[CW] Re: RE: "Best" CW Paddle... (David E. Shelton)

Tue, 24 Dec 2002 11:03:49 -0500

I have a Vibroplex bug adjusted virtually the same as my paddles, then I
have several paddles, among them, the Vibroplex which is too klunky and
tiring, a BY-1 which for me works just fine, and a JM March R-3A, and you
can see the one I bought on his website at http://www.qsl.net/k4qu/. Take a
good look at the size of the magnets. You can even see the misalignment of
the left set of contacts, slight though it may be.It  is the best-feeling
paddle I have ever used. Adjusting it is a miserable experience - it is not
perfectly aligned, and the threads are not tight-fitting as on other keys
and paddles. HOWEVER, once it is adjusted, it stays put, and it is the one I
always reach for, not that I don't reach for ALL the other keys hooked up,
for each has its time and purpose. The price of the JM March is right, as
well, and many designs are available. The concept of opposing large Alinco
magnets is superb - magnets are temperature sensitive, but this bug goes
through some severe variations in that, the shack having no heat or cooling.
It just plain feels the same 24/7. The frustration getting it adjusted was
totally mitigated by the resultant performance.

May you all have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year with the necessities
of life available to you - Be generous to those who have so little that talk
of fancy keys is something to which they can never relate. Let us understand
how privileged we are to be ham operators, especially CW operators carrying
on a tradition that will become less popular, but never obsolete as long as
we care about our heritage, use CW and teach CW to those who want to learn.

Fred, NY2V
Club Station W2ZOJ

----- Original Message -----

From: "David E. Shelton" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [CW] "Best" CW Paddle...
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 08:40:50 -0500

There are many paddles out there that are better in my opinion than the
Bencher's. My first paddle was a BY-1 and I did enjoy it be as time went on
I also noticed that the paddles have a slightly mushy feel to them, which I
did not like. I switched to another, the Kent paddles used it for awhile and
then moved that one to the mobile. I have had Schurr Profi, very good
paddle, and the Hensley I have is the best paddle period hands down. The
vibroplex iambic is a good paddle but it has a noticeable amount of noisy
feedback while sending, I called it clickity, also the paddle was too high
off the surface of the desk for my comfort and I found the position of my
wrist uncomfortable after a few QSO's.
Another alternative is the J.M. March R-3A paddle, I have one of those and
like it a lot. I am of the opinion that magnetic resistance is better that
is the reason I like the Hensley and March paddles the best. Magnetic
paddles have a certain crispness to them that is very nice and noticeable
when sending, whether for a couple QSO's or a 24hr contest.
The March paddle's resistance is interesting because it is different than
other magnetic paddles it uses magnetic repulsion, as opposed to attraction.
The N to N or S to S ends of the magnets and this works very well, but you
have to use twice a many magnets as with other magnetic paddles. I guess
that is enough about that. Hope this helps.
Merry Christmas to all on the list,
Dave, N4IN

-----Original Message-----

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of Rodenbarger, John A.
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 10:39 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: [CW] "Best" CW Paddle...

My 2 favourite CW sending machines are a Lionel J-36 and a beige-based
"Original" Vibroplex.

I also have a set of Ham-Key paddles, a MFJ-564, and a Vibrokeyer. I dislike
them all equally...Oh, that's harsh, the Vibrokeyer is alright, after all,
it IS a single lever. I don't Iambic, don't care to learn.

I've considerd the Kent, but when it comes down to it, I can't decide
between the single lever and that big honkin' straight key, so I haven't
gone for it yet.

73,

John WB9OFG