Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

A follow-up from an old conversation.  I bought one of the CW Morse 
single-paddle keys and I've been using it to work on the firmware of the 
keyer I've built.


I got the version with the yellow paddle and I got it with the iron 
base.  First impression is that it is small and light.  I've been afraid 
that if I hit it too hard, I'm going to break it. It's not like some 
other keys that are large chunks of metal that would hurt you if they 
fell on you, although the iron base gives it enough weight that it 
doesn't want to walk while I'm sending with it.  So how does it work?  
Well, the action is smooth and reliable.  The feel is pretty good and 
it's easy to adjust.  They included a hex key that fits into a little 
hole in the back.  I wish the paddle was thicker, because I'm used to my 
Bencher iambic paddles with 3/4 inch spacing, but that's the only real 
complaint that I have.  Well, that and there's this 3D printed cap that 
goes over the contacts and bearings and stuff that's mostly held on by 
wishful thinking.  It seems likely that it will eventually be lost.  
I've knocked it off a couple of times already.


Overall, I'd have to say that I like it.

On 1/7/2021 9:38 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

Jonathan,
I could not have said it better myself. My covid income is giving me a 
new appreciation of my spending. I am an engineer, so I have been used 
to spending what I want. We used to be able to buy a J-38 for a couple 
of dollars. These days quality can be expensive. Maybe I should look 
into building something.

Mark

On Jan 7, 2021, at 3:50 PM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I just wanted to see if I was looking at the same keys that you were.

Making a key is easy.  I once made a telegraph key from a peanut can 
and a couple of nails.  Making a good key is harder.


On the other hand, spending three hundred dollars for a key is not 
something I'm going to do on a whim.    If I buy a key I'm confident 
is good, I want to be sure it's something I am going to use, and I've 
used squeeze keys for 40 years.  Lately I've been thinking that I 
want to get a single-paddle key so I can practice using it either 
without a keyer or with a keyer configured in semiautomatic mode, but 
the stratospheric cost of most keys has made me hesitate to pull the 
trigger.  These are modest enough price-wise that I could possibly 
justify buying one just to try it out.


On 1/7/2021 3:16 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. 
This also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design 
my own. These seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and 
I was really looking to see who might have experienced them. Thank 
you for your question.


Mark
N5PRD

On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a 
bunch of inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that 
what you're talking about?


On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark
N5PRD



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org




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Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Link does not work, but I was able to google it. Also found the following link 
to a Dave Casler review of the paddle version. Apparently he also did a review 
of the straight key. Very interesting so far. Still watching.
Mark

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 6:53 PM, Rick Wannall via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Cwmorese.com <http://cwmorese.com/>: 
> 
> “Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
> presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
> recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com <http://cwmorse.com/>.  I looked 
> at them, and they look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.”
>  
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC
> Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 16:24
> To: r...@wannall.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
> Cc: Jonathan Guthrie 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key
>  
> I don't know where you got "cwmorse.com" They're now carried by Gigaparts, so 
> you can buy them from gigaparts.com
> They look a lot like the keys on cwmorse.us
> On 1/7/2021 4:19 PM, r...@wannall.net <mailto:r...@wannall.net> wrote:
>> I tried to look but got this:
>>  
>> 
>> Is it maybe this:
>>  
>> https://cwmorse.us/ <https://cwmorse.us/>
>>  
>>  
>> From: BVARC  <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On 
>> Behalf Of Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC
>> Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 15:58
>> To: Jeff Greer via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
>> Cc: Jonathan Guthrie  <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key
>>  
>> The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.
>>  
>> On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:
>>> Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
>>> presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
>>> recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they 
>>> look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.
>>>  
>>> I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print 
>>> my own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other 
>>> keys available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and 
>>> sundry other 3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...
>>>  
>>> Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.
>>>  
>>> 73!
>>>  
>>> -j
>>>  
>>> From: BVARC  <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> on 
>>> behalf of Mark Brantana via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB  
>>> <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
>>> Cc: Mark Brantana  
>>> <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>; Jonathan Guthrie  
>>> <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
>>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key
>>>  
>>> Jonathan, 
>>>  
>>> Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This 
>>> also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. 
>>> These seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really 
>>> looking to see who might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.
>>>  
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC >>> <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>>>>  
>>>> I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
>>>> inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're 
>>>> talking about?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>>>>> What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in 
>>>>> several models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
>>>>> Mark 
>>>>> N5PRD 
>>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>> 
>>>> BVARC mailing list
>>>> BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
>>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>>>> <http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org>
>>>  
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>  
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>>> <http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org>
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Yes. These are the ones I was looking at. They look interesting. Really, this 
looks like a good business to be in!
Thanks,
Mark

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer  wrote:
> 
> Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
> presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
> recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com <http://cwmorse.com/>.  I looked 
> at them, and they look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.
> 
> I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print my 
> own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other keys 
> available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and sundry 
> other 3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...
> 
> Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.
> 
> 73!
> 
> -j
> 
> From: BVARC  on behalf of Mark Brantana via BVARC 
> 
> Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Mark Brantana ; Jonathan Guthrie 
> 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key
>  
> Jonathan,
> 
> Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This 
> also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. These 
> seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking to 
> see who might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.
> 
> Mark
> N5PRD
> 
>> On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC > <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
>> inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking 
>> about?
>> On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>>> What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
>>> models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
>>> Mark 
>>> N5PRD 
>>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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BVARC mailing list
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Jonathan,
I could not have said it better myself. My covid income is giving me a new 
appreciation of my spending. I am an engineer, so I have been used to spending 
what I want. We used to be able to buy a J-38 for a couple of dollars. These 
days quality can be expensive. Maybe I should look into building something.
Mark

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 3:50 PM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> I just wanted to see if I was looking at the same keys that you were.
> 
> Making a key is easy.  I once made a telegraph key from a peanut can and a 
> couple of nails.  Making a good key is harder.
> 
> On the other hand, spending three hundred dollars for a key is not something 
> I'm going to do on a whim.If I buy a key I'm confident is good, I want to 
> be sure it's something I am going to use, and I've used squeeze keys for 40 
> years.  Lately I've been thinking that I want to get a single-paddle key so I 
> can practice using it either without a keyer or with a keyer configured in 
> semiautomatic mode, but the stratospheric cost of most keys has made me 
> hesitate to pull the trigger.  These are modest enough price-wise that I 
> could possibly justify buying one just to try it out.
> 
> On 1/7/2021 3:16 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>> Jonathan,
>> 
>> Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This 
>> also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. These 
>> seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking 
>> to see who   might have experienced them. Thank you for your 
>> question.
>> 
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>>> On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
>>> inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking 
>>> about?
>>> 
>>> On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
 What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in 
 several models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
 Mark 
 N5PRD 
 
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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BVARC mailing list
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Rick Wannall via BVARC]

Cwmorese.com: 

"Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club)
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they
look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys."

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jonathan Guthrie via
BVARC
Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 16:24
To: r...@wannall.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
Cc: Jonathan Guthrie 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

 

I don't know where you got "cwmorse.com" They're now carried by Gigaparts,
so you can buy them from gigaparts.com

They look a lot like the keys on cwmorse.us

On 1/7/2021 4:19 PM, r...@wannall.net <mailto:r...@wannall.net>  wrote:

I tried to look but got this:

 



Is it maybe this:

 

https://cwmorse.us/

 

 

From: BVARC  <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org>  On
Behalf Of Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC
Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 15:58
To: Jeff Greer via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> 
Cc: Jonathan Guthrie  <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org> 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

 

The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.

 

On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:

Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club)
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they
look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.

 

I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print
my own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other
keys available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and
sundry other 3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...

 

Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.

 

73!

 

-j

 

  _  

From: BVARC  <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org>  on
behalf of Mark Brantana via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>

Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>

Cc: Mark Brantana  <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>
; Jonathan Guthrie  <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>

Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key 

 

Jonathan, 

 

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This
also made me wonder if I shouldn't fire up Inventor and design my own. These
seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking
to see who might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.

 

Mark

N5PRD






On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote:

 

I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of
inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking
about?




On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark 
N5PRD 
 


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

 







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BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Dave,
I see it on the internet. Looks really nice.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 7:43 AM, DAVID ELY via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I have a Bencher. ST-1 that I love using.
> 73 - Dave N5EKW
> 
> On Thursday, January 7, 2021, 3:52:48 AM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
> models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
> Mark 
> N5PRD 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key -- GigaParts Acrylic keys

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Agreed, but the keyers and bugs are so expensive for what they are.

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 1:46 PM, Mark  wrote:
> 
> It takes LOTS of practice, practice - listening to how you send and 
> correcting to get GOOD.
> 
> You know you are good, when finishing a qso, you are the one being called for 
> another Q. I have been there!
> 
> The hand key in the closet has the Tea Cup type knob; rest your thumb on the 
> saucer and forefinger on the knob. 
> 
> The straight key makes it tiring and difficult to keep up the 20+ wpm that is 
> easy to head copy. 
> 
> 
> 
> I recommend put the practice energy into either the keyer or a bug.  Don't 
> get stuck COUNTING WITH THE HAND KEY! 
> 
> Warm up with:
> 
> Bens best bent wire.
> 
> 
> 
> K5GQ
> 
> incremental improvement is the best.
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> 


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jeff Greer via BVARC]

Yes; it's https://cwmorse.us/
[https://cwmorse.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CW-Morse-LLC.png]<https://cwmorse.us/>
CW Morse Code Keys Made In USA<https://cwmorse.us/>
CW Morse Code Keys With Ball Bearing Action, Steel Pivot Pins & Solid Brass 
Contacts! Each Key Has Adjustable Spring & Gap. All Made in The USA.
cwmorse.us



From: BVARC  on behalf of Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 

Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 4:23 PM
To: r...@wannall.net ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 

Cc: Jonathan Guthrie 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key


I don't know where you got "cwmorse.com" They're now carried by Gigaparts, so 
you can buy them from gigaparts.com

They look a lot like the keys on cwmorse.us

On 1/7/2021 4:19 PM, r...@wannall.net<mailto:r...@wannall.net> wrote:

I tried to look but got this:



[cid:part1.2921B107.699ED3DF@ka8kpn.org]

Is it maybe this:



https://cwmorse.us/





From: BVARC <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf 
Of Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC
Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 15:58
To: Jeff Greer via BVARC <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
Cc: Jonathan Guthrie <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key



The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.



On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:

Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they look 
cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.



I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print my 
own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other keys 
available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and sundry other 
3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...



Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.



73!



-j





From: BVARC <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> on behalf 
of Mark Brantana via BVARC <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
Cc: Mark Brantana <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>; 
Jonathan Guthrie <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key



Jonathan,



Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This also 
made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. These seem to 
be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking to see who 
might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.



Mark

N5PRD



On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:



I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking 
about?


On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?

Mark

N5PRD




Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org







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BVARC mailing list

BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>

http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

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BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
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Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

I don't know where you got "cwmorse.com" They're now carried by 
Gigaparts, so you can buy them from gigaparts.com


They look a lot like the keys on cwmorse.us

On 1/7/2021 4:19 PM, r...@wannall.net wrote:


I tried to look but got this:

Is it maybe this:

https://cwmorse.us/ <https://cwmorse.us/>

*From:* BVARC  *On Behalf Of *Jonathan 
Guthrie via BVARC

*Sent:* Thursday, January 7, 2021 15:58
*To:* Jeff Greer via BVARC 
*Cc:* Jonathan Guthrie 
*Subject:* Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.

On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:

Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob
learning presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long
Island CW club) recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I
looked at them, and they look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about
CW or keys.

I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I
could print my own, and I was unable to find them.  I did,
however, find several other keys available to download and print
on Thingiverse and the various and sundry other 3D printing
"thing" repositories on the web...

Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.

73!

-j



*From:*BVARC 
<mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> on behalf of Mark Brantana via
BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
*Sent:* Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
*To:* BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
<mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
*Cc:* Mark Brantana 
<mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>; Jonathan Guthrie
 <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
*Subject:* Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D
printed. This also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor
and design my own. These seem to be about the most reasonably
priced keys, and I was really looking to see who might have
experienced them. Thank you for your question.

Mark

N5PRD



On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:

I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got
a bunch of inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is
that what you're talking about?

On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in 
several models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?

Mark

N5PRD


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
<http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org>





Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list

BVARC@bvarc.org  <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>

http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org  
<http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org>


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BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Rick Wannall via BVARC]

I tried to look but got this:

 



Is it maybe this:

 

https://cwmorse.us/

 

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jonathan Guthrie via
BVARC
Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 15:58
To: Jeff Greer via BVARC 
Cc: Jonathan Guthrie 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

 

The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.

 

On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:

Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club)
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they
look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.

 

I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print
my own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other
keys available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and
sundry other 3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...

 

Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.

 

73!

 

-j

 

  _  

From: BVARC  <mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org>  on
behalf of Mark Brantana via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>

Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>

Cc: Mark Brantana  <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>
; Jonathan Guthrie  <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>

Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key 

 

Jonathan, 

 

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This
also made me wonder if I shouldn't fire up Inventor and design my own. These
seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking
to see who might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.

 

Mark

N5PRD





On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote:

 

I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of
inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking
about?



On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark 
N5PRD 
 


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

 






Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
 
BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


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BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

The keys in question are, in fact, CW Morse keys.


On 1/7/2021 3:53 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:
Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and 
they look cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.


I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could 
print my own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find 
several other keys available to download and print on Thingiverse and 
the various and sundry other 3D printing "thing" repositories on the 
web...


Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.

73!

-j


*From:* BVARC  on behalf of Mark Brantana via 
BVARC 

*Sent:* Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
*To:* BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
*Cc:* Mark Brantana ; Jonathan Guthrie 


*Subject:* Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key
Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. 
This also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my 
own. These seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was 
really looking to see who might have experienced them. Thank you for 
your question.


Mark
N5PRD

On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch 
of inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what 
you're talking about?


On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark
N5PRD



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org




Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jeff Greer via BVARC]

Tangentially related, I sat in on the "learning CW" ARRL noob learning 
presentation, and the presenters (guys from the Long Island CW club) 
recommended 3D printed keys from cwmorse.com.  I looked at them, and they look 
cool, not that I know ANYTHING about CW or keys.

I looked to see if their STL files are publicly available so I could print my 
own, and I was unable to find them.  I did, however, find several other keys 
available to download and print on Thingiverse and the various and sundry other 
3D printing "thing" repositories on the web...

Hope this helps; if not, delete and ignore.

73!

-j


From: BVARC  on behalf of Mark Brantana via BVARC 

Sent: Thursday, January 7, 2021 3:16 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Mark Brantana ; Jonathan Guthrie 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This also 
made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. These seem to 
be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking to see who 
might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.

Mark
N5PRD

On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking 
about?

On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark
N5PRD




Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

I just wanted to see if I was looking at the same keys that you were.

Making a key is easy.  I once made a telegraph key from a peanut can and 
a couple of nails.  Making a good key is harder.


On the other hand, spending three hundred dollars for a key is not 
something I'm going to do on a whim.    If I buy a key I'm confident is 
good, I want to be sure it's something I am going to use, and I've used 
squeeze keys for 40 years.  Lately I've been thinking that I want to get 
a single-paddle key so I can practice using it either without a keyer or 
with a keyer configured in semiautomatic mode, but the stratospheric 
cost of most keys has made me hesitate to pull the trigger.  These are 
modest enough price-wise that I could possibly justify buying one just 
to try it out.


On 1/7/2021 3:16 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. 
This also made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my 
own. These seem to be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was 
really looking to see who might have experienced them. Thank you for 
your question.


Mark
N5PRD

On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:


I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch 
of inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what 
you're talking about?


On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark
N5PRD



Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org 
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org




Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

Jonathan,

Yes. There are three different models. They appear to be 3D printed. This also 
made me wonder if I shouldn’t fire up Inventor and design my own. These seem to 
be about the most reasonably priced keys, and I was really looking to see who 
might have experienced them. Thank you for your question.

Mark
N5PRD

> On Jan 7, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
> inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're talking 
> about?
> 
> On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>> What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
>> models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
>> Mark 
>> N5PRD 
>> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

[BVARC] Morse Code Key -- GigaParts Acrylic keys

[Mark via BVARC]

It takes LOTS of practice, practice - listening to how you send and
correcting to get GOOD. 


You know you are good, when finishing a qso, you are the one being
called for another Q. I have been there! 


The hand key in the closet has the Tea Cup type knob; rest your thumb on
the saucer and forefinger on the knob.  


The straight key makes it tiring and difficult to keep up the 20+ wpm
that is easy to head copy.  

I recommend put the practice energy into either the keyer or a bug. 
Don't get stuck COUNTING WITH THE HAND KEY!  

Warm up with: 

Bens best bent wire. 

K5GQ 

incremental improvement is the best. 


Mark
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Jonathan Guthrie via BVARC]

I'm not sure what you mean by acrylic key.  I see they've got a bunch of 
inexpensive keys that appear to be 3D printed.  Is that what you're 
talking about?


On 1/7/2021 3:52 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark
N5PRD


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org

Re: [BVARC] Morse Code Key

[DAVID ELY via BVARC]

 I have a Bencher. ST-1 that I love using.73 - Dave N5EKW

On Thursday, January 7, 2021, 3:52:48 AM CST, Mark Brantana via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
 What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
  
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BVARC@bvarc.org
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[BVARC] Morse Code Key

[Mark Brantana via BVARC]

What does anyone think of the GigaParts Acrylic keys ? They come in several 
models and colors, with Al base or plastic. Anyone try one?
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
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