What morse key/s do you use

R

rich

New Member
Guess I will jump in and list the keys I use...nothing fancy and no big collection...just useable on HF and computer CW.

Bencher ... doesn't everyone have one?

Nye Viking Straight key ... nice and heavy base

Two Mini Keys used with the computer programs
Vizkey and K8RA P-2jr
 
i have some kind of cheap straight key that I got from an "elmer" of mine. it has no base and it's very light. i use it with my portable kit. honestly thats all i have is a portable kit... but i dont know who made it. it works so i'm happy about that.
 
I use a MFJ paddle and an old Speed-x WW2 key given to me by a friend who "borrowed" it in WW2. It is a very nice key. Also have some sort of cheap portable paddle that I use when mobile or portable.

You didn't ask but my station keyer is a a N0XAS PicoKeyer Kit. Works like a charm. Now if my CW was that good!

Martin K0BXB
 
I use a simple russian military surplus straight key that I picked up off ebay.

Member 3386 in the Straight Key Century Club
http://www.skccgroup.com/
 
First key I ever owned was a Bencher. I like the military keys so I have a J-37 (gift from my Elmer) a J-38, and a Navy Flameproof from Bunnel. Got into bugs abt a year ago and received a Vibroplex Anniversary bug from my XYL, and later purchased a 90 Degree VizKey. The real star is a GHD Model GH-GN207 with the black base. And yes, I use them all.

73

Rich KB3OMJ
..
 
I have the Vibroplex Straight key....(special edition "Know Code" model with the red base).....

I'm ashamed to say it doesn't get much use, but I do plan to make better use of it as soon as I brush up on my code skills.....
 
I use the following keys, from left to right:
Navy Flameproof
GHD GF601a Sideswiper
GHD GN207ab Black Base Bug
GHD GT501mil Straight Key
Begali Blade SN#09
Amplidan
G3YUH Amplidan #121
NT9K Amplidan #2

NT9K_Morse_Keys.jpg

73, Bill NT9K
www.nt9k.com
 
Hi Bill -

Glad to see you logged onto the forum!

Now for those of you that are reading this, let me tell you Bill NT9K is the man! He's also my Elmer that has taught me so much. Bill is also modest abt his ham radio accomplishments - he was recently inducted as an A1-Op and is also a member of the SKCC Hall of Fame.

73,

Rich KB3OMJ
..
 
Have been through many keys over the years but the Begali Graciali Key is now my only key. It feels so natural that high speed CW is a snap and is heavy enough not to walk away.
 
My keys are all Vibroplex. I have a dual key with iambic paddle and straight key and one of the 100th anniversary original bugs. Switch back and forth depending on my mood and how good my speed is on any particular day! :p
 
Using italian dual paddles from Begali, and J-37 military US straight key (sometimes for QRSS..), Dual paddles by Vibroplex, and small GB spy key... and sometimes one of my key's collection.
I sell all my collection now.If you search one model... email.
I have french, DL, russian, US, GB, ecc.
73

CW enthousiast since 1981 See qrz.com at my call
 
I used to use a J38 navy straight key for years. Purchased a bencher straight key and did not like the action. Kept it for a while and sold it on E Bay.

Purchased an MFJ 422B Electronic Keyer Paddle, practiced for over two weeks with it off line and really got the feel for it. I have my rig Icom 746 Pro set up for straight key operation as I can adjust the speed on the keyer paddle. I have about eight straight keys, but now I am spoiled with the Paddle. Will throw a straight key on for SKCC events. I have a a few of my keys posted on www.hamfarts.com listed under kb3ifk.

Andy
 
I currently use a Begali Simplex though I have owned a Schurr Profi II, Numerous Benchers and J37 type straight keys.
If The Schurr is the Mercedes of CW Keys, then the Begali is the Ferrari. The Simplex is like Butter to your fingertips at 35-40 wpm.
 
I use a Bencher straight key and paddle most of the time although I have a couple dozen older keys on the shelf. I also have a Vibroplex Lightning Bug setting on the shelf that some day I'll figure out how to use. :D
 
Hi all, My keys that i use are the kent straight key(wooden base) and the bencher BY1 i bought the Bencher last week i was using the Kent twin paddle but i didnt quite feel comfortable with it it wasnt the key just my light touch so it was a toss up between the Begali simplex or the Bencher and with so many of them around i figured the Bencher cant be bad. I also have a Vibroplex original bug and a couple of older straight keys the bug complete with the vari weight sounds nice when everyone else uses them but i dont want to inflict my attempts at sending using it choppy isnt the word hi hi. 73 Gareth de 2e0bkw . .
 
my collection of keys is very modest--
1. i have the J-38 sig corp key that i learned on years ago and use constantly

2. there is a vibroplex lightning bug(main key)circa mid '60s

3. a hi-mound "coffin" bug that i got in JA8 land in 1968 (fun, but quite noisy)

4. a straight key manufactured by G3SRK (jack sykes)--presented as a gift

somewhere at the old family homestead there lurks a navy flameproof(unable to locate at present)

while in the service i had an old bug (a johnson i believe it was)that was stolen from my hold baggage--it was worn out, but i regret it's loss

never learned to use a elec. keyer--could never get the hang of it--

73
jerry-------k5psh
 
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