John:
Have you ever seen a K8RA key? The inventor
and manufacturer Jerry Pittenger is SK now, but
the keys may still be available. See my QRZ page
for a picture. His key is hard to adjust, but is very
stable afterwards. I chose the magnetic "spring"
option for my (non-iambic) paddle. It has a very
smooth action due to the ball bearing design.
73, Gary
On 12/2/2015 09:39, John Chauvin via BVARC wrote:
Randy,
I agree with Rick H and Bill C. I am in the 20WPM comfort zone and
25+ during contests. I also have a key collection on display (~100
keys). I have several examples of each as discussed below if you want
to see/feel/touch/use any on the air.
Used prices are "typical" for good working condition (8 of 10). If
you want a "cream puff," then more. Shipping varies but typically is
around $10.
For straight keys, I really like the Nye Master Straight Key with the
Navy Knob (has a slightly sloped front) as Rick mentioned. You can
usually find them on E-Bay for around $20-25. Regardless, be sure you
get the Navy Knob.
I agree with Rick that if you are under 18WPM, then use a straight key
at first. It is important that you get a good "feel" for keying.
As far as a paddle is concerned, see the discussion from Rick.
Assuming that you are under 35 WPM, then you could use either single
paddle or a true Iambic. If you are 35+ WPM, then a true Iambic is
probably best.
In my opinion, after the straight key, just go straight for the
iambic. You ask for the "Best bang for the buck"; that would be the
Bencher BY-1. This is a true Iambic. It goes for about $50 - 70 on
E-Bay or $160 new.
I personally don't like the magnetic Iambics (vs the spring return).
I like a little more "feel" than these give. Maybe if I were a
regular op at above 30 WPM, it might make a difference.
I can't recommend any specific single paddle (though I have a few), as
I haven't used them much. As mentioned, after the straight key, just
go directly to an Iambic.
I assume that you are not interested in a "bug." I have a dozen or so
if you want to try them.
Enjoy,
Tnx es 73
de John
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* Bill Crowell via BVARC <[email protected]>
*To:* BVARC <[email protected]>
*Cc:* Bill Crowell <[email protected]>
*Sent:* Wednesday, December 2, 2015 8:32 AM
*Subject:* Re: [BVARC] best morse code key
Hi Randy,
Feel free to stop by my QTH and try a few keys.
My standard setup is Vibroplex iambic paddles going to a keyer and
then a Vibroplex straight key in parallel. I like to leave the keyer
set to 18-25WPM, but if I need to work a slower station, I reach for
the straight key.
I also have Schurr paddles and straight key. German made from solid brass.
And if you like to work China, I have a genuine People’s Liberation
Army straight key.
73!
Bill Crowell, N4HPG
Pearland, TX
Text messaging one-handed since 1982
From: BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
on behalf of BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
Reply-To: BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:13 PM
To: BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
Cc: Randy Pugh <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
Subject: [BVARC] best morse code key
Looking for answers especially from the club cw operators.What is the
best cw key for the money?Thanks de AA5OA.
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