ACOM 560 Electronic Solid-State CW Paddles are a modern electronic Morse code paddle designed for use with an external keyer or any contemporary transceiver equipped with a built-in CW keyer. Unlike traditional mechanical paddles, the ACOM 560 utilizes advanced force-sensing technology to detect operator input, delivering precise and repeatable keying performance without moving mechanical contacts.

At the heart of the design is a microcomputer-controlled operating system with an integrated LCD display and menu-driven controls. Operator input is detected through load-cell sensors, eliminating internal moving parts that can wear over time and helping ensure long-term reliability.

The paddle's activation force is adjustable from 10 to 60 grams, allowing operators to tailor the feel of each lever to their individual preferences. Force settings can be configured independently for the dot and dash levers and saved in up to five preset memory groups for quick recall. This precision pressure sensing provides consistent keying response and accurate dot and dash generation.

Because the levers do not rely on mechanical contacts, the ACOM 560 operates silently and requires no routine maintenance associated with conventional mechanical paddles. The keying technique remains familiar to experienced operators while supporting higher operating speeds. A weight of approximately 2.20 pounds and a non-slip base help keep the paddle stable during operation.

The ACOM 560 supports five operating modes:

• Dual Lever Mode

• Single A Mode

• Single B Mode

• Ultimatic Mode

• Side Swipe Mode

This flexibility allows operators to select the keying style that best matches their operating preferences.

Key Features

• Force-sensing load-cell technology with no internal moving parts

• Microcomputer control with LCD display and menu-driven operation

• Adjustable activation force from 10 to 60 grams

• Independent left and right lever adjustment

• Five user-programmable force-setting memory groups

• Silent operation

• Approximately 2.20 pound weight with anti-slip base

• Five selectable operating modes

• No mechanical maintenance required

What Is In the Box

• ACOM 560 CW Paddle

• 2 sets of levers (standard and tall model)

• Integral 1000 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, 3.7Wh rating

• Connecting Cable - Shielded audio stereo cable with plugs (3.5mm on paddle side and 6.3mm on the transceiver side), 4.9ft. (1.5m)

• Calibrating weight, 2.12oz. (60g)

• Hex (Allen) key, for lever mounting

• Protective Cover – to protect the levers

• Cleaning cloth

Additional Features & Specifications:

- Electronics Design

• The ACOM 560 CW Paddle is equipped with force (load cells) sensors to detect operator pressure on the levers and a microcomputer with a dialogue display

- Mechanical Design

• Polished stainless steel base

• Anodized aluminum body

• Anodized colored aluminum levers

• Laser engraved symbols

• Anti-slip pad

- Connection to Transceiver or Keyer

• Through a standard 3.5 mm stereo audio jack

- Settings

• Via a menu-driven interface on a graphic LCD display

• The pressure force is freely defined for each lever and stored in 5 preset groups

- Levers Operational Modes

• Dual Lever mode: The paddle works like a two-lever paddle

• Single A mode: The paddle works like a single-lever paddle. When one sensor/lever (left or right) is activated, the other sensor/lever (right or left) is deactivated and cannot be used while the first one is in use. This simulates the classic behavior of a mechanical single-arm paddle.

• Single B mode: The paddle works like a single-lever paddle, but differently compared to Single A mode. In the event of simultaneous pressing of both levers, the sensor with the greater pressure is considered active. This allows more flexible control of the levers and dynamic switching between the two levers.

• Ultimatic mode: In Ultimatic keying mode, the ACOM 560 will switch to the opposite element if the second lever is pressed before the first is released (that is, squeezed).

• Side Swipe mode: In this mode, the ACOM 560 works as (emulates) a SideSwiper (or "cootie key") key. A SideSwiper is a mechanical Morse code transmitting device with a single horizontal lever that makes contacts when pushed left or right. Unlike standard straight keys, it uses a pendular, side-to-side wrist motion, originally invented to prevent telegrapher's paralysis and ease hand strain.

- Lever Pressure Force

• Operating:0.02 – 0.13lbs. (10 - 60g)

• Maximum Allowance: Up to 1.10lbs. (0.5 kg)

• Force Sensors Calibrating

• Fully automatic, menu-driven procedure

- Paddle Outputs

• 50VDC max. / 10mA max

- Timers

• Screen Off timer

• Energy-saver timer

- Power Supply

• Integrated Battery: 3.7 V, 1000 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (LP803040)

• Watt-hour rating: 3.7 Watt hours

• Battery charging: Via the device's USB-C port

• Battery full charging time: Approximately 90 minutes

• Battery cycle life: Approximately 500 cycles

- Current Consumption

• Display Off / Sensors On: 58mA This is the most common situation when using the device.

• Sleep mode: 9mA

- Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility

• Complies with European Union's CE safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements

- Size & Weight (excluding connected cables and with standard levers mounted)

• WxDxH: 3.0 x 4.5 x 2.0in., 2.31 lbs. (75x115x50mm, 1.05kg).

- Operating Environment

• Temperature range: 32 degrees F to 104 degrees F); (0 to +40 degrees Celsius)

• Relative air humidity: up to 95% @ 95 degrees F (+35 degrees Celsius)

• Height above sea level: up to 10,000 ft. (3,050m) without output deterioration.