4. Web Interface Configuration

The Morse Trainer includes a built-in web server that allows you to configure all settings via a web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. This is especially useful for initial setup and detailed configuration.

4.1. Access Point Mode (First Time Setup)

When you first power on your Morse Trainer, or if it cannot connect to a WiFi network, it automatically enters Access Point (AP) Mode.

What is AP Mode?

In AP mode, the Morse Trainer creates its own WiFi network that you can connect to directly. This allows you to configure the device even without an existing WiFi network.

Connecting to AP Mode

  1. Power on the Morse Trainer

  2. Look for the WiFi network on your device:

    • Network name: MorseTrainer-XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is part of the device's MAC address)

    • Password: morsetrainer

  3. Connect your computer/phone/tablet to this network

  4. Open a web browser and navigate to:

    • Recommended: http://morsetrainer.local (works on most devices)

    • Alternative: http://192.168.4.1 (always works)

  5. You should see the Morse Trainer web interface

Note

While in AP mode, your device will not have internet access. The Morse Trainer is acting as a router, not providing internet connectivity.

_images/ap-mode.png

Morse Trainer in AP Mode

Initial Configuration in AP Mode

Once connected, you should:

  1. Navigate to the WiFi Configuration page

  2. Enter your WiFi network's SSID and password

  3. Save the settings

  4. The device will reboot and attempt to connect to your WiFi network

4.2. Station Mode (Normal Operation)

Once configured, the Morse Trainer will connect to your WiFi network in Station (STA) Mode. In this mode, the device connects to your existing WiFi network just like any other device (laptop, phone, etc.).

Finding the Device IP Address

After connecting to your WiFi network, you need to find the device's IP address:

Method 1: Check the Device Screen

  • The IP address may be displayed on the Nextion screen

  • Look in the About screen or Settings

Method 2: Check Serial Console

  • Connect via USB

  • Serial monitor will show: Connected to Wifi followed by IP: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

Method 3: Use mDNS (Recommended)

  • Open a web browser

  • Navigate to http://morsetrainer.local

  • Works on most devices (macOS, iOS, Linux, Android)

  • Windows users need Bonjour Print Services installed

Method 4: Check Your Router

  • Log into your router's admin panel

  • Look for connected devices

  • Find device named "morsetrainer"

Method 5: Use Network Scanner

  • Use tools like nmap, Fing, or Advanced IP Scanner

  • Scan your local network for devices on port 80

Accessing the Web Interface in Station Mode

  1. Open a web browser on any device connected to the same WiFi network

  2. Navigate to the device using one of these methods:

    • Recommended: http://morsetrainer.local (works on most devices)

    • Alternative: http://[device-ip-address] (example: http://192.168.1.100)

  3. The web interface home page will load

_images/web-home.png

Web Interface Home Page

4.3. Web Interface Pages

4.3.1. Home Page

URL: /

The home page displays:

  • Device information (MAC address, firmware version, screen version)

  • Quick navigation to all configuration pages

  • Current device status

Available Quick Links:

  • WiFi Configuration

  • Morse Configuration

  • Hardware Configuration

  • System Settings

4.3.2. WiFi Configuration

URL: /wifi

_images/web-wifi.png

Configure network connectivity:

Settings:

  • SSID: Your WiFi network name

  • Password: Your WiFi network password

After Saving:

  • Settings are saved to persistent memory

  • Device will reboot

  • Attempts to connect to the specified network

  • If connection fails, device returns to AP mode

Note

Make sure to enter the SSID and password correctly. If the device cannot connect, it will fall back to AP mode after ~100 connection attempts.

4.3.3. Morse Configuration

URL: /morse

Configure morse code timing and game settings:

Settings:

  • WPM (Words Per Minute): 5-60 WPM

    Speed of morse code playback

  • Farnsworth Spacing: 50-2000ms

    Extra spacing between characters for learning. Higher values give more time to process each character.

  • ELIZA Response Delay: 5-60 seconds

    Time to wait after your last morse input before ELIZA responds in QSO mode

  • Paddle Hand: Right Hand / Left Hand

    Swap DOT and DASH paddle assignments for left-handed operation

  • Spaces: Enable/disable automatic space insertion

    Adds spaces when pause between characters is long enough

  • Extra Characters: Enable/disable extended character set

    Includes punctuation and special characters beyond standard alphanumeric

All settings save immediately and persist across reboots.

_images/web-morse.png

Morse Configuration Page

4.3.4. Hardware Configuration

URL: /hardware

Configure physical hardware settings organized into four main sections:

Master Sound Control

These settings affect all audio outputs (both internal buzzer and 3.5mm jack):

  • Sound Enable: Toggle audio on/off

    Master mute control for silent operation. Disables both the internal buzzer and 3.5mm jack audio output.

  • Tone: 0-11 (C through B)

    Musical note for morse audio (passive buzzer only)

    • 0 = C

    • 1 = C#

    • 2 = D

    • 3 = Eb

    • 4 = E

    • 5 = F

    • 6 = F#

    • 7 = G

    • 8 = G#

    • 9 = A (440 Hz - standard pitch)

    • 10 = Bb

    • 11 = B

  • Octave: 1-8

    Octave range for the selected tone

    • Lower (1-3): Deeper tones

    • Middle (4-5): Standard, pleasant for extended use

    • Higher (6-8): Brighter, more cutting tones

Note

Tone and Octave settings apply to both passive buzzer and 3.5mm audio output. Active buzzers have a fixed frequency.

Key Input

  • Key Type: Paddle / Straight Key

    Select input device type

Output Configuration

Configure the 3.5mm jack output behavior:

  • Paddle Output: Enable/disable separate dash output on ring contact

    When enabled, the dash paddle contact triggers output on the ring contact of the 3.5mm jack (for separate dot/dash LED indicators).

  • Audio Output: Enable/disable audio tone generation on 3.5mm jack

    When enabled, the 3.5mm jack outputs audio tones instead of key signals. Use this to connect external speakers or headphones.

  • 3.5mm Jack Volume: 0-100%

    Volume control for audio output on the 3.5mm jack. Only applies when Audio Output is enabled.

    • 0% = Silent

    • 50% = Default balanced volume

    • 100% = Maximum volume

Note

The 3.5mm jack can operate in two modes:

  • Key Output Mode (Audio Output disabled): Provides digital key signals for external keying circuits or LED indicators

  • Audio Mode (Audio Output enabled): Provides PWM audio tones for speakers or headphones

Buzzer Volume

  • Internal Buzzer Volume: 0-100%

    Volume control for the device's internal buzzer, independent of the 3.5mm jack volume.

    • 0% = Silent

    • 50% = Default balanced volume

    • 100% = Maximum volume

_images/web-hardware.png

Hardware Configuration Page

4.3.5. System Settings

URL: /system

Advanced system operations:

Available Actions:

  • Check for Firmware Update

    (Only visible when connected to WiFi, not in AP mode)

    • Checks server for firmware updates

    • Downloads and installs automatically

    • Device reboots after successful update

    • Warning: Requires internet connection and adequate battery

  • Factory Reset

    • Resets ALL settings to defaults

    • Clears WiFi credentials

    • Clears all preferences

    • Device reboots after reset

    • Cannot be undone

  • Reboot Device

    • Restarts the device

    • All settings are preserved

    • Useful for applying certain changes or troubleshooting

Danger

Always ensure the device has adequate battery power or is plugged in during firmware updates or factory resets.

_images/web-system.png

System Settings Page

4.4. Troubleshooting

4.4.1. Cannot Access Web Interface

Symptom: Browser shows "Cannot connect" or "Page not found"

Solutions:

  1. Verify WiFi Connection

    • Check device is powered on

    • Verify WiFi credentials are correct

    • Check device WiFi LED status

  2. Try mDNS First

    • Navigate to http://morsetrainer.local

    • Works on most devices without IP lookup

    • If this fails, proceed to next step

  3. Check IP Address

    • Confirm you're using the correct IP

    • Check serial console or router for IP

    • Scan network for the device

  4. Verify Same Network

    • Your computer/phone must be on the same WiFi network

    • Cannot access from different network/subnet

  5. Restart Device

    • Power cycle the Morse Trainer

    • Wait for WiFi connection to establish

    • Try accessing again

  6. Fall Back to AP Mode

    • If all else fails, factory reset to start over

    • Device will enter AP mode automatically

4.4.2. Device Stuck in AP Mode

Symptom: Device always creates its own network, never connects to WiFi

Causes:

  • Incorrect WiFi password

  • WiFi network out of range

  • WiFi network on 5GHz (ESP32 only supports 2.4GHz)

  • Router MAC filtering enabled

Solutions:

  1. Check WiFi Settings

    • Connect to AP mode

    • Navigate to WiFi Configuration

    • Verify SSID is exactly correct (case-sensitive)

    • Re-enter password carefully

  2. Check Network Compatibility

    • Ensure network is 2.4GHz, not 5GHz

    • WPA2 security recommended

    • Open networks and WPA/WPA2 supported

  3. Check Router Settings

    • Disable MAC filtering temporarily

    • Check if router is blocking new devices

    • Verify DHCP is enabled

  4. Check Signal Strength

    • Move device closer to router

    • Check for interference

    • Try different channel on router

4.4.3. Web Page Not Loading Correctly

Symptom: Page loads but appears broken or incomplete

Solutions:

  1. Clear Browser Cache

    • Hard refresh: Ctrl+F5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)

    • Clear cache and cookies

    • Try different browser

  2. Check Connection Stability

    • WiFi signal may be weak

    • Try moving closer to device (AP mode) or router (Station mode)

  3. Restart Web Server

    • Reboot the device

    • Wait for full startup

    • Try accessing again

4.4.4. Firmware Update Fails

Symptom: Update starts but fails to complete

Solutions:

  1. Check Internet Connection

    • Verify router has internet access

    • Try accessing other websites

    • Device must be in Station mode, not AP mode

  2. Check Battery Level

    • Ensure battery is charged above 50%

    • Better: plug in during update

    • Low battery can cause update failure

  3. Check Server Availability

    • Update servers may be temporarily down

    • Try again later

    • Check for announcements

  4. Use Serial Update Method

    • See Firmware Upgrade for alternative update methods

    • Can update via USB serial connection

4.4.5. Settings Not Saving

Symptom: Changes revert after reboot

Solutions:

  1. Verify Save Operation

    • Click "Save" button after changes

    • Wait for confirmation message

    • Allow time for preferences to write

  2. Check Storage

    • Preferences storage may be corrupted

    • Try factory reset

    • Reconfigure from scratch

  3. Update Firmware

    • Older firmware may have bugs

    • Update to latest version

    • Check release notes for fixes

4.5. Advanced Usage

4.5.1. Multiple Devices

You can access multiple Morse Trainers on the same network:

  • Each device has a unique IP address

  • Each device has a unique AP mode name (based on MAC address)

  • Keep track of which IP belongs to which device

  • Consider setting static IP addresses in your router

4.5.2. Browser Compatibility

The web interface works with:

  • Chrome / Chromium (recommended)

  • Firefox

  • Safari

  • Edge

  • Mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Android)

  • Internet Explorer (basic support, may have issues)

4.5.3. Saving Bookmarks

For quick access:

  1. Navigate to your device's IP address

  2. Bookmark the page

  3. Name it "Morse Trainer - [Device Name]"

  4. Access anytime from bookmarks

Note

IP addresses may change if using DHCP. Consider setting a static IP reservation in your router for consistent access.

4.5.4. mDNS / Bonjour

The Morse Trainer includes full mDNS (multicast DNS) support for zero-configuration networking:

How to Use:

  • Access your device at: http://morsetrainer.local

  • No need to find or remember IP addresses

  • Works automatically in both Station and AP modes

Advantages:

  • No IP address lookup needed

  • Works even if DHCP assigns different IP

  • Consistent access URL across network changes

  • Works with multiple Morse Trainers (each has unique name in AP mode)

Note

If http://morsetrainer.local doesn't work, fall back to IP address access methods described above. Some corporate or restricted networks may block mDNS traffic.

4.6. Security Considerations

Network Security:

  • The web interface has no password protection

  • Anyone on the same WiFi network can access and configure the device

  • Do not expose to untrusted networks

  • AP mode password is morsetrainer by default

Recommendations:

  1. Use a secure WiFi network with WPA2 encryption

  2. Don't connect to public WiFi networks

  3. Keep firmware updated for security patches

Data Privacy:

  • No personal data is collected or transmitted

  • Settings stored locally on device only

  • Firmware updates downloaded from official servers

  • No analytics or tracking

For additional help:

See also