Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
They sell at Wal-Mart, for use in RV's to keep things from sliding around. Tones of uses around the house. I had one under my HexKey until a recent trip. Now will have to track down that roll again and get another piece David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 FP#-1751 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I got a small swatch of a rubberized waffle like padding - you can see through the mesh like a screen - and it stops the 'scoot' really great. I've had it so long that I can't remember where it came from, and I'm not even sure it was intended for use with a key. The one I have is blue, quite thin, and very soft. If anyone knows where it comes from or it's original intended use, I think it would be a boon to all cw ops. I used a bencher before my hexkey and before that it was a homebrew. The tendency has been to make the key heavier to reduce the scoot from an intense contester or pileup op whose a little excited. But that doesn't stop it unless the feet are soft and a little 'sticky' on the surface. soft rubber legs stick but flex and the hard rubber doesn't flex but it scoots - what a dilemma! That pad I found is the best of both worlds - it even works if the feet are hard plastic buttons. For the hexkey - get the pad and some nylon feet - no jiggle and no scoot. Al WA6VNN ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
You might find that stiff feet don't stick to the deck so well. David G3UNA From: Gil Gibbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/09/19 Wed AM 09:39:46 BST To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning Thanks to Ken, K0PP, for the note about the wobbly Hexkey feet - since I've been busy with a long laundry list of things to do in the middle of hurricane season here in South Texas. I, too, noted that the Hexkey was a little difficult to adjust to, after too many years of not using a paddle, but I thought it was just my lack of experience. I'll take his hint and look for or make my own stiff feet, and find out if it cures the catch the lost dot or dash which I've attributed to an arthritic wrist! 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 - Email sent from www.virginmedia.com/email Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software and scanned for spam ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
Hi All, I sit my Begali Magnet Pro on a Dell rubber backed mouse mat to reduce the slippage due to the rigid feet used. It has lots of mass due to the thick steel base but can slip about on my desk top without the mat. Regards Tim gm4lmh - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 12:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning You might find that stiff feet don't stick to the deck so well. David G3UNA From: Gil Gibbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/09/19 Wed AM 09:39:46 BST To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning Thanks to Ken, K0PP, for the note about the wobbly Hexkey feet - since I've been busy with a long laundry list of things to do in the middle of hurricane season here in South Texas. I, too, noted that the Hexkey was a little difficult to adjust to, after too many years of not using a paddle, but I thought it was just my lack of experience. I'll take his hint and look for or make my own stiff feet, and find out if it cures the catch the lost dot or dash which I've attributed to an arthritic wrist! 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
I got a small swatch of a rubberized waffle like padding - you can see through the mesh like a screen - and it stops the 'scoot' really great. I've had it so long that I can't remember where it came from, and I'm not even sure it was intended for use with a key. The one I have is blue, quite thin, and very soft. If anyone knows where it comes from or it's original intended use, I think it would be a boon to all cw ops. I used a bencher before my hexkey and before that it was a homebrew. The tendency has been to make the key heavier to reduce the scoot from an intense contester or pileup op whose a little excited. But that doesn't stop it unless the feet are soft and a little 'sticky' on the surface. soft rubber legs stick but flex and the hard rubber doesn't flex but it scoots - what a dilemma! That pad I found is the best of both worlds - it even works if the feet are hard plastic buttons. For the hexkey - get the pad and some nylon feet - no jiggle and no scoot. Al WA6VNN ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
Is that, perhaps, something called Rug Gripper? You can get it in small rolls in most hardware type stores. Initially used to put under throw rugs on wooden floors. But great for this as well. Can be cut to size. Michael N4NMR Ashburn, VA [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I got a small swatch of a rubberized waffle like padding - you can see through the mesh like a screen - and it stops the 'scoot' really great. I've had it so long that I can't remember where it came from, and I'm not even sure it was intended for use with a key. The one I have is blue, quite thin, and very soft. If anyone knows where it comes from or it's original intended use, I think it would be a boon to all cw ops. I used a bencher before my hexkey and before that it was a homebrew. The tendency has been to make the key heavier to reduce the scoot from an intense contester or pileup op whose a little excited. But that doesn't stop it unless the feet are soft and a little 'sticky' on the surface. soft rubber legs stick but flex and the hard rubber doesn't flex but it scoots - what a dilemma! That pad I found is the best of both worlds - it even works if the feet are hard plastic buttons. For the hexkey - get the pad and some nylon feet - no jiggle and no scoot. Al WA6VNN ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
Michael Bower wrote: Is that, perhaps, something called Rug Gripper? You can get it in small rolls in most hardware type stores. Initially used to put under throw rugs on wooden floors. But great for this as well. Can be cut to size. My wife uses it to keep stuff from sliding around in the back of her Honda Pilot. I have a little square under my Bencher for the K2 and it solved the scoot problem nicely. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
Living in the shaky west, I got a roll of something like that intended to keep breakables on the table when the next earthquake hits (unless the earthquake turns the table over, of course). Mine is brown and I found it in a stationary store. Does a FB job of keeping my bugs in place. I've found that wiping the table with a very slightly damp paper towel (or simply cleaning the table top in that spot) just before setting it in place makes it stick like it was glued against any side-to-side resistance, but it can be lifted off of the table without effort or damage to the finish! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I got a small swatch of a rubberized waffle like padding - you can see through the mesh like a screen - and it stops the 'scoot' really great. I've had it so long that I can't remember where it came from, and I'm not even sure it was intended for use with a key. The one I have is blue, quite thin, and very soft. If anyone knows where it comes from or it's original intended use, I think it would be a boon to all cw ops. I used a bencher before my hexkey and before that it was a homebrew. The tendency has been to make the key heavier to reduce the scoot from an intense contester or pileup op whose a little excited. But that doesn't stop it unless the feet are soft and a little 'sticky' on the surface. soft rubber legs stick but flex and the hard rubber doesn't flex but it scoots - what a dilemma! That pad I found is the best of both worlds - it even works if the feet are hard plastic buttons. For the hexkey - get the pad and some nylon feet - no jiggle and no scoot. Al WA6VNN ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
If this is the same stuff I'm thinking of, in addition to Rug Gripper as another fellow posted, it's available in smaller rolls in the housewares section of stores like Wal-Mart. It's marketed as a type of drawer liner. I've also seen it in the hardware stores, and I also once saw a sleeping bag with a 12 or so band of the material around the center - marketed as a way to keep your bag from sliding around the tent floor at night. There are different thicknesses and levels of how bumpy it is, for lack of a better term. I have one type (sold as a rug keeper), but it slides on my varnished desk top with the HexKey. I'm sure it's primarily me and excessive hand movement, but it very well may work great for others. One thing to keep in mind, too, is how much contact you have with the paddles. If you just barely graze the outer edge of the paddles, you'll have a fair bit more leverage than someone whose thumb tip rests on the paddles' screws. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I got a small swatch of a rubberized waffle like padding - you can see through the mesh like a screen - and it stops the 'scoot' really great. Just my ramblings... 73, Mike KW1ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey waiting on bench, due to warning
On Wed, 19 Sep 2007, Michael Bower wrote: Is that, perhaps, something called Rug Gripper? You can get it in small rolls in most hardware type stores. Initially used to put under throw rugs on wooden floors. But great for this as well. Can be cut to size. There are also a rubberized mesh product that is used as shelf liners...can be found in many dollar stores...worth a buck as an experiment. 73 k3hrn Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
I send backwards. When I built my first keyer, I had it in my head that the thumb (thick, heavy) was used to send dashes. As soon as my Heath keyer was done I discovered my mistake in logic but it was too late. I had already begun to train my brain by sending air morse and the thumb was tied to dashes. My solution was very simple. I send left handed using a right-handed paddle. If I operate someone else's station, I just slide the bug to the left and away we go, no rewiring or changing menu settings. It also allows me to keep the pen in the right hand for logging such. I've since learned to send with a bug which I do right handed. That way, my bug technique and my paddle technique don't get confused in the same hand. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
On April 14, 2007 11:09 am, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Why would you reverse the normal thumb for dits, index finger for dashes setup? That's been standard since the first bugs and carried over unchanged into the paddle/keyers. I also use my thumb for dashes and index finger for dits. I find my index finger is quicker and better controlled than my thumb. As I have no plans to use a bug and most rigs now have the ability to swap paddles in software it is not a problem. Plus it is easy to make a simple adapter cable to swap the paddle leads to use someone else's paddle. With a bug, I can see where one would need to use the force that the thumb can more easily deliver to get that pendulum swinging, but that kind of force is not needed for keyer paddles. I suspect that is why the dits where on the thumb side of the bug for right hand users. -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
Darrell wrote: With a bug, I can see where one would need to use the force that the thumb can more easily deliver to get that pendulum swinging, but that kind of force is not needed for keyer paddles. I suspect that is why the dits where on the thumb side of the bug for right hand users. Quite possibly Darrell, and not just for right handed bug operators. Lefties normally used left-handed bugs that had the mechanism reversed so the dits continued to be made with the thumb. As a nominally left-handed person I had that choice to make when I got my first bug. I chose to learn to send right-handed on the bug although I had learned to send on a straight key with my left hand. Left-handed bugs were expensive. It's had the bonus of allowing me to make notes with my left hand while I'm sending with my right. As you say, it's unlikely that you'll ever be inconvenienced by learning to send backwards now that electronic keyers are the norm. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
Gil, I've had a Hex for a year or so, and it's a good piece of hardware. I think you'd find it to be quite satisfactory. I also have a couple of other paddles, including a Schurr, and they're all good performers. The Schurr has a dust cover which the Hex does not have (at least mine). But both of them are HEAVY slugs, and they'll stay put! Like most everything, it's a matter of what you are comfortable with. 73 es GL, Steve K0PQ - Original Message - From: Gil Gibbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 11:26 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey Gents; I'm in the process of relearning how to use a paddle, having only gotten the feel of a Vibroplex keyer three decades back from an old pal. I'm now stumbling around with a Bencher paddle, the first of the line that's of the fall apart design, and thus I have to be careful about how I handle it, which distracts me from training myself to use thumb for dashes, finger for dits, and my brain isn't as young as it used to be to do multitasking. Thus the question - does the Elecraft/Bencher Hexkey actually perform better than the original, and thus make the price worth adding to my gear? I'd really like to have more versatility in sending, not worrying about knocking the contact points off their mounts, which are conical points for hinges, and the darn things are an annoyance to have to remount. Any input will be appreciated, many hours to go before I can become fluent with my old favorite CW again, having been too lazy to get away from voice until now! Tnx, 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
My HexKey is the best investment I have made. Once I got the adjustment so there was about a 1/8 distance between the plates and magnets, it was awesome. Lots of weight, it doesn't move around on the bench on me (and I have very large hands). I set it up and I have not had to do anything with it since. Did I mention it is awesome? CW is the my primary mode, but I do more listening for now than sending. I max out my sending around 20 wpm, so I can only speak of its performance to that rate. I have had a bencher and a vibroplex. Both good setups in their own way. The bencher I never did get adjusted so that I liked it. When it was close, then it still walked on me. The vibroplex had lots of adjustments, but it seemed like something was always changing on me. I would get it dialed in and then it would change. It walked too. You see lots of folks with these, and other various paddles or keys actually attached to their bench. With the HexKey, I can set it out and use it, and then set it back out the way and have room to work on my projects. No muss no fuss. It ranks right up there with my K2 as one of the best ham radio investments that I have made in my short (6 years) time in the hobby. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Gil Gibbs wrote: Gents; I'm in the process of relearning how to use a paddle, having only gotten the feel of a Vibroplex keyer three decades back from an old pal. I'm now stumbling around with a Bencher paddle, the first of the line that's of the fall apart design, and thus I have to be careful about how I handle it, which distracts me from training myself to use thumb for dashes, finger for dits, and my brain isn't as young as it used to be to do multitasking. Thus the question - does the Elecraft/Bencher Hexkey actually perform better than the original, and thus make the price worth adding to my gear? I'd really like to have more versatility in sending, not worrying about knocking the contact points off their mounts, which are conical points for hinges, and the darn things are an annoyance to have to remount. Any input will be appreciated, many hours to go before I can become fluent with my old favorite CW again, having been too lazy to get away from voice until now! Tnx, 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
Why would you reverse the normal thumb for dits, index finger for dashes setup? That's been standard since the first bugs and carried over unchanged into the paddle/keyers. It sounds like you are running into an essential difference in sending that has shown up since keyers became common. Although both bugs and keyers typically use side-by-side paddles, there are substantial differences in how they are operated. A bug requires significant mechanical force and movement to operate the dit pendulum to make dits and then stop them at the right moment. Several designs have attempted to reduce the demands of a mechanical bug, but it's still a huge amount of movement and energy compared to simply accomplishing the contact closure a keyer needs. Many newer CW ops who never used a bug developed a preference for very close-spaced contacts that can be operated with a feather touch on the paddles. That's completely at odds with the action needed for a bug. Many paddles designed for use with keyers - particularly the earlier paddles - featured movement and springs much like a mechanical bug: lots of throw and relatively stiff springs. They were operated like a bug - usually rolling the whole arm side to side with the fingers held steady to contact the paddles with sufficient force without wearing out one's finger muscles! The original Vibroplex paddles were one of those designs, like my Scotia and HamKey paddles. Then came the light touch designs designed to work with an absolute minimum of movement and force. The Bencher was an early one. People used to a mechanical bug tended to knock them apart just sending a CQ! Newer operators learned to hold their arm still and lightly caress the paddles with their fingertips. Used that way, they work fine. I can't speak for the HexKey. I use my Speed-X or Vibroplex Bugs at home and my KXPD1 paddles in the field where it's not practical to haul a bug. The KXPD1 paddles, by the way, are able to deal with my fist without complaint. The bottom line is that it all comes down to how you want to operate the key: strong rolling fist like a bug operator or the feather touch of a keyer operator? If the former, you need to find someone who has really pounded on the HexKey to be sure it will survive long. There was a secondary problem with the first Bencher that deserves checking on any modern paddles. The Bencher uses a single spring that is stretched around a chrome-plated post in the back. Bumping the key in just the wrong way would dislodge that spring, causing it and the paddles to fly off of the base! I suspect the designer assumed they'd be treated like a bug - NOT bumped! The sensitive springs and pendulum of a bug can be damaged by careless handling, but operators not used to bugs tended to assume the paddles were as structurally sound as any straight key. Not so, unfortunately, and dropping or banging a Bencher was inviting time spent looking for the spring and paddle mechanisms behind the operating desk or on the floor somewhere. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gil Gibbs Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey Gents; I'm in the process of relearning how to use a paddle, having only gotten the feel of a Vibroplex keyer three decades back from an old pal. I'm now stumbling around with a Bencher paddle, the first of the line that's of the fall apart design, and thus I have to be careful about how I handle it, which distracts me from training myself to use thumb for dashes, finger for dits, and my brain isn't as young as it used to be to do multitasking. Thus the question - does the Elecraft/Bencher Hexkey actually perform better than the original, and thus make the price worth adding to my gear? I'd really like to have more versatility in sending, not worrying about knocking the contact points off their mounts, which are conical points for hinges, and the darn things are an annoyance to have to remount. Any input will be appreciated, many hours to go before I can become fluent with my old favorite CW again, having been too lazy to get away from voice until now! Tnx, 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
Never used a Hexkey here. Tried the Bencher paddles and disliked them very much. I have two paddles I use with automatic keyers: Old Vibroplex vibrokeyer which is nothing more than a shortened and reworked bug, and the German Palm Key. The Palmkey is very small, but has a great feel to it. I don't use the iambic key imbically. I'm from the very old school of the Vibroplex bug and Johnson/Mac keys. Wish I still had a Mac Key! My avorite Vibroplex pattern is the Champion/Lightning Bug flat lever key. I had an Original and even a Presentation once. Didn't like them near as much as the cheaper flat pattern ones. I also have a very beat up Blue Racer which does a nice job, but always had to add weight to them to make them go slower than 30 WPM dits! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 1:09 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey Why would you reverse the normal thumb for dits, index finger for dashes setup? That's been standard since the first bugs and carried over unchanged into the paddle/keyers. It sounds like you are running into an essential difference in sending that has shown up since keyers became common. Although both bugs and keyers typically use side-by-side paddles, there are substantial differences in how they are operated. A bug requires significant mechanical force and movement to operate the dit pendulum to make dits and then stop them at the right moment. Several designs have attempted to reduce the demands of a mechanical bug, but it's still a huge amount of movement and energy compared to simply accomplishing the contact closure a keyer needs. Many newer CW ops who never used a bug developed a preference for very close-spaced contacts that can be operated with a feather touch on the paddles. That's completely at odds with the action needed for a bug. Many paddles designed for use with keyers - particularly the earlier paddles - featured movement and springs much like a mechanical bug: lots of throw and relatively stiff springs. They were operated like a bug - usually rolling the whole arm side to side with the fingers held steady to contact the paddles with sufficient force without wearing out one's finger muscles! The original Vibroplex paddles were one of those designs, like my Scotia and HamKey paddles. Then came the light touch designs designed to work with an absolute minimum of movement and force. The Bencher was an early one. People used to a mechanical bug tended to knock them apart just sending a CQ! Newer operators learned to hold their arm still and lightly caress the paddles with their fingertips. Used that way, they work fine. I can't speak for the HexKey. I use my Speed-X or Vibroplex Bugs at home and my KXPD1 paddles in the field where it's not practical to haul a bug. The KXPD1 paddles, by the way, are able to deal with my fist without complaint. The bottom line is that it all comes down to how you want to operate the key: strong rolling fist like a bug operator or the feather touch of a keyer operator? If the former, you need to find someone who has really pounded on the HexKey to be sure it will survive long. There was a secondary problem with the first Bencher that deserves checking on any modern paddles. The Bencher uses a single spring that is stretched around a chrome-plated post in the back. Bumping the key in just the wrong way would dislodge that spring, causing it and the paddles to fly off of the base! I suspect the designer assumed they'd be treated like a bug - NOT bumped! The sensitive springs and pendulum of a bug can be damaged by careless handling, but operators not used to bugs tended to assume the paddles were as structurally sound as any straight key. Not so, unfortunately, and dropping or banging a Bencher was inviting time spent looking for the spring and paddle mechanisms behind the operating desk or on the floor somewhere. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gil Gibbs Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey Gents; I'm in the process of relearning how to use a paddle, having only gotten the feel of a Vibroplex keyer three decades back from an old pal. I'm now stumbling around with a Bencher paddle, the first of the line that's of the fall apart design, and thus I have to be careful about how I handle it, which distracts me from training myself to use thumb for dashes, finger for dits, and my brain isn't as young as it used to be to do multitasking. Thus the question - does the Elecraft/Bencher Hexkey actually perform better than the original, and thus make the price worth adding to my gear? I'd really like to have more versatility in sending, not worrying about knocking the contact points off their mounts, which are conical points for hinges
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
Woah! -IF- you typed correctly and meant to say what you said, you're approaching it backwards although you'd be OK until you needed to send with someone else's correctly set-up paddles. Benchers are wonderful paddles, IMHO, but the Bencher Hex Key is even better. A fine key! 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP (56 years of CW) [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey
You are right on Ron, as I try to use a light touch. I think I would like many of the magnetic paddles. The HexKey is an affordable version of the magnetic, that has an immense (5lbs if memory serves) weight. Add to that the good looks and an Elecraft sticker to go with my K2, and it gives it class. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Why would you reverse the normal thumb for dits, index finger for dashes setup? That's been standard since the first bugs and carried over unchanged into the paddle/keyers. It sounds like you are running into an essential difference in sending that has shown up since keyers became common. Although both bugs and keyers typically use side-by-side paddles, there are substantial differences in how they are operated. A bug requires significant mechanical force and movement to operate the dit pendulum to make dits and then stop them at the right moment. Several designs have attempted to reduce the demands of a mechanical bug, but it's still a huge amount of movement and energy compared to simply accomplishing the contact closure a keyer needs. Many newer CW ops who never used a bug developed a preference for very close-spaced contacts that can be operated with a feather touch on the paddles. That's completely at odds with the action needed for a bug. Many paddles designed for use with keyers - particularly the earlier paddles - featured movement and springs much like a mechanical bug: lots of throw and relatively stiff springs. They were operated like a bug - usually rolling the whole arm side to side with the fingers held steady to contact the paddles with sufficient force without wearing out one's finger muscles! The original Vibroplex paddles were one of those designs, like my Scotia and HamKey paddles. Then came the light touch designs designed to work with an absolute minimum of movement and force. The Bencher was an early one. People used to a mechanical bug tended to knock them apart just sending a CQ! Newer operators learned to hold their arm still and lightly caress the paddles with their fingertips. Used that way, they work fine. I can't speak for the HexKey. I use my Speed-X or Vibroplex Bugs at home and my KXPD1 paddles in the field where it's not practical to haul a bug. The KXPD1 paddles, by the way, are able to deal with my fist without complaint. The bottom line is that it all comes down to how you want to operate the key: strong rolling fist like a bug operator or the feather touch of a keyer operator? If the former, you need to find someone who has really pounded on the HexKey to be sure it will survive long. There was a secondary problem with the first Bencher that deserves checking on any modern paddles. The Bencher uses a single spring that is stretched around a chrome-plated post in the back. Bumping the key in just the wrong way would dislodge that spring, causing it and the paddles to fly off of the base! I suspect the designer assumed they'd be treated like a bug - NOT bumped! The sensitive springs and pendulum of a bug can be damaged by careless handling, but operators not used to bugs tended to assume the paddles were as structurally sound as any straight key. Not so, unfortunately, and dropping or banging a Bencher was inviting time spent looking for the spring and paddle mechanisms behind the operating desk or on the floor somewhere. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gil Gibbs Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Hexkey Gents; I'm in the process of relearning how to use a paddle, having only gotten the feel of a Vibroplex keyer three decades back from an old pal. I'm now stumbling around with a Bencher paddle, the first of the line that's of the fall apart design, and thus I have to be careful about how I handle it, which distracts me from training myself to use thumb for dashes, finger for dits, and my brain isn't as young as it used to be to do multitasking. Thus the question - does the Elecraft/Bencher Hexkey actually perform better than the original, and thus make the price worth adding to my gear? I'd really like to have more versatility in sending, not worrying about knocking the contact points off their mounts, which are conical points for hinges, and the darn things are an annoyance to have to remount. Any input will be appreciated, many hours to go before I can become fluent with my old favorite CW again, having been too lazy to get away from voice until now! Tnx, 73's Gil WA5YKK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
