[Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key?

[Rob Lundahl]

Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?

NV7F

[Ken Kopp]

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
***@acninc.net
or
***@arrl.net

[Fred Jensen]

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

[Jeff Kinzli N6GQ]

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 <***@gmail.com> wrote:
> Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?
>
> NV7F
> _______________________________________________
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[John D'Ausilio]

I agree with Jeff .. I think it's the best bang for the buck

de w1rt/john

On 10/15/07, Jeff Kinzli N6GQ <***@n6gq.com> 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 <***@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?
> >
> > NV7F
> > _______________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Post to: ***@mailman.qth.net
> > You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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> >
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[Darwin, Keith]

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 -

[RJD]

You never know until you try them. The K8RA keys at:

http://www.k8ra.com/

I have one(P-4) and love it.

Different sizes for different people.

Dick, NJ9K



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Fred Jensen
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 23:31
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key?

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
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[David Wilburn]

I thought he said lowcost? For these prices, I love the HexKey I picked up from
Elecraft.

David Wilburn
***@verizon.net
K4DGW
K2 #5982
FP#-1751


RJD wrote:
> You never know until you try them. The K8RA keys at:
>
> http://www.k8ra.com/
>
> I have one(P-4) and love it.
>
> Different sizes for different people.
>
> Dick, NJ9K
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net]
> On Behalf Of Fred Jensen
> Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 23:31
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key?
>
> 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: ***@mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>

[Dan KB6NU]

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

[John]

>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.

[Nick Waterman]

>> 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; ***@noseynick.net
Lisp Users: Due to the holiday, there will be no garbage collection on
Monday.

[Lee Buller]

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?

[John [K7SVV]]

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" <***@gmail.com>
To: <***@mailman.qth.net>
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: ***@mailman.qth.net
> 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
>
>

[David Woolley]

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.

[Clark Macaulay]

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

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

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
>

[Jerry T. Dowell]

""You never know until you try them. The K8RA keys at:

http://www.k8ra.com/

I have one(P-4) and love it.

Different sizes for different people.

Dick, NJ9K ""

I bought a K8RA P-1 many years ago when they were somewhat cheaper. It
seems to work OK, but the workmanship left much to be desired. I now use a
Begali magnetic, which is a whole lot more expensive and a whole lot better
key. Perhaps the best bet for low cost would be a used Bencher. I got mine
for $20 at a swap meet, and it served well for many years.

Jerry AI6L

[Benny Aumala]

A very fine reputation and feeling I have found in these keys:

http://www.i1qod.it/prima.htm

http://www.xs4all.nl/~pa0fri/Diversen/Paddlekey/paddlekey.htm
My MacPaddle mark IV was 150 Euros, but a personal negotiation is
needed to get it,
and a timetable does not exist.

Worth of studying.

Benny OH9NB

[Paul at N4LCD.com ()]

>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

[Michael Baker]

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
***@qwest.net

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rob Lundahl
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 3:08 PM
To: ***@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] CW: Best low cost iambic key?

Any recommendations for a low cost Iambic cw key?

NV7F
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: ***@mailman.qth.net
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Lamb, Dick &amp; Judy]

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

[Bert Craig]

Has anyone mentioned the Kent iambic paddle? ...And it come in kit form, to
boot!

http://www.kent-engineers.com/

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1286

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

[Ken Miller, K6CTW]

My vote for an inexpensive, and very nice feeling paddle, for Iambic
keying, is the Code Warrior Junior by Vibroplex

http://www.vibroplex.com/code_warrior_junior.html

I have one mounted on cell phone hardware in my car and use it daily.
I'd use my Blue Racer bug (1965) but the bumps send too many dits ;-)


Good luck, 73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW