1st question: How many keys are too many? I have three - J37, MFJ cheapie, K42 Chinese. Always looking for something new. 2nd question: shorting bar, or no shorting bar? Iambic or non-iambic paddle? What is best for someone who has been using a straight key? Roger de N6RGR
1st Q - only you know when it is time to seek help for the dreaded "Key Addiction" The cure seems to be a memory keyer and a set of good paddles... #2 - that is personal preference. Try both and see what will work for you. #3, to ease the craving for straight key, perhaps you could wean yourself by using a cootie (sideswiper) setup. Good luck!
1. I'm starting to think one can never have too many, Just getting back into CW and I have already accumulated a Bencher BY-1, Lionel J-38, NYE Viking Master, a Begali Camelback ( spelled it right this time ..LOL) and have my eye already on a Navy FlameProof and a Kent KT-1 ... 2. Its my understanding that the keys with shorting bars were typically used in landline set-ups, closing the shorting bar put the station into land line reception mode .. My J-38 is missing that part, their almost impossible to find as a spare part. 3. I gave up the bencher for the straight keys so can't answer this one..
When it gets in the way of other things. You could always just make a distribution block. Get a box and put in as many 1/4" jacks as you want, with one cable going to the radio. Then you can leave all the keys plugged in. Hot swap keys at will, even in the middle of a Q.
Myself, I've wondered what would be next. I am not a straight key guy (sorry!), but I like my Bencher well enough. I love my BY-1. The Scorpions mini paddle, I just dug that out and found that I send ok code on it. I suspect I want a Palm mini-paddle next. Magnetic base, should mean less chasing around. But that's just for portable use. Not sure I'd need yet another key, not until I have yet another radio, and another antenna, and ...
Ham-Key, Signal Electric, Navy Flame-proof, Vibroplex Standard, Vibroplex Champion, Hi-Mound BK-100, Brass Racer, CT Europe Dual, and counting! Couple of home-made one touch paddle and an opto-finger key.
The Navy Flameproof (CJB26003A) is my favorite straight key at present but I prefer taller keys as I operate with my arm off the table. If you're used to low keys the Navy probably wouldn't be comfortable. But Bugs rule... Try a Bug. They're a blast and my favorite manual key...
That's a Vibroplex Original, Standard, if I'm not mistaken. I got mine in December 1974, and it has been my main key ever since. There are two tricks to bug sending: 1) You must have a good straight-key fist. A bug will not compensate for operator error. 2) You must know how to adjust it properly. "If somebody can tell from your sending that you are using a bug - you shouldn't be" 73 de Jim, N2EY
1. The day you realize you need to sell some. 2. Keys should always have a shorting bar for tuning and testing. 3. Personal choice, and you always have the right to change it.
