status: View IP address and signal strength

The Summit includes a sophisticated morse decoder ported from the morse-pro JavaScript library:

• Real-time WPM detection using weighted averaging
• 30-sample circular buffer for timing analysis
• Automatic character gap detection (7-dit word gaps)
• Works with both straight key and iambic input

The SD card slot accepts FAT32 formatted cards up to 32GB:

• License exam question pools
• QSO log backups
• Firmware update files

The Summit uses PARIS standard timing:

Example at 20 WPM: DIT = 60ms, DAH = 180ms

• Can't find network: Ensure your network is 2.4GHz (5GHz not supported)
• Connection drops: Move closer to your router; check for interference
• Wrong password: Passwords are case-sensitive; re-enter carefully
• Can't access web interface: Try the IP address instead of vail-summit.local

• No sidetone: Check volume setting; ensure headphones are fully inserted
• Distorted audio: Lower the volume; audio may clip at high levels
• Glitchy sound: Audio-critical modes disable display updates to prevent glitches; this is normal

• Key not responding: Ensure cable is fully inserted in the middle port (not top or bottom)
• DIT/DAH reversed: Some paddles use reversed wiring; try swapping connections or use a stereo cable adapter
• Erratic behavior: Check for loose connections; try a different cable

• Screen frozen: Some modes pause display updates during audio to prevent glitches
• Blank screen: Try power cycling; ensure battery is charged

• Device unresponsive: Power cycle using the switch on top
• Settings not saving: Ensure you're exiting menus properly with ESC
• Firmware issues: Check for updates at update.vailadapter.com