ACOM 560 — a modern CW trap for silent and accurate telegraphy

ACOM enters the world of amateur radio telegraphy with the Model 560 CW trap—a device that combines modern electronics, ergonomic design and technology without worn mechanical parts. The product is presented as a new model designed for users looking for a silent, accurate and almost maintenance-free alternative to traditional mechanical keys. The information is based on the official product page of ACOM and from manufacturer's preliminary brochure.

What sets the ACOM 560 apart

Kľúčovou inováciou ACOM 560 je použitie napäťových (tension) senzorov instead of classic mechanical contacts. Instead of moving switches, electronics detect the pressure the user exerts on the levers, eliminating mechanical wear and typical maintenance issues. In practice, this means a longer service life, higher reliability and minimal service needs.

Quietness and comfort are other strong points: ACOM emphasizes that the pickup is "without unnecessary noise" and that the adjustable activation force (tension) helps prevent fatigue and finger problems during prolonged keying. Activation is adjustable in range od 5 g do 60 g, pričom pre každú páčku je možné nastaviť samostatnú citlivosť a uložiť až 5 skupín nastavení pre rýchle prepínanie štýlov. To ocenia najmä operátori, ktorí potrebujú rýchlo optimalizovať odozvu pre rôzne režimy, rýchlosti či preferencie.

Electronics and control

ACOM 560 contains a small microprocessor and LCD displej, cez ktorý sa ovládajú inteligentné menu a nastavenia — podobne ako u iných moderných zariadení ACOM. Automatická kalibrácia napäťových senzorov znamená, že po zapnutí alebo po dlhšom nepoužívaní nie je potrebná manuálna údržba či ladenie; proces kalibrácie je v brožúre popísaný ako plne automatický.

Power, consumption and connectivity

ACOM 560 je napájaná integrovanou lítium-polymerovou batériou LP803040 (3,7 V, 1000 mAh) s možnosťou nabíjania cez USB-C. Zariadenie má veľmi nízku spotrebu: pri zapnutom podsvietenom displeji je nominálna spotreba približne 22,76 mA, v úspornom (sleep) režime len 0,15 mA — which promises long operation between charges. It is connected to the transceiver with a standard shielded audio cable via 3,5 mm stereo konektor.

Construction and ergonomics

Mechanically, the ACOM 560 is made of quality materials: aluminum body, stainless steel base and aluminum levers — all anodized in typical ACOM style. The weight of 1.05 kg (2.3 lb) ensures that the trap stands firmly on the table and does not move during faster keying, which favorably affects the stability and accuracy of the transmission. The dimensions are compact: 75 × 115 × 50 mm (Š x H x V).

Who is the ACOM 560 intended for?

Táto pastička cieli na rádioamatérov, ktorí chcú modernú náhradu mechanických pastičiek: tých, ktorí majú problémy s bolesťami prstov pri dlhom kľúčovaní, alebo tých, ktorí preferujú úplne tichú pracovňu (napríklad pri nahrávaní, contestoch alebo DXing-u). Nastaviteľná citlivosť a viac uložených profilov robí zariadenie vhodným pre široké spektrum štýlov From pomalšej, jemnej práce až po veľmi rýchle kľúčovanie.

Maintenance and reliability

Thanks to the absence of moving internal contacts, ACOM claims the 560 does not require the usual service interventions that are common with mechanical traps. This, along with the automatic calibration of the voltage sensors, means that operation is virtually maintenance-free — a big advantage for operators who don't want to spend time on repairs and tuning.

ACOM 560 availability note

Podľa informácií na stránke ACOM mal model 560 svetovú premiéru na Dayton Hamvention (16.–18. mája 2025) a európsku premiéru na HAM Radio Friedrichshafen (27.–29. júna 2025). Z dôvodu, že ide o nový produkt, sú dostupné informácie zatiaľ v predbežnej brožúre a na product page; it is recommended to follow official ACOM channels for updates on pricing and release date.

The ACOM 560 represents an interesting step in the evolution of CW accessories — combining the convenience of contactless technology with the design and workmanship traditionally expected from ACOM. For the radio amateur who wants a quiet, reliable and adjustable trap without the need for regular maintenance, the 560 can be a very attractive choice.