[CW] GHD GH-GF501A

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

Lee,

I don't know if the Mercury key was one made by N2DAN from the middle 1980s
until he passed away in the 1990s.

Here's a great story about Steve N2DAN on the current holder off that
callsign: https://www.qrz.com/dB/n2dan

You're key wasn't gold plated, there was only one key that was, the key
that wad made for JY1, Hussain King of Jordan.

The first batch were made of brass, mine is serial number #048, Norm Young,
W1HX had the prototype and was offered 001 but be loved his prototype.
Then came the heavy chromed version, starting with serial #001C the C was
for chrome.

After Steve died Bencher, now owned by Vibroplex bought the rights from
Steve's widow.  I don't know how the serial numbers run, but I'm sure
they're tagged with "Bencher" or perhaps now Vibroplex.

Steve put lacquer on the brass keys to prevent them from tarnishing, I
removed my lacquer and polished the key like a mirror but it's browned in
the 30 years I've owned mine.

It's a very good key.

73

David N1EA


On Feb 26, 2017 4:54 PM, "Lee" <L at w0vt.us> wrote:

For my money, buy a Vibroplex hand key if you want a nice looking and
working key.  My choice, powder coated in Blue Racer Blue. The Vibroplex
Hand key has silver contacts, adjustable gap, adjustable side gimbals, and
adjustable tension.  (Less then $200.)  Of course you can buy it with a
gold or silver base too. My experience is, stay away from gold or silver.
Some time ago I purchased a $1000 paddle of the Mercury design.  That
pitted over time.  That taught me a lesson.  Buy with painted bases.   They
are more durable and look good.  I've seen this pitting on other brands
too.  Spending a lot of money on Gold or Silver and then have it pit looks
much worse then a great looking painted base. If you want to spend less for
a terrific key, buy a used military J-38.  ($50.00 plus or minus.)   It has
all the above features but is just Plain Jane in appearance.   They will
work just as good as a $800 Key.  (Silver contacts, adjustable gimbals,
adjustable gap and adjustable tension.  What else is there to adjust?
NOTHING) Besides, all these were and are American made.  The military
purchased the J-37 and J-38 for a reason.  Great key!  I used them in the
Military myself.  Buy the expensive key if your ego insists on it.  A great
skilled operator does not need something like this.  All it is is jewelry.
Makes me think of the experienced fisherman using a cane pole catching lots
of fish while the chap with the latest and greatest set up with more money
then brains catches nothing.  You won't find me spending those big bucks on
a key when a lesser one will work just as well.  I get more enjoyment
watching my money grow in the Stock Market.  I do the same with watches.  I
buy TIMEX.  Never misses a beat and doesn't cost what a ROLEX costs.
(Again, savings is invested in the Stock Market.  My ego doesn't need
jewelry reinforcement.)

Lee, w0vt



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