[HBQRP] CW Practice Oscillator -- PicoKeyer -- Other Options

[Darrell Fulmer]

I hope this is not misappropriate use of this group. If it is, I am sure
someone will let me know :-)

I am interested in getting on the air with a CW QRP station but, as I
have not touched a key for
decades, I thought it would be useful to get a practice oscillator that
would only afflict my XYL and
dogs until I build up  some proficiency.

While anxiously awaiting the delivery of my AME Bushwacker key kit, I
put together a PicoKeyer Plus
 kit (my first kit ever) -- hoping (initially) to use it as a practice
oscillator. It went together easily,
works well, and is a super neat little piece of equipment.
Unfortunately, its speaker's low volume and
high frequency are not compatible with my antique ears.

If you have built the PicoKeyer, have you added an amplifier to it? If
so, can you point me to a
resource telling what components are required, and how it is done?

Do you use or know of some other reasonably priced equipment you would
recommend as a
standalone practice oscillator for use with a single lever paddle? Kit,
or ready built.

Thanks and 73,

Darrell Fulmer
AD0EF

You are welcome to contact me off-list if you prefer:
darrell DOT fulmer AT gmail DOT com