Identify my key
- Thread starter Kd5txx
- Start date
Ham4CW
Administrator
I've seen a number of those keys listed as J-38 keys.
There seems to be some variation in the colours, but the overall design is the same. I have a feeling that the J-38 'label' might only apply if the key was mounted on the base plate that the military used them with.
Otherwise, everyone I've seen without a base plate has just been listed/titled as an E.F. Johnson key.
I think MESCO used to sell the same design, also Bunnell. In more modern times the Japanese made their version of the key also, sold under the Triumph, and Altai brands.
73, Mark...
There seems to be some variation in the colours, but the overall design is the same. I have a feeling that the J-38 'label' might only apply if the key was mounted on the base plate that the military used them with.
Otherwise, everyone I've seen without a base plate has just been listed/titled as an E.F. Johnson key.
I think MESCO used to sell the same design, also Bunnell. In more modern times the Japanese made their version of the key also, sold under the Triumph, and Altai brands.
73, Mark...
As I recall, this key (with the folding knife switch) was the J-38. We used the knife switch to maintain a continuous signal while we were tuning the BC-610 transmitter. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BC-610) That was much easier than tightening down the key contact adjustment and having to readjust it to suit the operator's "touch" once the transmitter was tuned. The partner to the J-38 was the J-47, which didn't include a knife switch.
Last edited: