View Full Version : Choose your weapon
k0ews
12-23-2004, 07:34 AM
What is your favorite way to send CW? Just curious.
AB0SI
12-23-2004, 08:25 AM
I use a "puff & sip" thingie as publsihed in QST earlier this year. My elmer was kind enough to make one for me. It acts like a single level paddle -- "puff" for dahs and "sip" for dits. I usually refer to it as my "Such & Spit" machine. I occasionally try using an iambic paddle but some modest nerve damage makes it rather difficult. Thanks to the kindness of my elmer (and the nice CW ops out there willing to put up with my slow, ragged code), at least I get to play around a bit with Morse. Lots of fun, I must say!
Paul AB0SI <see my QRZ listing for a pic of my Spitin' away>
I prefer a good Vibroplex bug myself....with a good straight key handy for where you have to send slower than the bug will go reasonably.
I own and learned to use an electronic keyer with paddles set up for my other (left) hand, but I don't really care to use it much on the air.
The bug does just fine and is more comfortable to use for me....47 odd years of habit....:)
AL7N
I use a Palm mini-paddle /P es with QRP rigs. The favorite hands down, far and away the winner.....The Vibroplex.
They are just like great guitars, each one has its own personality.
N0ZB
N8CPA
12-23-2004, 12:25 PM
I have Classic Keyer mahogany and brass iambic key, and a CRDO iambic straight combo. The LTA combo is plugged into my MorseMachine memory keyer, and drives an IC-735. An additional LTA straight key is connected to my second HF rig, a TS-50.
I have several bugs, a Vibroplex paddle and a Bencher paddle, I use them all, some more than others.
Bencher Iambic Keyer that still kicks my butt over 20WPM and a Bencher Straight key. Want a Vibroplex Paddle....maybe Santa will bring one!
I love to work a "Bug" , but would really love to get a good Iambic keyer and key. I have a Kent Iambic keyer, but it just doesn't seem to have enough "weighting range" for my tastes.
I have always loved the look of the Vibroplex magnetic keyer ( used to be called the "Scotia" before it was bought by Vibroplex Corp. ) but have heard some not so favorable reports about their fragility. I would love to be a good machinist. I have some definate ideas as to how I would construct an iambic key, with some sort of tactile feedback, but will never have the skill to carry out the idea! <Heavy Sigh !>
Well, that is part of the fun of ham radio, always anticipating the next "improvement" to your station!
73, Jim
W9AFB
12-23-2004, 06:44 PM
my trusty ole J-38
wa4brl
12-23-2004, 07:24 PM
Wow! I thought I was the only one using a J-38 any more. I keep telling myself I'm going to learn to use the nice iambic keyer and paddles I bought 25 years ago. But I just can't pull myself away from the J-38. Over 33 years and still the same key!
Yeah, AFB, trusty is right. And faithful.
WA5VQM
12-23-2004, 08:13 PM
A rusty old J-38 from my novice days. I had a keyer and paddles but now that I've become active again I can't find it! In a box somewhere....
73,
Mark - WA5VQM
J-38 that an old-timer friend of the family gave me 30+ years ago. #Don't know what the history is on it, but it was old back then. #Still, it has the best straight key "feel" I've ever experienced. # (Or more likely, I'm just used to it.)
On the "modern" side, my Vibroplex, Deluxe "Original" my aunt gave me for Christmas c. 1970. #I actually wanted the non-deluxe "Original" but the Allied store in Chicago was out of them, I guess. #Or maybe she was being generous. #Anyway, it's the thought that counts and I treasure it still.
WA5KRP
12-24-2004, 02:02 AM
I use a 1971 Vibroplex "Vibrokeyer Deluxe" (not iambic) with a MFJ-401D or a Hallicrafters HA-1. I love that old chrome-plated key. It's as handsome as the day I bought it. Not a speck of rust. I think of it as an old, reliable friend.
WA5KRP
Texas
n0nwo
12-24-2004, 02:48 AM
iambic paddles for most and streight key when I need to qrs.
Minton
WA2ZDY
12-24-2004, 03:33 AM
I have a "Code Warrior Jr" marketed by Vibroplex. I love the thing. I never thought anything but a "real" Vibroplex paddle or bug would do, but this thing does. I have a Lionel J38 here, but it isn't practical in the truck. I also have a Vibroplex Original but that too is impractical while in motion.
Sometimes I'll set the Kenwood TS480 menu selection to "bug." This makes the dits automatically, but not the dahs. Just like a bug. I've tried it but I'm not too good at it. I use the dah paddle as a sideswiper straight key. Not often, but enough to know I still know how to send.
Overall though, the built-in keyer in the 480 and the paddle at about 22-25 wpm makes for a nice relaxing means of sending.
Kent TP-1......SWEET.http://www.kent-engineers.com/TWINphoto.GIF
The black base Bencher iambic and the WW2 Flameproof Navy key. 42 years in my possesion, purchased new in the box from a surplus store for $1.00 my weekly allowance in last 1962.
73 & Happy Holidays
George
K3UD
k0pvw
12-24-2004, 01:01 PM
I use the up/down button on the microphone of my IC706, it works quite well. Or and old heathkit paddle keyer.
N1XHF
12-24-2004, 03:04 PM
Quote[/b] (W9AFB @ Dec. 22 2004,12:44)]my trusty ole J-38
same for me, I have it on my ft-847
I use the black Bencher iambic, since 1987 or so. I typically use built-in keyers either in my SW-20 kit or the TS-2000.
Alternate is a cheap (but now collector's item?) Radio Shack straight key from 1985. But wrist/forearm get very tired after a short bit!
I've tried keyboards before, when they were all the rage, but I never liked it. I like to make changes on the fly and don't care for type-ahead buffers. Plus it's too easy to hit the wrong memory function and end up sending an automated "CQ" or some other odd thing in the midst of a QSO!
WB2RJR
12-24-2004, 11:40 PM
A bug since 1964, if someones wants me to QRS I use the left, dah, side to function as a straight key.
73, Marty WB2RJR
k6pme
12-25-2004, 03:04 AM
2 pieces of wire with the ends stripped. I just tapped them together in the proper pattern.
Ok, not really. I have a cheapo MFJ piece of junk. Thats probably why I don't get on the air much. I have to keep bending it back into position.
ae4fa
12-25-2004, 10:10 PM
Quote[/b] ]I have #my original J-37 'knee key' I used in Vietnam as a platoon radio operator using the PRC-47 transceiver.
Interesting.
A local ham picked up a PRC-47 not too long ago. #Not sure he has any idea what to do with it . . .
I seem to remember it requires either 48V DC or ?V AC at 400Hz.
kg6saj
12-25-2004, 10:15 PM
I also use a J-37, but it's on a practice base.
It's my only key.
I picked it up at a ham swap meet before I got my license. Positve thoughts, kinda thing.
k5jyd
12-26-2004, 03:39 AM
bencher and kent paddles::) w5wlb http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WA2ZDY
12-26-2004, 10:06 AM
Good info on the PRC47: http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/NYH_PRC47.htm
9V1VV
12-27-2004, 05:44 AM
http://www.mtechnologies.com/ghd/gt501m.jpg
The GT 501 is about the best straight key out there, for my money. I use it 90% of the time, sometimes reverting to a Kent KT1 or a trusty old RAF "Type D". All these are classic European-style keys without the low -down bend the US ops use, and are similar to the ones prefered by ship's radio ops (like me) in years gone by.
73 to all, and Happy New Year.
John
ae4fa
12-27-2004, 10:11 AM
Anybody using one of these:
http://www.mtechnologies.com/ghd/gd907.jpg
Definately not your standard bug!
Note the dual pendulums. Yup, fully automatic dahs, too.
Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Dec. 27 2004,04:11)]Definately not your standard bug!
Note the dual pendulums. #Yup, fully automatic dahs, too.
If my wife ever quits looking at the Visa bill.
She's finally used to stacks of TenTecs and Vibroplexes. This, however, may push her over the edge.
In my best Homer voice: Oooh, fully automatic!
N0ZB
WA5KRP
12-27-2004, 06:54 PM
Quote[/b] (9V1VV @ Dec. 26 2004,23:44)]The GT 501 is about the best straight key out there, for my money.
WOW! That key and the one AE4FA has posted are DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! I bet it takes a few sawbucks to get one of those.
WA5KRP
Texas
Love the Kent TP-1 (see AB3BK's pic) 1 in the car and 1 in the shack.
N8CPA
12-27-2004, 08:02 PM
Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Dec. 27 2004,06:11)]Anybody using one of these:
http://www.mtechnologies.com/ghd/gd907.jpg
Definately not your standard bug!
Note the dual pendulums. #Yup, fully automatic dahs, too.
I just looked at the price at Morse Express. I feel so inadequate, now. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
ae4fa
12-27-2004, 10:40 PM
Yeah, that is one unique key! The price is way out of my league, too, but posting the picture was free, so . . .
WA5KRP
12-28-2004, 01:51 AM
Bet that key is a pain in the ass to keep clean and shiny. #Unless you operate in a bubble.
"Honey, would you mind picking up a couple pounds of Q-tips at the store?"
WA5KRP
Texas
N8CPA
12-28-2004, 04:40 PM
You might want the top shelf Q-tips. The bathroom cabinet variety might be a little too linty to be good for the key. That's why they sell the display covers separately--that, and to make me feel more inadequate. I'm sure it's part of a big, evil, conservative conspiracy to keep my station dusty, impoverished, and in a state of appearance deficit.
A camel hair brush does good work on a common ol' Vibroplex. Cover with a bandana when not in use, gives the shack that high dollar look when not in use.
N0ZB
K7JBQ
12-28-2004, 05:03 PM
Forget cleaning that puppy. Think about adjusting it.
Getting the dits and dahs the proper length must be hilarious.
73,
Bill
ae4fa
12-28-2004, 11:07 PM
Did I mention the optical sensors in place of contacts?
Here's the part of my "arsenal" that's in use every day. Left to Right: Bunnell straight key, Signal Corp J-36, Les Logan Speed-X, 1924 Vibroplex Original. My XYL suggested the caption...
There are a bunch more, but these are the ones I use.
73 de Jeff
kl7aj
01-03-2005, 11:14 PM
A knife switch in the plate voltage lead of my Henry IIK
Eric, KL7AJ
w3bny
01-05-2005, 07:12 PM
Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 03 2005,16:14)]A knife switch in the plate voltage lead of my Henry IIK
Eric, KL7AJ
Right on! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
k0ews
01-15-2005, 08:27 PM
Well, as my avatar suggests, I do indeed use a bug. However, it depends. I use a set of paddles on my Elecraft K-1. The bug is hooked up at all times to my Icom 718, along with a computer, via a homebrew serial interface. For contesting, I go keyboard software. For ragchewing, it's the bug, along with any other general use. Also, I have a straight key I like to get out every now and then. Being a musician, I've always looked at my different CW sending tools as different instruments. Not every instrument fits every situation, and that's fine with me; as long as there is still the music of CW in the air. Thanks for the responses so far. A fun poll indeed. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
w8znx
01-15-2005, 10:46 PM
hoy
I have the single action opto electric version of the
dbl action GHD bug
very easy to handle
smooth smooth smooth
can slow it down much lower than any Vibroplex
do not half to hit the dit side as hard as
Vibroplex to get solid dits
easy to ajust
very heavy dsnt walk around desk
the J 37 was used all over
have two identical leg iron keys
that use the J 37 key
one is marked J 45
other
I stole from Army Signal Corps
is marked KY-116/U
enjoy using them with my AN GRC 106 set
and RT-654A/TRC-77 manpack cw rig
most used key
my first bug
gift from w8cdm sk
Vibroplex Champion great kick around key
and not afraid to hook to old cathode keyed
hb transmitter
tnx de mac
wa9cwx
04-12-2005, 12:59 AM
I too use a large variety of keys, and MOST are Vibroplex.
My most recent purchase of a key was the Gold dual about 1 year ago. It is ALWAYS covered by its' plastic cover.
IT IS RUSTING on the surface........This is an $800.00 PLUS key, and the steel is rusting from under the gold finish?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
None of my other keys are doing this, even my gold plated bug that is 20 years old. SOME of the 30 year+ keys have PITS, but I have 3 NEWER Vibroplexes all chrome that have ZERO rust.
Any sugestions, I am thinking of sending it back, has anyone else experienced this??
I really would just like a chrome dual WITHOUT rust.
Frank
(still have my original Standard Vibroplex from 1965)
K7JBQ
04-12-2005, 04:35 PM
Frank,
Have you tried emailing Mitch? I just have a feeling he'll do something about it.
feltonmitchell@mchsi.com
73,
Bill
When in the Arctic I use the club station's Vibroplex, but at home I have a humble MFJ copy of a Bencher. I spent thousands of hours on the air using my Heathkit HD-10 when I was a kid, so I am used to cheap paddles.
73,
Dave/al2i