A Small Utility: F-Key Router for keyer programs

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A Small Utility: F-Key Router for keyer programs



When operating CW, function keys quickly become muscle memory. Most logging software maps F1–F12 to macros — CQ messages, exchanges, TU, QRZ and so on.

The problem appears when the logging program does not have focus.

You might be typing in another window, checking cluster spots, or adjusting some other software. Pressing an F-key then does nothing for the cw keyer, because the keystroke goes to the active window instead.

To solve this I wrote a small Windows utility: F-Key Router.

The program listens for function key presses and forwards them to a selected application window, regardless of which program currently has focus.


What the Program Does

The program is intentionally minimal.

It does only three things:

  1. Select the target window (for example Log4OM, N1MM, or another logging program)

  2. Start listening for F-keys

  3. Forward the keypress to that window

This means you can press:

  • F1 for CQ

  • F2 for exchange

  • F3 for TU

…even while another program is active.


Example Use Case

A typical station setup might include:

  • a logging program with keyer connection

  • a DX cluster window

  • radio control software

  • a browser or other tools

Normally you need to click back to the logging software before using the function keys.

With F-Key Router running:

  • the logger window is selected once as the target

  • F-keys are always delivered there

You can interact with other programs while still triggering the CW macros instantly.


Simple Interface

The interface is deliberately simple.

Controls:

  • Choose Window – click the button and select the window you want to direct keystrokes to.

  • Start – begin routing keys

  • Stop – disable routing

No installation is required. The program is a single executable.


Download

You can download the program here:

Download F-Key Router

The program is standalone and should run on any modern Windows system.


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