Using OpenSCAD, I developed a parameterized design for morse paddles.

Design

The primary constraints I set for myself are as follows:

• primarily be laser cut out of wood
• make it feel as nice as possible

In order to meet that second goal, I am using a couple techniques

• magnetic repulsion for feedback, common in other small paddle designs
• use something like a piano hinge to keep the paddles rotating on a single axis with minimal slop

This style of hinge is one I haven’t seen in morse paddles before, but it may not be unique. By using an extra large pin of 1/2 inch dowel, I can offset the arms and keep their contact interface limited to ring shapes. A smaller pin would probably have less resistance, but it would also be harder to avoid slop/play. I can also use wax paper or another solid lubricant between the rings to keep the action smooth.

I reuse an equally-sized portion of the 1/2 inch dowel for the contactor in the centre. This makes the angles and distances easy to control and parameterize. It’s easy to modify this design to work for smaller or larger dowels.

Source code will be made available after some more prototyping work.

Built Prototype

Cap Parts

Case Parts

Paddle Parts

Paddle Wiring

Paddle Assembly