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Morse code copy practice tool featuring a fully operational Enigma machine. Master CW decoding through realistic WW2 campaign missions and 100+ standalone challenges.
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KE9BOS
Ham Radio • Open Source • CW Enthusiast
Brett Hollifield — KE9BOS. Amateur radio operator from Indianapolis. I maintain the Vail Adapter open-source project and build tools to help people learn CW. When I'm not at the bench, I'm chasing POTA activations, riding motorcycles, or exploring somewhere new.
Current Projects
What I'm actively working on right now.
Xenomorse
A roguelike RPG that teaches Morse code as you play. Learn CW through gameplay, not drills.
In DevelopmentMorse Mailbox
Asynchronous CW messaging platform — send and receive Morse code messages to other operators. Currently in open testing.
Visit Site →Vail Summit Device
A Morserino-style standalone CW device with a 4" display and built-in mini keyboard. Features games, training tracks, online repeater access, Morse Mailbox integration, and more.
Beta Testing • Release Jan/Feb 2026Vail Adapter Improvements
Ongoing firmware and hardware updates to the open-source zero-delay Morse code USB interface I maintain.
View on GitHub →Vail Repeater
Internet CW repeater for practicing Morse code with others worldwide in real-time.
Visit Site →CW Training Tools
Browser-based tools for learning and practicing Morse code at your own pace.
Start Training →Ham Radio Logger
New open-source logging software with built-in POTA and FT8 support. Coming soon to GitHub.
Coming SoonYouTube Channel
Prepping video content covering CW, ham radio, and the Vail ecosystem of products.
Subscribe →Products & Shop
Hardware I design and sell.
Vail Adapter
A zero-delay Morse code USB interface that solves computer audio latency for CW practice. Works with MIDI, keyboard input, and direct radio keying. I took over maintenance and development of this open-source project and now sell assembled units and kits.
Vail Summit Coming Jan/Feb 2026
A Morserino-style standalone CW device — no computer required. Features a large 4" display, built-in mini keyboard, and a ton of functionality:
- CW training classes and structured learning tracks
- Games for building speed and accuracy
- Online repeater access via WiFi
- Morse Mailbox integration
- Radio control for on-air operation
- Multiple WiFi modes
On the Air
Ham radio activity and community involvement.
POTA Activations
Parks on the Air — I activate parks regularly. Look me up on pota.app.
Volunteer Operations
Public event support including marathon communications.
About
I'm Brett, KE9BOS — an amateur radio operator and maker based in Indianapolis. I got into ham radio for the technical challenge and stayed for the CW.
I took over maintenance of the Vail Adapter project from its original creator and have been expanding it ever since — improving the hardware, adding features, and building out a whole ecosystem of tools for CW practice and training. What started as helping with an open-source project has grown into a community of contributors and users worldwide.
Beyond radio, I'm into 3D printing, PCB design, and open-source hardware. I believe in building things that are useful, well-documented, and accessible to others who want to learn or contribute.
When I'm away from the workbench, you'll find me on a motorcycle, mountain biking, traveling somewhere new, or hunting down good food.
Contact
I love collaborating with other hams and makers — whether it's bouncing ideas around, helping troubleshoot a project, or just talking shop. I'm also always happy to hear feedback on the tools and hardware I build. If something's working great or could be better, let me know.