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: [email protected] 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
