A Handheld Vibrational Device Delivering CW to Hearing-Impaired Individuals
There are many students in our club over the age of 50 that have various hearing impairments. Through the hard and dedicated work of an LICW committee which made an initial haptic prototype, then improved by Bob WO6W, we now have a patent pending effective vibrational CW decoding device. This device is now being made available to LICW membership and the public. This will also be an interesting aid for those with good hearing because feeling the code creates alternate white matter pathways to the mind which can aid in one’s CW learning curve. Further information can be provided by contacting: info@longislandcwclub.org.
LICW Good Vibrations Haptic CW Decoder Testimonials
For over 50 years I was a professional Morse operator, but now I’m unsure of my hearing and trusting what I’m hearing. I have a new sudden hearing loss because of an infection in my ear. I discovered that the haptic device’s LED’s confirm that the sensory input is getting through to me correctly! I see four dots then a dash accurately. I didn’t trust my hearing because it’s now damaged, but with all the vibrations and lights, I can confirm that I’m accurately hearing Morse correctly at 60 WPM which is very useful to me. Now I am able to start trusting my newly damaged hearing. Sometimes just the vibrations are difficult to read, it’s like I think the code is a slur, but with the LEDs lighting crisply, I see the precision of the dots and trust my perceptions of the vibrations. I highly recommend this device and once I know what it can do, I wouldn’t be without one. It makes Morse on radio a multisensory experience and I love this.
I would like to state my exposure and experience testing and using the haptic training device as a new beginner and struggling on my journey in CW.
After a couple weeks of using and adjusting the unit I have found that in my case the vibration and light indicators have been extremely useful to me since my hearing is less than adequate when perceiving the Dots & Dashes. In my opinion it has been an excellent product that can aid me and those with varying degrees of hearing degradation etc. Feeling the vibrations, seeing the lights, and hearing the audible sounds has been a significant advantage in my struggling due to hearing impairment when trying to discern the characters/words.
I have invested significantly in radio equipment for CW so as I use this device it falls in line with all my other associated radio gear to get enjoyment from this hobby. “THANK YOU LICW” and all those designers and innovators who are providing tools/equipment to expand the CW for all.
The haptic device is awesome for those of us with hearing loss. You can feel the code through the shaker and see the code through the LEDs. I believe that this will help fill in what you can’t hear. It’s extra sensory input to help you learn code.
“The mark of any good assistive technology device is that in short order, it becomes an extension of the user, without changing normal activities”
This device has been a Godsend to me in my long quest to be able to learn and use Morse Code effectively. I have both auditory perception issues as well as dyslexia since I was a child. Within approximately 45 minutes of receiving the device, I was able to incorporate it in both my off-line study and my on-air Morse Code decoding practice.
I am an IT Professional and have worked in hospitals, schools, and other facilities that provide care and learning for over 30 years. I can say without reservation that to date, this is one of the best, easily portable, most functional assistive technology devices that I have ever encountered in my long professional career.
As you are looking at this device for its assistive learning potential, please do not hesitate to acquire it for yourself, it is without a doubt the best money that you will spend as you pursue your CW learning activities.
It’s been a year since I started to use the Haptic Device, which is a “mainstay” in my shack. As time goes on, I find the device easier to use at higher speeds when I am doing “S&P” (search and pounce). I hear the vibration as well as feel it, so there is some auditory assist from the haptic device as well. SKCC Marathons QSOs have become relaxed conversations that allow me to sit back and enjoy, with one hand on the device and the other on the straight key. It has been a great experience being able to copy even when the bands start to fade before the 60+ minutes QSO does!
Calling CQ is a bit more of a challenge due to the hand-to-keyboard and key – too many motions during busy times. That being said, if I am having difficulty “pulling out” a weak station – one I ordinarily couldn’t hear, (e.g. DX or off zero beat), I find that the Haptic Device has been valuable when I am able to target the station, then let the device do its work.
My working space is very limited, and nothing stays on the bench unless it has value. The Haptic Device has been an active permanent resident since its introduction a year ago.
I’ve been using the haptic device daily with Morse Ninja, and hunting POTA. Absolutely love the device! I have been easily picking up parks that I never heard but can easily feel. I usually forego the headset and just rest my hand on the device. I don’t even pay attention to the flashing lights. It does take a little getting used to over the radio telling the difference between a dot, dash, and just plain noise, but it’s much better than my ear can do! This device is a game changer!
I have noticed that for me the lights on the haptic are a big plus. The visual stimulation is terrific for me now that I have these $4300 hearing aids on each ear providing additional audio stimulation. The last time I was on the air I was able to copy one of two stations on the frequency because of the device and the reinforcement provided by the LEDs. I guess neither of them knew the other was there. I got the one “tuned in” on the Haptic but still heard both. The lights helped my brain lock onto the target CW.