RE: [Elecraft] High End Paddles
On Fri, 2006-06-16 at 11:12 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: I've often asked for a bug emulator mode for the keyer I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. At least with the K2, you should be able to connect the dot side to the dot input, and connect the dash side to both the dot and dash inputs through a couple diodes, and use the K2's paddle/straight key autodetect feature to get bug-like keying. ___ 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] High End Paddles
Dave, You brought up one point that is important. The person receiving your sending must be able to copy it. It may sound neat to you to play with dot and dash length and spacing, but will the other person be able to copy it? On the other end of the pileup it is sometimes difficult to pull out a call when the cw doesn't sound like normal cw. So you tend to tune out that signal and pick up another call. Some calls sent with a straight key or bug are tough to copy. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of David A. Belsley Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 8:37 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High End Paddles There are actually a number of cases for longer dashes. With a bug or SK, for example, one can truly emphasize the yes by sending R with a long dash in the center (di-daahhh-dit). I miss that kind of personalizing of code. One can also send, rather than the mundane dah-di-di-di-dah, something like dah - di - di - di - daahhh, with ease while you're trying to figure what you're going to say next. That element of code has been greatly removed with the keyer. But the irrepressible element of the human soul does come forth through other subtle elements with a keyer. I used a bug for over 40 years, and now, after long getting used to a keyer, I'd never go back -- and I'm sure the chap on the other end feels the same way. The idiosyncratic element to sending with a bug, which almost all bug users have to some extent, particularly the bug lilt, can make for code that is very difficult to copy. And, by the way, for those who love their Bencher BY's and took umbrage at my disparaging comments in my earlier posts, I will express no sorrow at all, but wish them the very best. I envy them the latitude they have for growth -- if they'll only take it. The Bencher BY is kind of like the PC of the paddle world. It must be good because everyone has it, but, in fact, almost everything else is better. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 16, 2006, at 6:15 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: Well, actually there is one case. Zero is a long dash which I can't send with my K1EL keyer or my K2. www.chss.montclair.edu/~pererat/percode.htm As a teen in the mid-50's, my friends and I learned American Morse just so we could get on 80m at night with each other and confuse others on the band. Calling either the landline code or the Continental code Morse is one of the better examples of Life isn't fair. Sam F. B. Morse's idea was to have a series of numbered messages and parts of messages in a dictionary, from which you constructed what you wished to send and then sent the numbers, and he spent the vast majority of his time compiling that dictionary. Sam was fairly full of himself, and when he didn't get enough attention, he would fall ill, often in someone else's bed. His assistant, Alfred Vail, realized that the clicking and clacking of the paper tape inker could be used to decode the code and came up with the alphabet. So, if life were fair, it would have been the Vail code. Old Sam didn't really invent the telegraph either, but that's another story. Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw Joe-aa4nn wrote: Varying lengths of dashes? I surely don't remember that when I practiced American Morse circa 1952. de Joe, aa4nn --- ___ 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 - david a. belsley professor of economics ___ 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] High End Paddles
After using a few Bencher BY-1 BY-2 paddles, I picked up a used Kent paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the Bencher stuff and not that much more. Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going back. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -Original Message- From: Darrell Bellerive With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. ___ 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] High End Paddles (Kent)
If you want to buy Kent and save a few dollars, the kit form is at http://www.kent-engineers.com/twinkit.htm Even with shipping to the US, it was cheaper when I bought the paddles 2 years ago than from any US distributor I could find. I wasn't able to find it in kit form in the US, and I haven't compared prices lately. So you might want to double check. Great paddles, though, and worth every penny. 73! Mike ab3ap Darwin, Keith wrote: After using a few Bencher BY-1 BY-2 paddles, I picked up a used Kent paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the Bencher stuff and not that much more. Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going back. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -Original Message- From: Darrell Bellerive With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. ___ 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] High End Paddles
I'd kind of like to hear from some more people who have used those Black Widow paddles that we got a glimpse of on this list a while ago. They looked intriguing. CPT Drew Neve - 9K2/KB9LLO Battle Captain S3 ASG-Kuwait Eager to Assist - Original Message - From: Mike Markowski [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 16, 2006 4:02 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High End Paddles (Kent) If you want to buy Kent and save a few dollars, the kit form is at http://www.kent-engineers.com/twinkit.htm Even with shipping to the US, it was cheaper when I bought the paddles 2 years ago than from any US distributor I could find. I wasn't able to find it in kit form in the US, and I haven't compared prices lately. So you might want to double check. Great paddles, though, and worth everypenny. 73! Mike ab3ap Darwin, Keith wrote: After using a few Bencher BY-1 BY-2 paddles, I picked up a used Kent paddle. I think I spent $90 used for it. It is far better than the Bencher stuff and not that much more. Many people are happy with the BY paddles. As for me, I'm not going back. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -Original Message- From: Darrell Bellerive With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. ___ 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] High End Paddles
Darrell: The better you get, the less satisfied you will be with the Bencher BY-1. The HEX is quite nice. I'm not sure what the Bencher folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I guess I find their statement misleading. The Begali paddles are quite wonderful, and the Kent are very good. The WBLs are outstanding, but hard to come by. The Mercury paddles are refined HEX paddles, and while they are really quite nice, I don't think they are worth the rather substantial additional price. The Elecraft version of the HEX is a great value. I suspect if you get a Begali, a HEX, or a Kent, you will be very happy. Within this upper range of items, people tend to think that what they have is the best. That means they are all doing the job just fine. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 15, 2006, at 11:56 PM, Darrell Bellerive wrote: I sure have enjoyed this thread on high end paddles. I have so far mostly used just a straight key, but with my new K2 and it's built in keyer I would like to give iambic operation another go. I had a Heathkit uMatic keyer, model SA-5010, with the capacitive touch paddles. Had lots of trouble getting used to those paddles so I purchased a Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe. Well, I was not much better with those, so I gave up on the world of keyers and went back to my straight key. I did use the memories in the uMatic though. A few years later I discovered the article by Chuck Adams, K7QQ, on using an iambic paddle. I found I was using the slap the paddle around the desk method and seldom used the iambic function of the keyer but treating the paddles more like a single lever. Resetting the Vibroplex paddle as Chuck recommends and learning to send with a light touch helped, but I still was having trouble. Ended up selling the paddle when someone wanted the paddle for their collection and I needed a few bucks. With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of practice, I can use this paddle. Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used to a bug. That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and on eHam. So, do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light touch? With little money to spend, and a KPA100 and KAT100 also on the wishlist, I am wondering if I should look for a good used BY-1, and save for a better paddle down the road. I doubt I will reach 20 wpm for a few years and I am just learning how to properly use an iambic paddle. Is there a downside to learning with a BY-1 and then moving to something else? Or would it be better to learn with a better paddle from the start? The HEXKEY and Begali Simplex would run in the $215-250 range in Canadian dollars. The Begali magnetic paddles would add another $140 to the price. The Begali Signature would set me back about $475. Used Bencher BY-1's from eBay would cost me less than $100 Canadian dollars. Probably not the best apples and oranges comparison, but I doubt I will find many used HEXKEYs, Begalis, or other high end paddles for sale. I would also be hesitant about buying such an expensive key on eBay for fear of getting one that has been abused. I'd like to hear your opinions and thoughts on my paddle selection, Darrell -- 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 - david a. belsley professor of economics ___ 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] High End Paddles
Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html: Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a surgical scalpel, does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on the bugs and single lever paddles, learned their craft. If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the innovative new Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as responsive as the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most physical of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing races and magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base. The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today. So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the Hex. Darrell On June 16, 2006 06:22 am, David A. Belsley wrote: I'm not sure what the Bencher folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I guess I find their statement misleading. -- 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] High End Paddles
Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/ whichpaddle.html: Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a surgical scalpel, does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on the bugs and single lever paddles, learned their craft. The BY paddles are plain and simply not at all like a fine sports car. They are more like an old-style Beetle (or possible a Yugo). If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the innovative new Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as responsive as the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most physical of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing races and magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base. I have no doubt that pounders will appreciate the HEX for its mass, and it can be adjusted to accommodate heavy fists. It can also be adjusted to be very, very light -- much lighter than can the BY paddles, which begin to stick and hang up and become extremely frustrating. The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today. This is pure bunk. So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the Hex. Darrell On June 16, 2006 06:22 am, David A. Belsley wrote: I'm not sure what the Bencher folks mean by it's being better for people who are used to bugs. I suppose they mean that, because it is heavy and hard to knock around, those with robust habits will be better accommodated. But the HEX is perfectly capable of being used by a very, very light touch. So I guess I find their statement misleading. -- 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 - david a. belsley professor of economics ___ 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] High End Paddles
Darrell Bellerive wrote: Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html: The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today. So, according to Bencher, the BY series is more responsive than the Hex. The BY bearing is very low-friction. But so are the ball bearings in the Hex key and in the Begali. One problem with the BY is that the arms are somewhat flexible, so there's a bit of 'give', which -- combined with the long plastic fingerpieces -- makes it feel mushy compared to the other keys mentioned. I modified a BY by making very small plastic fingerpieces for it. I had to countersink the screw heads so my fingers wouldn't hit them. It feels a little less mushy, but is nowhere as stiff as the Begali. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] High End Paddles
Quotes from the Bencher website at http://www.bencher.com/whichpaddle.html: Frankly, the BY series paddle, like a fine sports car or a surgical scalpel, does not respond well to the heavy physical input such operators are comfortable with. But that is how old time CW operators, trained on the bugs and single lever paddles, learned their craft. If you are one of these operators, for you Bencher offers the innovative new Hex Paddle. This paddle too is fully iambic, and very nearly as responsive as the BY series paddles, yet is also designed to stand up to the most physical of operators, thanks to the floating instrument grade ball bearing races and magnetic paddle return, not to mention the massive base. The BY series, thanks to its unique pivot-pin bearings, is simply the most responsive iambic paddle available today. Now that is funny! So an operator who is comfortable with a old bug that uses simple pivot bearings is going to notice a floating instrument grade ball bearing races? I can understand how an operator who learned CW on a keyer may have developed the delicate touch of a watchmaker and may notice the fine differences in bearings and tensions, but I can't imagine a bug operator noticing the difference between a properly-adjusted set of pivot bearings and instrument grade bearings. A bug operator is someone who learned to send on a key that requires him to launch a heavy pendulum hard enough to beat out a nice string of dits and then stopping the dits at just the right instant by slapping the swinging pendulum against a mechanical damper with a clank, and in between make dashes manually by mashing the lever against the dash contacts at just the right time. There's a lot of finesse in using a bug, but not much in the way of a watchmakers touch. Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. 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] High End Paddles
Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Yes, the way Morse code should be. A full contact sport. When my shoulder gets sore from pumping my Swedish hand key, I switch to my bug for some rest. Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ 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] High End Paddles
Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg 72 oo Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html ___ 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] High End Paddles
Ha! Ha! I've often asked for a bug emulator mode for the keyer so I could key like a bug using the paddles when portable, but pundits always jump up and tell me that I'd be unhappy with the feel of paddles. They're right, of course, and that's now why I wanted it. I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. So, instead of having a bug emulator for a keyer, you've come up with the same thing to allow using paddles with a bug! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Greg Tomerlin - K4KO Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 10:22 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] High End Paddles Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg 72 oo Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html ___ 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] High End Paddles
Hi Ron, Not exactly. What I have is a couple of small pneumatic switches (mounted in the large wooden box seen in the photo) which I operate by sipping and puffing on a tube attached between the two. Each switch activates one of the two relays you see mounted at the lever end of the bug. A light puff or blow through the tube activates one relay (the bottom actuator) which presses the bug lever to the right (from the operator's perspective) sending dits. A sip on the tube activates the other relay (on top) which presses the bug's lever to the left and closes the dah contact. I'm not very good with the bug, but I use it to ragchew with my elmer WB4CSG one or two times a week. When not using the bug, I send CW using a sip-n-puff device and either a radio's built-in keyer or an external keyer. The March 2004 edition of QST featured an article describing a sip-n-puff device similar to the one I use. http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff06.jpg http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff07.jpg I also have a sip-n-puff creation which emulates a cootie key or side-swiper, but I am absolutely terrible with it. Awful. Unreadable. I'm lucky if I get two characters sent before I screw up. My mind just refuses to work that way. Sam, my elmer, can send near-perfect code with it. 72 Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 1:12 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] High End Paddles Ha! Ha! I've often asked for a bug emulator mode for the keyer so I could key like a bug using the paddles when portable, but pundits always jump up and tell me that I'd be unhappy with the feel of paddles. They're right, of course, and that's now why I wanted it. I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. So, instead of having a bug emulator for a keyer, you've come up with the same thing to allow using paddles with a bug! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Using a bug is a very a *physical* activity compared to keyer paddles. Ron AC7AC Not the way I do it. :) http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-001.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/s-n-p_vibroplex_bug-002.jpg http://wilsonarc.org/images/n4wsm_snp01.jpg ___ 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] High End Paddles
I had an regular on-air friend, a life-long bug user, who, after a long absence, suddenly reappeared using a keyboard. It turned out a stroke cost him most of the motor control of his hands, but he could hunt-and-peck with one finger to send using a keyboard. You're both examples of the great range inventive operators who overcame what many of us might consider insurmountable difficulties to have fun and share your lives and interests with the rest of us. You're a great inspiration! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi Ron, Not exactly. What I have is a couple of small pneumatic switches (mounted in the large wooden box seen in the photo) which I operate by sipping and puffing on a tube attached between the two. Each switch activates one of the two relays you see mounted at the lever end of the bug. A light puff or blow through the tube activates one relay (the bottom actuator) which presses the bug lever to the right (from the operator's perspective) sending dits. A sip on the tube activates the other relay (on top) which presses the bug's lever to the left and closes the dah contact. I'm not very good with the bug, but I use it to ragchew with my elmer WB4CSG one or two times a week. When not using the bug, I send CW using a sip-n-puff device and either a radio's built-in keyer or an external keyer. The March 2004 edition of QST featured an article describing a sip-n-puff device similar to the one I use. http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff06.jpg http://w4dit.wilsonarc.org/images/fd05/sip-n-puff07.jpg I also have a sip-n-puff creation which emulates a cootie key or side-swiper, but I am absolutely terrible with it. Awful. Unreadable. I'm lucky if I get two characters sent before I screw up. My mind just refuses to work that way. Sam, my elmer, can send near-perfect code with it. 72 Greg K4KO Tennessee QSO Party - September 10 http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/tqp/rules/tqp06_rules.html ___ 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] High End Paddles
Varying lengths of dashes? I surely don't remember that when I practiced American Morse circa 1952. de Joe, aa4nn --- I just wanted to keep the bug operation, including the ability to send American Morse (which keyers don't allow because it requires using varying lengths of dashes) when using paddles portable in the field. 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] High End Paddles
Well, actually there is one case. Zero is a long dash which I can't send with my K1EL keyer or my K2. www.chss.montclair.edu/~pererat/percode.htm As a teen in the mid-50's, my friends and I learned American Morse just so we could get on 80m at night with each other and confuse others on the band. Calling either the landline code or the Continental code Morse is one of the better examples of Life isn't fair. Sam F. B. Morse's idea was to have a series of numbered messages and parts of messages in a dictionary, from which you constructed what you wished to send and then sent the numbers, and he spent the vast majority of his time compiling that dictionary. Sam was fairly full of himself, and when he didn't get enough attention, he would fall ill, often in someone else's bed. His assistant, Alfred Vail, realized that the clicking and clacking of the paper tape inker could be used to decode the code and came up with the alphabet. So, if life were fair, it would have been the Vail code. Old Sam didn't really invent the telegraph either, but that's another story. Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw Joe-aa4nn wrote: Varying lengths of dashes? I surely don't remember that when I practiced American Morse circa 1952. de Joe, aa4nn --- ___ 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] High End Paddles
Fred Jensen wrote: Well, actually there is one case. Zero is a long dash which I can't send with my K1EL keyer or my K2. Ooops, there are two cases, I forgot about L. I can't send that with a keyer either. Fessing up to that error, I remain, Fred K6DGW ___ 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] High End Paddles
Yes, those are the two. Actually the long-dash zero is the only one I use on the Ham bands. Sounds like that's the case for you too, Hi! Many Hams have given up and instead use a single dash T for a zero on their keyers, which works OK when heard in context. My problem is that I can't easily switch between a bug and a keyer. When I get on a keyer I'll instinctively start leading it so the logic can do all the timing for me. I'm just telling it what to do; the logic takes care of doing it right. And it easy to drop back into Iambic keying, which is wonderfully easy and smooth. Unfortunately, a Bug can handle neither and make intelligible code G. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Fred Jensen wrote: Well, actually there is one case. Zero is a long dash which I can't send with my K1EL keyer or my K2. Ooops, there are two cases, I forgot about L. I can't send that with a keyer either. Fessing up to that error, I remain, Fred K6DGW ___ 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] High End Paddles
There are actually a number of cases for longer dashes. With a bug or SK, for example, one can truly emphasize the yes by sending R with a long dash in the center (di-daahhh-dit). I miss that kind of personalizing of code. One can also send, rather than the mundane dah-di-di-di-dah, something like dah - di - di - di - daahhh, with ease while you're trying to figure what you're going to say next. That element of code has been greatly removed with the keyer. But the irrepressible element of the human soul does come forth through other subtle elements with a keyer. I used a bug for over 40 years, and now, after long getting used to a keyer, I'd never go back -- and I'm sure the chap on the other end feels the same way. The idiosyncratic element to sending with a bug, which almost all bug users have to some extent, particularly the bug lilt, can make for code that is very difficult to copy. And, by the way, for those who love their Bencher BY's and took umbrage at my disparaging comments in my earlier posts, I will express no sorrow at all, but wish them the very best. I envy them the latitude they have for growth -- if they'll only take it. The Bencher BY is kind of like the PC of the paddle world. It must be good because everyone has it, but, in fact, almost everything else is better. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 16, 2006, at 6:15 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: Well, actually there is one case. Zero is a long dash which I can't send with my K1EL keyer or my K2. www.chss.montclair.edu/~pererat/percode.htm As a teen in the mid-50's, my friends and I learned American Morse just so we could get on 80m at night with each other and confuse others on the band. Calling either the landline code or the Continental code Morse is one of the better examples of Life isn't fair. Sam F. B. Morse's idea was to have a series of numbered messages and parts of messages in a dictionary, from which you constructed what you wished to send and then sent the numbers, and he spent the vast majority of his time compiling that dictionary. Sam was fairly full of himself, and when he didn't get enough attention, he would fall ill, often in someone else's bed. His assistant, Alfred Vail, realized that the clicking and clacking of the paper tape inker could be used to decode the code and came up with the alphabet. So, if life were fair, it would have been the Vail code. Old Sam didn't really invent the telegraph either, but that's another story. Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw Joe-aa4nn wrote: Varying lengths of dashes? I surely don't remember that when I practiced American Morse circa 1952. de Joe, aa4nn --- ___ 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 - david a. belsley professor of economics ___ 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] High End Paddles
Darrell Bellerive wrote: That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and on eHam. So, do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light touch? I tend to be a bit heavy-handed with the paddles. Having both a BY-1 and a Hex Key I prefer the Hex Key. It stays put on the table and has a great feel. And it doesn't lift and separate the way the BY-1 does if you apply any upward pressure to a paddle. My Hex Key is the Bencher brand -- got it before Elecraft started selling the paddle under its label. Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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] High End Paddles
Darrell Bellerive wrote: Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used to a bug. I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] High End Paddles
I have the BY-1 the Hex Key. I use a light touch on both. Tried a heavy touch with the Bencher. It's hard for me to imagine slapping it around enough to mess things up. That's some heavy use! Just my opinion. 73, Tony W7GO Vic K2VCO wrote: Darrell Bellerive wrote: Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used to a bug. I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. ___ 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] High End Paddles
I just got a elecraft hexkey and I'm trying to decide which I like better, my profi or the hexkey. Greg AB7R -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Vic K2VCO Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 9:38 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High End Paddles Darrell Bellerive wrote: Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used to a bug. I'll put it this way: the BY-1 is *only* good if you have a light touch! The Hex Key will work fine either way. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] high end paddles
I've used all the Begali paddles, Benchers and some others, and I've settled on the Begali Simplex as my all-time favorite. Pricewise, it's at the low end of the high-end, I suppose, delivered for $154, I think. The workmanship is lovely, but the feel, ease of adjustment and stability is what I was looking for, and found, in this key. LL/K3ESE ___ 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] High end paddles
Well I guess I'm going to have to order a Begali. Seems to clearly be the first choice here. But, which model? 73, Tony W7GO ___ 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] High end paddles - USA Made?
Why not choose a U.S. based manufacturer? There's the Mercury (Bencher and KG2ED), March R-3a, K8RA, Hexkey (Bencher and Elecraft), Vibroplex, etc. Just curious as I chose Elecraft/Ten-Tec gear not only for their excellent quality and design, but also to support our infrastructure. (...and it really could use the support nowadays.) Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI FISTS #9384/CC #1736 QRP ARCI #11782 - Original Message - From: Tony Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 2:39 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] High end paddles Well I guess I'm going to have to order a Begali. Seems to clearly be the first choice here. But, which model? 73, Tony W7GO ___ 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] High end paddles
Has anyone on the reflector tried one of David Saylors Paddles? He offers a 30 day money back guarantee and he may be close enough to you QTH so that you can try them out. The pictures and descriptions on his web site look great. His price is a little out of my range for the moment, but maybe by the time I am copying and sending 35-40 wpm I will be ready to let my Elecraft Hex Key retire. http://saylorsmachine.com/wk4ds.html [EMAIL PROTECTED] 73 KI4DGH Chuck Gehring ___ 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] high end paddles
James I went on the personal recommendation of a friend who is also a top notch CW operator. The paddles in question are Schurr Profi, which used to be imported into the UK via a dealer who attended many of the radio rallies. I had the opportunity to try the paddles at my friends house and also on the rally stall. Unfortunately the trader in question is no longer in business. 73 Dave, G4AON K2 #1892, K1 #1154 For those of you that may have something like Begali, how did you find the right key for you and buy it.. did you try them out? ___ 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] high end paddles
Like several others here I also use the Schurr Profi. Apart from being a delight to use, it just looks so well engineered. It certainly has my vote:-) Trev G3ZYY In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dave [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes James I went on the personal recommendation of a friend who is also a top notch CW operator. The paddles in question are Schurr Profi, which used to be imported into the UK via a dealer who attended many of the radio rallies. I had the opportunity to try the paddles at my friends house and also on the rally stall. Unfortunately the trader in question is no longer in business. 73 Dave, G4AON K2 #1892, K1 #1154 For those of you that may have something like Begali, how did you find the right key for you and buy it.. did you try them out? ___ 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 -- Trevor Day UKSMG #217 www.uksmg.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] high end paddles
On Jun 7, 2006, at 11:21 AM, Dave wrote: James I went on the personal recommendation of a friend who is also a top notch CW operator. The paddles in question are Schurr Profi, which used to be imported into the UK via a dealer who attended many of the radio rallies. I had the opportunity to try the paddles at my friends house and also on the rally stall. Unfortunately the trader in question is no longer in business. 73 Dave, G4AON K2 #1892, K1 #1154 For those of you that may have something like Begali, how did you find the right key for you and buy it.. did you try them out? James is in the U.S. and fortunately Schurr paddles ARE available here http://www.mtech.whsites.net/schurr/. I chose my Begali Simplex based on the information on their website. Price was a factor, but I have no regrets in that decision. 73 - Bob, N7XY K2 #3273 ___ 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] high end paddles
For a number of years I used the Bencher paddles and was happy. Then I got wind that there was something better. I picked up a used pair of Kent paddles and guess what, they are definitely better than the Benchers. Benchers have a squishy / flexible feel, Kent is solid. I recently picked up a good straight key (Junker) and it is a lot nicer than the Speed-X I had been using. The action is noticeably smoother and crisper. It all has me thinking about some nicer paddles. Of course, I use the straight key more than the paddles so I'm not making any changes right now. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -Original Message- From: james ... Currently I have my trusty black and chrome benchers which have worked great for years. ___ 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] high end paddles
Also worth consideration is the Bencher Hex key available from Elecraft. I have the Bencher BY-1 and the Kent TP-1, both good keys but the Hex key is much smoother. (IMHO) 73, Tony W7GO ___ 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] high end paddles
So, Tony, is the improvement going from Kent to the Hex key as great as the improvement going from the BY-1 to the Kent? An Elecraft key for my Elecraft rig - oh man, I sure don't need another thing to spend money on right now :-) - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -Original Message- From: Tony Morgan Also worth consideration is the Bencher Hex key available from Elecraft. I have the Bencher BY-1 and the Kent TP-1, both good keys but the Hex key is much smoother. (IMHO) ___ 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] high end paddles
On 6/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... chrome benchers which have worked great for years. I've thinking of stuff like Begali and the like. I'm a 'try before you buy' type of person. There's no way I would order an expensive key like that without trying a few qso's out to see how I like it. What's the best way to do ... I don't know if any dealers of these high-end keys and paddles offer a money-back trial or not. Otherwise I suppose you might have to travel to Dayton next year and visit all the vendors' displays. I suppose a local club could organize a key night to let hams have a quick try of various straight keys and paddles from their membership's own shacks. -Michael Taylor, VE3TIX ___ 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] high end paddles
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For those of you that may have something like Begali, how did you find the right key for you and buy it.. did you try them out? You really do need to try a key, because once you get away from the cheaper keys, personal preferences are highly important. For example, the distance between the fingerpieces varies, and some are adjustable and others not. Personally I like them wide. Others prefer them much closer together. I happen to like a very 'stiff' key, one with very little flex in the fingerpieces and arm. So for me, the Begali Classic/Pro/Signature models or the Kent are good in this respect, because the fingerpieces are stiff and the pivot is close to them. The Profi or the Hex Key, on the other hand, are fine keys, but not as stiff. I've even replaced the stock fingerpieces on a Bencher BY-1 with smaller ones made of thicker plastic to stiffen it. So my advice is, don't take any advice on what key is better! You really should try as many keys as you can. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] high end paddles
Hi everyone, Thanks for all the great feedback. There have been alot of great suggestions out there. Everyone seems to have their preferences - what's right for one person might be totally wrong for the next. It sounds like I have a few options based on some great suggestions: 1. Buy something and try it - I can always sell it later 2. Dayton! (I didn't make it out this year but plan on it next year) 3. (this was a great idea) Key/Paddle night at the club - have people bring in their keys, paddles, etc. Don't forget an oscillator! I will say I like the workmanship in the Shurr Profi II and the Begali Signature keys - but who knows.. trying them out I could dislike both completely and say my benchers are the greatest thing since sliced bread! 73, James KB2FCV Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free. ___ 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] high end paddles
Unfortunately, a quick trial at Dayton is not adequate to determine how good a pair of paddles will be for you. It takes living with them for a while -- indeed, it takes a bit of time (several days or even much more) simply to get new paddles decently adjusted. The commonplace Bencher BY-1 paddles are really quite mediocre. They are sloppy and inconsistent. But if you can stand a wide gap and a bit of tension, they will work. If you want very light tension and barely perceptible (or even imperceptible) motion, they are nothing but frustration. The Kent are nice, and the Begali are sweet, but expensive. The Hex are a good compromise. They can be adjusted quite finely (although the pitch on the adjustment screws makes this more difficult than it need be.) If you want good stiff paddles, little beats the WBLs, but Stan doesn't make them anymore. Maybe you can find a pair on e-Bay. If you do find a pair, grab them; they are nothing short of fantastic. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Jun 7, 2006, at 4:28 PM, michael taylor wrote: On 6/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... chrome benchers which have worked great for years. I've thinking of stuff like Begali and the like. I'm a 'try before you buy' type of person. There's no way I would order an expensive key like that without trying a few qso's out to see how I like it. What's the best way to do ... I don't know if any dealers of these high-end keys and paddles offer a money-back trial or not. Otherwise I suppose you might have to travel to Dayton next year and visit all the vendors' displays. I suppose a local club could organize a key night to let hams have a quick try of various straight keys and paddles from their membership's own shacks. -Michael Taylor, VE3TIX ___ 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 - david a. belsley professor of economics ___ 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] High end paddles
Begali is the choice of many who over the years have been through those many keys mentioned in this thread. The Begali single lever paddle is the best and it is affordable. Dual paddles a bit more but worth the cost. As for trying a key, when you order a Begali, order two or three sets of their different finger pieces... that way you can have the best key available and finger pieces to match your preference. de Joe, aa4nn ___ 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] High end paddles
Begali is the choice of many who over the years have been through those many keys mentioned in this thread. The Begali single lever paddle is the best and it is affordable. Dual paddles a bit more but worth the cost. As for trying a key, when you order a Begali, order two or three sets of their different finger pieces... that way you can have the best key available and finger pieces to match your preference. de Joe, aa4nn ___ 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] High end paddles
Begali is the choice of many who over the years have been through those many keys mentioned in this thread. The Begali single lever paddle is the best and it is affordable. Dual paddles a bit more but worth the cost. As for trying a key, when you order a Begali, order two or three sets of their different finger pieces... that way you can have the best key available and finger pieces to match your preference. de Joe, aa4nn ___ 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] high end paddles
Keith, I would say yes. The Kent has a mechanical feel and sound to it (which isn't necessarily bad). The Hex key is much quieter and smoother in operation. The Hex key of course uses magnets which gives it a totally different feel. The flex on the arms is not a factor if you don't slap it around. If you are heavy fisted, the Kent may be a better choice. I have quite a selection of paddles both iambic and single and my favorite is a Brown Bros BTL-A but that's another story. ;) 73, Tony W7GO Keith wrote: So, Tony, is the improvement going from Kent to the Hex key as great as the improvement going from the BY-1 to the Kent? ___ 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] high end paddles
James When I was in Baltimore for a biz trip, I met LL K3ESE for dinner. He asked if I wanted to try using the Begali paddles and offered to send me a Begali simplex dual lever paddle for a trial run. I used the paddles and decided to purchase the Begali. One of the best HR purchases I have made. The quality, look, feel, and keying performance is the best I have experienced. If you can make a trial run on these keys, take the opprtunity to do so. Dan NØTK Highlands Ranch,CO ___ 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
