CW: Best low cost iambic key?
Locked
 
|
Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?
NV7F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
My vote is for the Bencher ... I've owned several and have one now.
I also have a Elecraft/Bencher HexKey ... very fine, too And, there's also a Begali ..... my next one. 73 Ken Kopp - K0PP [hidden email] or [hidden email] _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
Rob Lundahl wrote:
> Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > NV7F I have 2 Benchers, I like them. I also have a Vibroplex single lever and I like it, proving that I don't squeeze. But you said Iambic. W4UAT, part of the N6A crew for Alpine County in the CQP that I'm on brought his Kent. I *really* liked it. Paddles are sort of like jock straps ... a very personal thing. You really have to try them, or be willing to buy several different ones until you find the one that fits you. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 08 - www.cqp.org _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
I recently picked up a Begali Simplex. I absolutely love that key.
http://www.i2rtf.com/html/simplex.html Cost-wise, it's hard to beat, and it's the smoothest key I've ever used. It's also very nice to look at... Jeff N6GQ On 10/15/07, Rob Lundahl <[hidden email]> wrote: > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > NV7F > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
I always recommend the Bencher BY-1 as a first paddle. You can find
them at hamfests and on EBay for $60 or less. If you can afford $150 - $200, then go for the Begali Simplex, as N6GQ recommended. It's a wonderful paddle. 73! Dan KB6NU ---------------------------------------------------------- CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator Get my Tech and General Class study guides at www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO! On Oct 15, 2007, at 6:08 PM, Rob Lundahl wrote: > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > NV7F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
>Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > >NV7F >_______________________________________________ Low cost is the key word here. If you don't mind building your own paddle, these are great, and they work very well. http://www.w5jh.net/Black_Widow.htm Here is a picture of the one I built, I've since added the custom finger pieces. I figured, why not a kit key to go with the kit radios. http://00497f5.netsolhost.com/radio/Blackwid01.jpg John, k7up 2 K2's & a K1. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
Best Iambic keyer (paddle)? I don't want to start a fight.. but I find no advantage between iambic and non-iambic. Being a "slapper" I like my good old Vibroplex paddle...and yes, I do have a Bencher too...but I "slap" that one as well. I've never understood the virtues of iambic paddles. To messy. My brain does not think that way. Lee - K0WA :>) In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
My vote would go to the portapaddle key with the base at
http://americanmorse.com/portapaddle.htm. I have one and I love it. I also have a Brass Racer, BY-1, and a K8RA and I love them too but the portapaddle is dear to my heart. John [K7SVV] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob Lundahl" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 3:08 PM Subject: [Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key? > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > NV7F > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.11/1071 - Release Date: > 10/15/2007 6:48 AM > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
Rob Lundahl wrote:
> Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? Do you really mean an iambic keyer, or do you mean a high speed electronic keyer. In my view, using iambic keyers is now becoming a skill that one only learns for the challenge of learning it. If you want a skill that could be useful in an emergency, using a straight key is better, as it is much easier to improvise a directly keyed transmitter. If you want fast and cheap sending, using a PC keyboard or PDA folding keyboard and a microcontroller provides a much cheaper solution, as it is basically using commodity parts, whereas iambic keyers are low volume products for a premium market. When they were first developed, the only cost effective implementation method was discrete or SSI electronics, but now microcontrollers capable of working directly from a keyboard are only a few dollards and keyboards are also very cheap. -- David Woolley Emails are not formal business letters, whatever businesses may want. RFC1855 says there should be an address here, but, in a world of spam, that is no longer good advice, as archive address hiding may not work. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
Several comments about liking the Hex Key have been made; I like mine, too (although not the Elecraft version). If the Hex Key is such a good key, then why is the Schurr key the one pictured with the K2 on the website?
Just wondering... Clark KE4RQ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Jeff Kinzli N6GQ
I agree with Jeff .. I think it's the best bang for the buck
de w1rt/john On 10/15/07, Jeff Kinzli N6GQ <[hidden email]> wrote: > I recently picked up a Begali Simplex. I absolutely love that key. > > http://www.i2rtf.com/html/simplex.html > > Cost-wise, it's hard to beat, and it's the smoothest key I've ever used. > > It's also very nice to look at... > > Jeff N6GQ > > On 10/15/07, Rob Lundahl <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > > > NV7F > > _______________________________________________ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: [hidden email] > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
Low cost - think used. Used is always a better bargain than new.
I had Bencher BY-1 & BY-2 paddles. Loved them until I tried a Kent. The Benchers are a bit squishy. The Kent is a very solid, very nice feeling paddle. I got mine of e-Bay for about $90. I see the Kents on e-bay from time to time so they are available used. That said, a used bencher is easy to come by and will be somewhere around $60 or maybe less. They're hard to beat at that price. I hear lots of good things about the Begali Simplex paddles as well, but again we're well over $100 for them. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - - K3 wave 3 - _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
Administrator
|
In reply to this post by Clark Macaulay KE4RQ
Good point. That is an 8 year old picture that we need to update. I
own both the Schurr shown and a Hexkey. I love them both :-) I'll update it with the Hexkey after the K3 dust settles. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ------ Clark Macaulay wrote: > Several comments about liking the Hex Key have been made; I like mine, too (although not the Elecraft version). If the Hex Key is such a good key, then why is the Schurr key the one pictured with the K2 on the website? > > Just wondering... > > Clark KE4RQ > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
>Good point. That is an 8 year old picture that we need to >update. I own both the Schurr shown and a Hexkey. I love them both > >I'll update it with the Hexkey after the K3 dust settles. > >73, Eric WA6HHQ Of course you'll still be able to see the Schurr at www.N4LCD.com/k2 >Clark Macaulay wrote: >>Several comments about liking the Hex Key have been made; I like >>mine, too (although not the Elecraft version). If the Hex Key is >>such a good key, then why is the Schurr key the one pictured with >>the K2 on the website? >> >> Just wondering... >> >> Clark KE4RQ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
Yep,
Try the Black Widow paddle made by Jerry Haigwood W5JS for $64 as a kit. Fun to finish any way you want it or just leave it alone in its rustic brass finish. Either way it's the best $250 paddle you can buy for $64. I used a simple palm sander with fine sand paper and made a sort of swirl pattern to the brass and just assembled it. It's now my favorite key replacing my old Bencher and Kent paddles on the desk. http://www.w5jh.net/Black_Widow.htm Give it a look see. I think you will like it so much you will want a second one for portable use. OH, I have SN#001. The new ones look nicer! :>) Michael Baker K7DD [hidden email] -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Rob Lundahl Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 3:08 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key? Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? NV7F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by Rob Lundahl
There's another very inexpensive alternative not yet mentioned:
touch key paddles. For my purposes, mostly ragchewing at 25-30 wpm, I actually prefer touch key paddles. There's no need to fuss with contacts and adjustments, and they react to a lighter touch than even the best and most expensive mechanical paddles. I use Jackson Harbor's touch switch (kit), $11.50, postage paid. http://home.att.net/~jacksonharbor/touchsw2.htm I put the circuit board in a Radio Shack project box with dimes, one on each side, as the touch contacts. CWtouchkeyer has a variety of kits and assembled units. http://www.cwtouchkeyer.com/ There probably are other manufacturers offering kits and assembled units. DIck, K0KK On Oct 15, 2007, at 5:08 , Rob Lundahl wrote: > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key? > > NV7F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: CW: Best low cost iambic key?
|
|
In reply to this post by John-483
>> Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?
> > Low cost is the key word here. If you don't mind building your own > paddle, these are great, and they work very well. > http://www.w5jh.net/Black_Widow.htm Seconded. I spent DAYS polishing the brass to a fantastic mirror finish. If I was to do it again I'd give it 10 seconds under the mini-sander and leave it with the swirly matt finish. Well worth it though, great feel, nicely adjustable, and yup, a great KIT paddle to go with your kit rig :-) -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, VE3/G7RZQ, K2 #5209. use Std::Disclaimer; [hidden email] Lisp Users: Due to the holiday, there will be no garbage collection on Monday. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
«
Return to Elecraft
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |