YOTA SUMMER CAMP 2025 - Paris

At the YOTA (Youngsters On The Air) Summer Camp 2025 in Jambville, we're giving young radio enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve into the world of Morse code with a practical, hands-on project: building their own Winkeyer.

What is a Winkeyer?

• A Winkeyer is an electronic keyer that helps radio operators send Morse code with precision and ease. It's a vital tool for those interested in CW (Continuous Wave) communication.

Why this project?

We believe that learning by doing is the most effective way to spark interest in amateur radio. Building a Winkeyer from a kit allows participants to:

• Gain practical experience in electronics assembly.
• Understand the inner workings of a key component in ham radio.
• Develop their soldering and problem-solving skills.
• Experience the satisfaction of creating a functional device.

This project is perfect for the YOTA camp, as it combines technical education with the fun of building something useful.

How it works:

• Participants will work through a step-by-step process, assembling electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB).
• They'll learn to identify resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other components.
• Through the process they will learn soldering techniques, and how to read electronic schematics.
• Once assembled, the Winkeyer can be connected to a ham radio, allowing them to send Morse code with paddles.
• Having PCB's supplied by PCBWay would be a huge help in the success of this workshop.

Educational Impact:

This project goes beyond simply building a device. It's about:

• Introducing young people to the fundamentals of electronics.
• Encouraging them to explore the technical side of amateur radio.
• Fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.

By the end of the workshop, participants will not only have a working Winkeyer but also a deeper understanding of electronics and CW communication.

Video from the 2023 Camp in Hungary