Small Straight Keys for /P or Travel

[J. Coote]

I am looking for ideas for a small straight key for travel,
either for a KX1 or K1 (haven't decided which radio yet).

So far, the miniature straight keys I have seen all appear to
be "shrunken" versions of pump or traditional keys- the exception
being the Whiterook mini-key.  My J38 legiron is too bulky
and uncomfortable though the leg mount is good in some /P operations
and mobile.

I'd need a key that does not require a second hand to hold it
while sending and is small and light for travel.  (Yeah- why not
learn iambic and use the KX1 paddle...)

Thanks,
Jay
W6CJ
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[Ron D'Eau Claire-2]

Jay W6CJ, wrote:

I'd need a key that does not require a second hand to hold it while sending
and is small and light for travel.  (Yeah- why not learn iambic and use the
KX1 paddle...)

-------------------------------

There's no need to learn iambic keying to use the KX1 paddle. It works just
like a standard keyer too which is just like a bug except that it makes
dashes automatically. So if you've ever used a bug, you can key the KX1 just
fine with it with only a little extra care to avoid being ambushed by the
"dash logic".

The thing I've pined for these past five years is a "bug mode" in the
Elecraft keyers because I hate it when the logic tries to make my dashes for
me.

Whenever I bring it up there's those who immediately pipe up saying "but it
won't FEEL like a bug!"  Of COURSE it won't feel like a bug, whatever that
is. Every bug I've ever touched feels different anyway. But it'd at least
ACT like a bug without having to lug the real thing into the field.

Ron AC7AC


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[Michael Babineau]

Jay :

There is a small Russian-made Military straight key that is sold by
Morse Express
that might fit the bill nicely. I have one of these, without the leg
strap and it is a
pretty decent little straight key. They are extremely rugged and have a
very nice
feel.

http://www.morsex.com/ccorner/

I have also seen these sell on eBay at some very reasonable prices.

Michael VE3WMB

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[Martin Gillen]

Hi, Jay.

I have one of the keys that Michael mentioned but I
got it a lot less than Morse Express are selling them
for!

I bought mine on ebay from:

http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=alex550_2&frm=1728

I'm very pleased with it!

Martin.


       
       
               
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[Ron D'Eau Claire-2]

For all Amateurs interested in radio history contacts with unusual
stations...

QTC

TRANSMISSIONS WITH THE OLD ALEXANDERSON ALTERNATOR ON 17.2 KHZ THIS SUMMER

There will be transmissions both on Saturday July 2nd 2005 and on Sunday
July 3rd 2005.

1.  The transmission on July 2nd will be at 12:30 UTC when a new visiting
centre will be inaugurated. The station will be open only to invited
persons.

2.  On Sunday July 3rd there will be the ordinary "Alexanderson Day" and the

station will be open to public between 10:00 and 16:00 local time.
Transmissions will take place at 08:15, 09:15, 12:15 and 13:15 UTC.

Amateur radio will work on 14.035 kHz CW, 3.755 and 14.215 kHz SSB with the
new call SK6SAQ

QSL-information to: [hidden email]

For more information read: www.alexander.n.se

----------------------------------

The Alexanderson Alternators at Grimedon, Sweden are the last working
examples of this  historic form of radio transmitter that consisted of
essentially a huge alternating-current generator connected to an
proportionally huge antenna. As the message says, the Grimedon alternators
operate at 17.2 kHz. That's a bit below the lowest tuning range the Elecraft
rigs offer, but within the range of some general coverage communications
receivers out there. In any case, there's the opportunity for ham band
contacts with the HF station on 80 CW and 20 meter CW and SSB.

More pictures of the generators and Grimedon antenna farm, information about
Alexanderson and the history of these amazing transmitters are at:

http://www.acmi.net.au/AIC/ALEXANDERSON_BIO.html

Additional information about these alternators as they were employed by RCA
in the USA is at:

http://earlyradiohistory.us/1922RCA.htm

The RCA machines were said to have developed 700 AMPS or RF into the
antenna. Not exactly QRP.

Ron AC7AC


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