What do you think of this key ?

I was looking thru flea-bay and got really bored with the flea-bay junk that needs alot of restoration work, yet people think that it is worth it's weight in gold meld-down value.

Here's are two too-over-priced examples :
https://www.ebay.com/i/193430777957
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Signal-Ele...eavy-Radio-Contacts-Menominee-MI/153433214516

So being as creative as I am I decided to create my own from scratch.

Attached are some photos of the CAD model that I created that is very close to the original Signal Electric Spark Key model R-62.

There's a local machining shop that can create the parts for me and the hardware is readily available, so I might just go ahead next month.

Also I rarely see any gold plated keys these days, and it might make a good gold or mixed gold with black crinkle paint base.

What do you think ?

Steven
[NX3M]

 

I think it's just a key.

I don't use mine to exhibit, I use paddles to send code and never cared what they looked like.

But sounds like a fun project, and if you like straight keys, go for it!

CU on CW.

 

STEVEN,

GREAT JOB ON THE CAD WORK............BRAVO.......

There's a local machining shop that can create the parts.............

WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST TO MACHINE ALL OF THE PARTS ????

HAVE LOTS OF FUN WITH YOUR PROJECT AND BE SURE TELL THE
FOLKS AT THE MACHINE SHOP THAT WHEN THEY START YOUR
KEY............THEY MUST KEEP THEIR NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE......hihihi....

73 - K1LKP

 

Prior to being o/priced, such mechanic design seems, to me, junk. Does your software perform basic forces calculations?
May I suggest stuff no one sells...
● Customized variable air capacitors;
● Customized very sturdy coax switches, for example, I need a 3-pos switch that would allow me to:
- connect a magnetic loop to an antenna analyser AND (at the same time) connect the transceiver to the dummy load,
- connect the transceiver to the MLA,
- ground the antenna.
● Back to A1A, I am wondering if a SCAF kit is still available...

 

First thank you for your comments and support !

FYI, I usually let the machine shop do their job as they do excellent work, but I usually let them tell what to do in order to find the better way to get it manufactured. ; -)

I will let you know, but very likely under the $195 that flea-bay junk they were selling.

 

Yes, SolidWorks performs all the Finite Element Analysis that is necessary for the HUGH forces that the key will experience. :-b

● Yes there are manufacturers and many sellers for customized variable capacitors;
I recommend that you contact this MADE IN USA company that is very good for creating any variable capacitor you would like try this good company :
http://www.orenelliottproducts.com/

● Yes there is a manufacturer for a 3-way switch (and I am guessing that you want a "UHF" style connector switch, even though they are notorious for limiting to 60 MHz ;-).
I recommend that you contact this MADE IN USA company that is very good for selling what you seek :
https://www.alphadeltaradio.com/

But please don't be ~ ~ delusional ~ ~ and ask for $1 type parts like the CRAP made in china ! You'll need to go to harbor freight or wally-mart for that type of low cost junk. 'can't help you with that.

● Finally here's something that may be of interest for your low cost SCAF kit (don't really know that context of your statement (?) question) :
https://qrpguys.com/simple-cw-scaf-filter

- Steven
[NX3M]

 

also check out this long listing of switches :
http://bestvalue.offyoucode.co.uk/hnb1ylq/two-radios-one-antenna-switch.html

perhaps you can find what you seek after going thru all the reviews. :-D

 

I have updated the design to add more aesthetics and detail with trusses that give more of an art deco look of the 1930's (similar of bridge work or beam construction). This was popular in the period and also gives a look similar to skeleton watches. I am sure that this one will have much more critical review. Oh and BTW, the stress analysis can withstand over 200 pounds of downward force ! For those of you that are 'HAM-FISTED'. ;-b

 

I like the solid base better.

 

Thank you for providing me with these links. These are companies I knew by reputation. I stand to my initial post, indeed! and, talking about forces, you might want to test lots of springs before marketing the key. Design is not appealing to me, and it's just me, obviously, as I am the sole voter at the time.