This adaptor is for the UV-K5 Version 1 radio. If you have a UV-K5 Version 3 or UV-K1, use this adaptor instead. Or if you’re not sure, GO HERE
The UV-K5 v1 has a devoted firmware community, but its non-standard CW pinout means most off-the-shelf CW cables won’t work without cracking open the radio. This adaptor fixes that.
Plug the 3.5mm TRS pigtail into your UV-K5 v1’s side port, then connect any CW paddle or key to the 3.5mm female jack on the other end. The onboard resistor network (10kΩ / 20kΩ) matches the voltage divider spec in any CEC compatible firmware schematics, so your radio reads the paddle inputs correctly.
Known Compatible Firmware
- CEC firmware
- NR7Y firmware (Highly Recommended)
- Other popular Quansheng UV-K5 alternative firmwares that support CW keying using the CEC hardware spec
- NOTE: This was designed to function with the CEC firmware releases. Depending on your software and version, you may have to choose ‘CEC Reverse’ cable style. Additional details HERE.
Calibration
If your paddle isn’t responding reliably after setup, a quick ADC calibration usually fixes it. NR7Y (Brian) has written a detailed step-by-step procedure that walks you through reading the ADC values for your specific cable and entering them into your firmware menu. Highly recommended if you’re using NR7Y firmware.
View Brian’s CEC Cable Setup & Calibration Guide →
In the Box
- 1x CW adaptor with 6″ 3.5mm TRS male pigtail
Print Your Own Enclosure:
Compatible with UV-K5 Version 1 only. Check your firmware documentation to confirm CW keying is enabled before use.
