Straight key from a gift card

N8TGQ

Active Member
Mar 14, 2026
16
5
3
I live in an apartment, so I go to the local parks when I want to use a full-sized antenna. I don't drive, so everything has to be carried by me, whether by walking, bicycling or bussing. That means everything has to be small and light for my old bones to manage!

Here's a key I built from strips of an old gift card and copper foiling tape used in stained glass building.
It's a sandwich of plastic and copper tape held together with super glue. It took a number of builds before I was happy with it. I also built a set of paddles for my MTR3-b. I'll post them another time.

I hope it gives some folks ideas for their own keys!
 

Attachments

  • Gift Card Key 01.jpg
    Gift Card Key 01.jpg
    183.7 KB · Views: 11
  • Gift Card Key 02.jpg
    Gift Card Key 02.jpg
    197.1 KB · Views: 14
  • Like
Reactions: Ham4CW
That is such a great example of design work. It makes me think of secret agents and clandestine operation.

It looks incredibly tiny, what are the dimensions of it?

Is the MTR3-b the one with the light blue case and seven segment LED display? If so I have one of those little beasties here.

73, Mark...
 
That one is 1/2 "x 2 1/2" and about 3/16" high. I have made them in lots of sizes to fit the space I have.

My MTR is the same as yours. It's the only HF rig I ever bought new. And it's still my favorite. It's a whole adventure in itself!
 

Attachments

  • MTR 3b.jpg
    MTR 3b.jpg
    710.9 KB · Views: 13
  • Like
Reactions: Ham4CW

About us

  • Our ham radio community has been around for many years and pride ourselves on offering unbiased discussion among radio enthusiasts of all backgrounds. We work hard to make sure our community is one of the best.

Quick Navigation

User Menu