[CW] What is the best telegraph key??

[Buck]

I use one side of a Bencher paddle or a HamKey.  The sideways action is
easier on the wrist and I can operate longer at higher speeds than on a
strait key with up-down strokes.  

I first learned about sideways keying as a novice.  The first time I used
one, I used Elmer's glue to glue the strait key to the side of my R-392
receiver.  It had enough weight not to move when I keyed.  Later I mounted
the key to a board mounted vertical on my desk.  Very rarely after that did
I ever use an upright strait key.  

Today I have a rig that uses a keyer.  I usually use the keyer but when I
want to do strait key, I set the rig to strait key and use the right paddle,
as I am right handed.  

Just a thought.
Buck
N4PGW


-----Original Message-----
From: Stan Barr [mailto:stanb at dial.pipex.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 2:20 PM
To: cw at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [CW] What is the best telegraph key??

Hi,

"David J. Ring, Jr." <n1ea at arrl.net> said:
> Sherrill,
> 
> You can get a Swedish key for much less than $350 for one.

I use a NATO key, stock no. 5805-99-580-8558, which is basically the
same design as the Swedish (Petterson) key and available for a lot
less than $350.  For my taste the NATO key needs the return spring
tension reducing slightly - easily done by *carefully* bending the 
spring - and the click-stops on the gap adjustment are too coarse.
Quite a good key though.  See:

http://www.bluesardinia.com/telegraph/nato.html

-- 
Cheers and 73,
Stan Barr  G0CLV  G-QRP 3369   g0clv at dial.pipex.com

"Never leave well enough alone." -  Raymond Loewy


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