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

Tue, 24 Dec 2002 11:18:07 -0600

Fred,
Thanks for kind remarks for some of us who quite likely will not have a key
collection of Mercuries, WBLV22s, Schurrs, etc. I own two Benchers, both BY-1s,
one with a MFJ keyer on top, and the other with a very nice molded plastic cover.
I like very much the weight and keying characteristics of the keyer one. Bought
the first BY-1 about eight years ago for $75 new and the other one with keyer
for $35 at a hamfest. I'm no speed demon, but am very happy with my simple paddles,
don't have any trouble with adjustments changing. Tried a Vibrobplex single
paddle but it was not for me, couldn't get the hang of it, just too used to
the two paddles. Also have a TE-NE-KE, good for mobile but needs a heavy touch,
alright for mobile. I may buy something in the future but satisfied with by
Benchers, warts and all, hi hi.
73,
Darryl, KK5IB 
>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
>
>
>
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