Channel 28 Introduces New Tactile Option for MORSE Service Call Buttons
by Alex Hicks01 July 20264 min read
Channel 28 has expanded its MORSE range of wireless service call buttons with a new tactile switch option, giving yacht designers, owners and integrators an alternative to the established piezo touch interface. The new tactile button provides positive physical feedback while retaining the discreet styling, coloured LED indication and flexible system integration of the MORSE platform.
As a specialist integrator of crew communication systems for the superyacht industry, Channel 28 has experience in providing and integrating digital communications systems on yachts ranging from 40 to 160 metres, including projects such as a 98-metre Abeking & Rasmussen yacht and a 122-metre Lürssen yacht.
The MORSE service call system was originally developed in late 2016, when Channel 28 was approached by a major yacht management company to design a high-quality service call button that could be easily integrated into a yacht's control and communication systems.
Since then, MORSE buttons have been installed on yachts, as well as in hotels and private residences, around the world.
New tactile button option
The latest development is a new tactile switch option for the MORSE 2 and MORSE 5 ranges.
Traditionally, MORSE buttons have used a piezo switch, providing a completely sealed touch-sensitive surface. Customers can now choose between the classic piezo interface and a tactile push button, allowing the operation of the button to be selected to suit the application and the preference of the owner or designer.
The new tactile version provides positive physical feedback when pressed and can be combined with a haptic buzzer and coloured LED indication.
As with the existing MORSE range, the button can be produced in a variety of finishes to complement the surrounding interior.
MORSE 2 and MORSE 5
The compact MORSE 2 is designed for simple service call applications where a discreet, high-quality button is required.
The MORSE 5, introduced in 2024, expands the concept into a larger multi-function control. The unit is 100 mm in diameter and incorporates an 8 mm acrylic illumination ring.
At its centre is a 35 mm diameter switch, available as either a piezo or the new tactile version, both operating from a simple push or tap. Four 12 mm outer buttons are recessed into the shoulder of the unit to provide additional control functions. The complete MORSE 5 assembly is sealed to IP67.
Simple yacht integration
Both MORSE 2 and MORSE 5 use the yacht's Wi-Fi network to communicate with the control system.
A number of head-end options are available, including integration with a Crestron control system, for which Channel 28 provides modules for Series 3 and Series 4 processors, or connection to the Channel 28 cState UHF server.
Once a call has been received by the control server, it can be delivered to crew in several ways.
Calls can be displayed and acknowledged using the free MORSE app on iPads and iPhones. Apple iPod Touch devices can also be used as dedicated or shared crew devices, where appropriate.
Calls can also be delivered to Apple Watches through host iPhones, allowing crew members to receive and respond to service calls directly from the watch.
For yachts using professional UHF crew communications, calls can additionally be routed to compatible crew radios, depending on the radio system and handset specification.
Designed to suit the yacht
MORSE button bodies are available as standard in a range of finishes, including:
Polished or brushed stainless steel
Brushed or bead-blasted anodised aluminium
High-gloss RAL colour finishes
Additional finishes can also be supplied on request, including:
Gold, silver or nickel plating
PVD coatings
Colour, illumination and other elements of the MORSE buttons can also be customised to suit a yacht's interior design and operational requirements.
The addition of the tactile switch gives designers and integrators another choice while retaining the simple operation and flexible integration that have formed the basis of the MORSE system since its introduction.
For further information about MORSE service call systems, contact Channel 28 at info@channel28.co.uk
The MORSE service call system was originally developed in late 2016, when Channel 28 was approached by a major yacht management company to design a high-quality service call button that could be easily integrated into a yacht's control and communication systems.
Since then, MORSE buttons have been installed on yachts, as well as in hotels and private residences, around the world.
New tactile button option
The latest development is a new tactile switch option for the MORSE 2 and MORSE 5 ranges.
Traditionally, MORSE buttons have used a piezo switch, providing a completely sealed touch-sensitive surface. Customers can now choose between the classic piezo interface and a tactile push button, allowing the operation of the button to be selected to suit the application and the preference of the owner or designer.
The new tactile version provides positive physical feedback when pressed and can be combined with a haptic buzzer and coloured LED indication.
As with the existing MORSE range, the button can be produced in a variety of finishes to complement the surrounding interior.
MORSE 2 and MORSE 5
The compact MORSE 2 is designed for simple service call applications where a discreet, high-quality button is required.
The MORSE 5, introduced in 2024, expands the concept into a larger multi-function control. The unit is 100 mm in diameter and incorporates an 8 mm acrylic illumination ring.
At its centre is a 35 mm diameter switch, available as either a piezo or the new tactile version, both operating from a simple push or tap. Four 12 mm outer buttons are recessed into the shoulder of the unit to provide additional control functions. The complete MORSE 5 assembly is sealed to IP67.
Simple yacht integration
Both MORSE 2 and MORSE 5 use the yacht's Wi-Fi network to communicate with the control system.
A number of head-end options are available, including integration with a Crestron control system, for which Channel 28 provides modules for Series 3 and Series 4 processors, or connection to the Channel 28 cState UHF server.
Once a call has been received by the control server, it can be delivered to crew in several ways.
Calls can be displayed and acknowledged using the free MORSE app on iPads and iPhones. Apple iPod Touch devices can also be used as dedicated or shared crew devices, where appropriate.
Calls can also be delivered to Apple Watches through host iPhones, allowing crew members to receive and respond to service calls directly from the watch.
For yachts using professional UHF crew communications, calls can additionally be routed to compatible crew radios, depending on the radio system and handset specification.
Designed to suit the yacht
MORSE button bodies are available as standard in a range of finishes, including:
Polished or brushed stainless steel
Brushed or bead-blasted anodised aluminium
High-gloss RAL colour finishes
Additional finishes can also be supplied on request, including:
Gold, silver or nickel plating
PVD coatings
Colour, illumination and other elements of the MORSE buttons can also be customised to suit a yacht's interior design and operational requirements.
The addition of the tactile switch gives designers and integrators another choice while retaining the simple operation and flexible integration that have formed the basis of the MORSE system since its introduction.
For further information about MORSE service call systems, contact Channel 28 at info@channel28.co.uk