High End Paddles
Locked
12
12
 
|
I sure have enjoyed this thread on high end paddles. I have so far mostly used
just a straight key, but with my new K2 and it's built in keyer I would like to give iambic operation another go. I had a Heathkit uMatic keyer, model SA-5010, with the capacitive touch paddles. Had lots of trouble getting used to those paddles so I purchased a Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe. Well, I was not much better with those, so I gave up on the world of keyers and went back to my straight key. I did use the memories in the uMatic though. A few years later I discovered the article by Chuck Adams, K7QQ, on using an iambic paddle. I found I was using the slap the paddle around the desk method and seldom used the iambic function of the keyer but treating the paddles more like a single lever. Resetting the Vibroplex paddle as Chuck recommends and learning to send with a light touch helped, but I still was having trouble. Ended up selling the paddle when someone wanted the paddle for their collection and I needed a few bucks. With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used to a bug. That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and on eHam. So, do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light touch? With little money to spend, and a KPA100 and KAT100 also on the wishlist, I am wondering if I should look for a good used BY-1, and save for a better paddle down the road. I doubt I will reach 20 wpm for a few years and I am just learning how to properly use an iambic paddle. Is there a downside to learning with a BY-1 and then moving to something else? Or would it be better to learn with a better paddle from the start? The HEXKEY and Begali Simplex would run in the $215-250 range in Canadian dollars. The Begali magnetic paddles would add another $140 to the price. The Begali Signature would set me back about $475. Used Bencher BY-1's from eBay would cost me less than $100 Canadian dollars. Probably not the best apples and oranges comparison, but I doubt I will find many used HEXKEYs, Begalis, or other high end paddles for sale. I would also be hesitant about buying such an expensive key on eBay for fear of getting one that has been abused. I'd like to hear your opinions and thoughts on my paddle selection, Darrell -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
Darrell Bellerive wrote:
> That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and on eHam. So, > do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with > Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light touch? > I tend to be a bit heavy-handed with the paddles. Having both a BY-1 and a Hex Key I prefer the Hex Key. It stays put on the table and has a great feel. And it doesn't "lift and separate" the way the BY-1 does if you apply any upward pressure to a paddle. My Hex Key is the Bencher brand -- got it before Elecraft started selling the paddle under its label. Gus Hansen KB0YH _______________________________________________ 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 Darrell Bellerive
Darrell Bellerive wrote:
> Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for > those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used > to a bug. I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
I have the BY-1 & the Hex Key.
I use a light touch on both. Tried a "heavy" touch with the Bencher. It's hard for me to imagine slapping it around enough to mess things up. That's some heavy use! Just my opinion. 73, Tony W7GO Vic K2VCO wrote: > Darrell Bellerive wrote: > >> Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is >> better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is >> for those more used to a bug. > > I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light > touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. _______________________________________________ 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 Vic K2VCO
I just got a elecraft hexkey and I'm trying to decide which I like better,
my profi or the hexkey. Greg AB7R -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Vic K2VCO Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 9:38 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High End Paddles Darrell Bellerive wrote: > Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for > those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used > to a bug. I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
In reply to this post by Darrell Bellerive
After using a few Bencher BY-1 & BY-2 paddles, I picked up a used Kent
paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the Bencher stuff and not that much more. Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going back. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -----Original Message----- From: Darrell Bellerive With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
If you want to buy Kent and save a few dollars, the kit form is at
http://www.kent-engineers.com/twinkit.htm Even with shipping to the US, it was cheaper when I bought the paddles 2 years ago than from any US distributor I could find. I wasn't able to find it in kit form in the US, and I haven't compared prices lately. So you might want to double check. Great paddles, though, and worth every penny. 73! Mike ab3ap Darwin, Keith wrote: > After using a few Bencher BY-1 & BY-2 paddles, I picked up a used Kent > paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the > Bencher stuff and not that much more. > > Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going > back. > > - Keith KD1E - > - K2 5411 - > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Darrell Bellerive > > With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent > me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need > lots of practice, I can use this paddle. 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 Darrell Bellerive
I'd kind of like to hear from some more people who have used those Black Widow paddles that we got a glimpse of on this list a while ago. They looked intriguing.
CPT Drew Neve - 9K2/KB9LLO Battle Captain S3 ASG-Kuwait Eager to Assist ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Markowski <[hidden email]> Date: Friday, June 16, 2006 4:02 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High End Paddles (Kent) > If you want to buy Kent and save a few dollars, the kit form is at > > http://www.kent-engineers.com/twinkit.htm > > Even with shipping to the US, it was cheaper when I bought the > paddles 2 > years ago than from any US distributor I could find. I wasn't > able to > find it in kit form in the US, and I haven't compared prices > lately. So > you might want to double check. Great paddles, though, and worth > everypenny. 73! > > Mike ab3ap > > Darwin, Keith wrote: > > After using a few Bencher BY-1 & BY-2 paddles, I picked up a > used Kent > > paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the > > Bencher stuff and not that much more. > > > > Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going > > back. > > > > - Keith KD1E - > > - K2 5411 - > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Darrell Bellerive > > > > With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a > friend lent > > me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need > > lots of practice, I can use this paddle. > _______________________________________________ > 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 |
|
|
In reply to this post by Darrell Bellerive
Darrell:
The better you get, the less satisfied you will be with the Bencher BY-1. The HEX is quite nice. I'm not sure what the Bencher folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I guess I find their statement misleading. The Begali paddles are quite wonderful, and the Kent are very good. The WBLs are outstanding, but hard to come by. The Mercury paddles are refined HEX paddles, and while they are really quite nice, I don't think they are worth the rather substantial additional price. The Elecraft version of the HEX is a great value. I suspect if you get a Begali, a HEX, or a Kent, you will be very happy. Within this upper range of items, people tend to think that what they have is the best. That means they are all doing the job just fine. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 15, 2006, at 11:56 PM, Darrell Bellerive wrote: > I sure have enjoyed this thread on high end paddles. I have so far > mostly used > just a straight key, but with my new K2 and it's built in keyer I > would like > to give iambic operation another go. > > I had a Heathkit uMatic keyer, model SA-5010, with the capacitive > touch > paddles. Had lots of trouble getting used to those paddles so I > purchased a > Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe. Well, I was not much better with those, so > I gave up > on the world of keyers and went back to my straight key. I did use the > memories in the uMatic though. > > A few years later I discovered the article by Chuck Adams, K7QQ, on > using an > iambic paddle. I found I was using the slap the paddle around the > desk method > and seldom used the iambic function of the keyer but treating the > paddles > more like a single lever. Resetting the Vibroplex paddle as Chuck > recommends > and learning to send with a light touch helped, but I still was having > trouble. Ended up selling the paddle when someone wanted the paddle > for their > collection and I needed a few bucks. > > With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend > lent me his > Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of > practice, I can use this paddle. > > Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is > better for > those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those > more used > to a bug. > > That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and > on eHam. So, > do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with > Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light > touch? > > With little money to spend, and a KPA100 and KAT100 also on the > wishlist, I am > wondering if I should look for a good used BY-1, and save for a > better paddle > down the road. I doubt I will reach 20 wpm for a few years and I am > just > learning how to properly use an iambic paddle. Is there a downside to > learning with a BY-1 and then moving to something else? > > Or would it be better to learn with a better paddle from the start? > The HEXKEY > and Begali Simplex would run in the $215-250 range in Canadian > dollars. The > Begali magnetic paddles would add another $140 to the price. The > Begali > Signature would set me back about $475. Used Bencher BY-1's from > eBay would > cost me less than $100 Canadian dollars. > > Probably not the best apples and oranges comparison, but I doubt I > will find > many used HEXKEYs, Begalis, or other high end paddles for sale. I > would also > be hesitant about buying such an expensive key on eBay for fear of > getting > one that has been abused. > > I'd like to hear your opinions and thoughts on my paddle selection, > > Darrell > > > -- > Darrell Bellerive > Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA > Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada > _______________________________________________ > 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 ------------------------------------- david a. belsley professor of economics _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html:
"Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a surgical scalpel, does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on the bugs and single lever paddles, learned their craft. If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the innovative new Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as responsive as the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most physical of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing races and magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base." "The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today." So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the Hex. Darrell On June 16, 2006 06:22 am, David A. Belsley wrote: > I'm not sure what the Bencher > folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I > suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, > those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is > perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I > guess I find their statement misleading. -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
> Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/
> whichpaddle.html: > > "Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a > surgical scalpel, > does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are > comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on > the bugs > and single lever paddles, learned their craft. The BY paddles are plain and simply not at all like a fine sports car. They are more like an old-style Beetle (or possible a Yugo). > If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the > innovative new > Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as > responsive as > the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most > physical > of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing > races and > magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base." I have no doubt that "pounders" will appreciate the HEX for its mass, and it can be adjusted to accommodate heavy fists. It can also be adjusted to be very, very light -- much lighter than can the BY paddles, which begin to stick and hang up and become extremely frustrating. > > "The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply > the most > responsive iambic paddle available today." This is pure bunk. > So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the > Hex. > > Darrell > > On June 16, 2006 06:22 am, David A. Belsley wrote: >> I'm not sure what the Bencher >> folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I >> suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, >> those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is >> perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I >> guess I find their statement misleading. > > > -- > Darrell Bellerive > Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA > Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada > _______________________________________________ > 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 ------------------------------------- david a. belsley professor of economics _______________________________________________ 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 Darrell Bellerive
Darrell Bellerive wrote:
> Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html: > "The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most > responsive iambic paddle available today." > > So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the Hex. The BY bearing is very low-friction. But so are the ball bearings in the Hex key and in the Begali. One problem with the BY is that the arms are somewhat flexible, so there's a bit of 'give', which -- combined with the long plastic fingerpieces -- makes it feel mushy compared to the other keys mentioned. I modified a BY by making very small plastic fingerpieces for it. I had to countersink the screw heads so my fingers wouldn't hit them. It feels a little less mushy, but is nowhere as stiff as the Begali. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco _______________________________________________ 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 Darrell Bellerive
Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html:
"Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a surgical scalpel, does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on the bugs and single lever paddles, learned their craft. If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the innovative new Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as responsive as the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most physical of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing races and magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base." "The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today." ---------------------------- Now that is funny! So an operator who is comfortable with a old bug that uses simple pivot bearings is going to notice a "floating instrument grade ball bearing races"? I can understand how an operator who learned CW on a keyer may have developed the delicate touch of a watchmaker and may notice the fine differences in bearings and tensions, but I can't imagine a bug operator noticing the difference between a properly-adjusted set of pivot bearings and "instrument grade" bearings. A bug operator is someone who learned to send on a key that requires him to launch a heavy pendulum hard enough to beat out a nice string of dits and then stopping the dits at just the right instant by slapping the swinging pendulum against a mechanical damper with a "clank", and in between make dashes manually by mashing the lever against the dash contacts at just the right time. There's a lot of "finesse" in using a bug, but not much in the way of a "watchmakers" touch. Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC -------------------------------------------------------- Yes, the way Morse code should be. A full contact sport. When my shoulder gets sore from pumping my Swedish hand key, I switch to my bug for some rest. Rick Dettinger K7MW _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
> Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to > keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg 72 oo Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html _______________________________________________ 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 |
OT: in defense of the BY-series
|
|
In reply to this post by David A. Belsley
Hi all,
I've heard criticisms of the Bencher BY-series paddles over and over again on this reflector, and honestly I don't have any idea what these critics are talking about. Of course, I learned to send iambically on one from the beginning. I've never used a bug, and I didn't even use a straight key for very long. I guess I don't hit the arms hard enough for them to feel "mushy". I tried a hex key and it didn't do anything for me; I don't like the grossly non-linear feel of the magnet return, which feels way too "clicky" for me. I tried an original Mercury key -- same feel, didn't like it. I much prefer the long spring of my BY-2, which assures that the tension is practically constant across the gap. And I can't imagine setting the tension so lightly that the paddle sticks and hangs up. I haven't tried a Schurr or a Bengali, and I imagine that those are fine paddles. To me, my BY-2 is a wonderful instrument that is finely adjustable over the range of parameters at which I feel comfortable. I use it every day, and I would never want to get rid of it. I submit that those who say that the BY-series paddles are poorly designed or lousy or plain just use a different style of keying that is not suited to the BY-series. I feel sure that most such critics learned to send on devices other than iambic paddles, and still use some of the old habits. There's nothing wrong with that, but that fact doesn't make the BY-series lousy. Admittedly I'm relatively new to CW, but I can send up to about 25 wpm effortlessly (faster than I can receive of course). I know several people who use Bencher BY-series paddles a lot faster than that. In any event, one's personal paddle is obviously a very personal choice. Trying a paddle yourself beats listening to advice from a reflector any day. Sorry about helping to flog the dead horse... 73, - Rob W7GH On Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:35:37 -0700, David A. Belsley <[hidden email]> wrote: > The BY paddles are plain and simply not at all like a fine sports car. > They are more like an old-style Beetle (or possible a Yugo). _______________________________________________ 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: OT: in defense of the BY-series
|
|
-----Original Message----- From: Rob Locher W7GH > I've heard criticisms of the Bencher BY-series paddles over and over > again on this reflector, and honestly I don't have any idea what > these critics are talking about. I've owned and loved several Benchers BYs. I was happy with them although I did notice the mushiness now and then, but it was not a problem. Then I got the Kent key. I didn't know what I was missing until I tried something different. >I haven't tried a Schurr or a Bengali, Neither have I and I won't until I buy one and have it on my desk. I'm sure they will be another step up the paddle food chain. Right now I'm ignorant of how much better it can be and I'd like to stay that way. I'm a straight key user these days. I had a speed-X straight key. It was fine. I bought a Nye Master key and my sending got better. Hmmm. I bought a Chinese military key and found I liked it better than the other two. I picked up a J-37 and it was ho-hum. Then, I actually spent some money and bought a Junker. Wow, I mean wow, what a difference. The Junker makes the speed-x & Chinese military keys feel sluggish and unresponsive. The Junker's adjustability is far better than the other keys I've had and it holds its adjustments very well so far. My point? The speed-x key was a perfectly adequate straight key that I was doing fine with. But, now that I have the Junker, I see how bland that speed-x really was. Spending time with the speed-x prepared me to notice and appreciate the subtle yet important differences that make the Junker worth the $100 I spent on it (that's more than I spent on my paddles). I'm very glad I spent time with Bencher BY1 & BY2. It helps me appreciate the Kent more. 73! - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - _______________________________________________ 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 K4KO - Greg
Ha! Ha! I've often asked for a "bug emulator" mode for the keyer so I could
key like a bug using the paddles when portable, but pundits always jump up and tell me that I'd be unhappy with the feel of paddles. They're right, of course, and that's now why I wanted it. I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. So, instead of having a bug emulator for a keyer, you've come up with the same thing to allow using paddles with a bug! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Greg Tomerlin - K4KO Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 10:22 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] High End Paddles > Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to > keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg 72 oo Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
Hi Ron, Not exactly. What I have is a couple of small pneumatic switches (mounted in the large wooden box seen in the photo) which I operate by sipping and puffing on a tube attached between the two. Each switch activates one of the two relays you see mounted at the lever end of the bug. A light puff or blow through the tube activates one relay (the bottom actuator) which presses the bug lever to the right (from the operator's perspective) sending dits. A sip on the tube activates the other relay (on top) which presses the bug's lever to the left and closes the dah contact. I'm not very good with the bug, but I use it to ragchew with my elmer WB4CSG one or two times a week. When not using the bug, I send CW using a sip-n-puff device and either a radio's built-in keyer or an external keyer. The March 2004 edition of QST featured an article describing a sip-n-puff device similar to the one I use. http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff06.jpg http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff07.jpg I also have a sip-n-puff creation which "emulates" a cootie key or side-swiper, but I am absolutely terrible with it. Awful. Unreadable. I'm lucky if I get two characters sent before I screw up. My mind just refuses to work that way. Sam, my elmer, can send near-perfect code with it. 72 Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 1:12 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] High End Paddles Ha! Ha! I've often asked for a "bug emulator" mode for the keyer so I could key like a bug using the paddles when portable, but pundits always jump up and tell me that I'd be unhappy with the feel of paddles. They're right, of course, and that's now why I wanted it. I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. So, instead of having a bug emulator for a keyer, you've come up with the same thing to allow using paddles with a bug! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- > Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to > keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg _______________________________________________ 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 |
|
|
I had an regular on-air friend, a life-long bug user, who, after a long
absence, suddenly reappeared using a keyboard. It turned out a stroke cost him most of the motor control of his hands, but he could hunt-and-peck with one finger to send using a keyboard. You're both examples of the great range inventive operators who overcame what many of us might consider insurmountable difficulties to have fun and share your lives and interests with the rest of us. You're a great inspiration! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- Hi Ron, Not exactly. What I have is a couple of small pneumatic switches (mounted in the large wooden box seen in the photo) which I operate by sipping and puffing on a tube attached between the two. Each switch activates one of the two relays you see mounted at the lever end of the bug. A light puff or blow through the tube activates one relay (the bottom actuator) which presses the bug lever to the right (from the operator's perspective) sending dits. A sip on the tube activates the other relay (on top) which presses the bug's lever to the left and closes the dah contact. I'm not very good with the bug, but I use it to ragchew with my elmer WB4CSG one or two times a week. When not using the bug, I send CW using a sip-n-puff device and either a radio's built-in keyer or an external keyer. The March 2004 edition of QST featured an article describing a sip-n-puff device similar to the one I use. http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff06.jpg http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff07.jpg I also have a sip-n-puff creation which "emulates" a cootie key or side-swiper, but I am absolutely terrible with it. Awful. Unreadable. I'm lucky if I get two characters sent before I screw up. My mind just refuses to work that way. Sam, my elmer, can send near-perfect code with it. 72 Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html _______________________________________________ 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 |