[CW] Single-Lever Paddles

[Bruce Prior]

Many operators fashion rudimentary single-lever paddles, but quality engineering can make a big difference.


The advantages of dual-lever over single-lever Morse code paddles are minimal at best. Simpler motions for dual-lever paddles are only slightly evident with C, F, K, L, R, Q, Y and a few non-alphabetical characters. High-quality single-lever paddles can be mechanically complex because of the need for that lever to return to a neutral position between dit and dah positions. Any single-lever paddle when wired differently can become a side-swiper or cootie key.
The fanciest dedicated side-swiper key that I know about is the Begali Sculpture Swing.[1] The medium-quality Begali HST Mark III[2] sports a toggle switch to choose between regular single-lever and side-swiper modes. In, practice, many operators use dual-lever paddles as if they were single-lever paddles.

The AME Mini-B paddle[3] is a well-engineered popular single-lever paddle among SOTA operators because of its light weight and the protection which its Art Deco rounded enclosure offers to its sophisticated internal mechanism.

As evident from the manual,[4] assembling the kit version of the Mini-B is a tedious process because of its complexity and some miniscule parts which could easily become lost. I decided to return my kit and pay extra to have it assembled at the factory. By plastering the Mini-B base with 3M™ DualLock™ reclosable fastener,[5] we can securely attach the paddle to any solid flat surface like an aluminum transceiver enclosure or a clipboard by attaching the same 3M™ Dual Lock™ there as well. Because the Mini-B paddle handle is made of aluminum, I covered that handle with ¾” heat-shrink tubing for below-freezing operation.

            A fine-quality single-lever paddle is the Begali Adventure Mono.[6] Dedicated attachment brackets are available for the Elecraft KX1, Elecraft KX2, Elecraft KX3, Yaesu FT-817 Icom IC-705 transceivers. For home-station use, the Begali Adventure Magnetic Base can be added. Again, that base with its magnets can be covered with 3M™ Dual Lock™ in order to attach the base to a surface which is not compatible with magnets. Although the Adventure Mono paddle includes two finger pieces, the action is single-lever. The similar companion Adventure Dual model[7] is a true dual-lever paddle.


      It is worthwhile spending extra time to get the adjustments of the Adventure Mono just right, but its action is beautiful once the sweet-spot is found.


            I have never found a better-quality Morse code paddle of any style than the Begali Sculpture Mono.[8] The Sculpture Mono is far too heavy for portable operating; it is designed to stay put in a home station. I have chosen to adjust it for very close contact spacing and quite light return force. Other adjustment parameters are widely divergent to cater to different operator preferences.

Bruce Prior N7RR

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[1] Sculpture Swing - Begali's Web site (i2rtf.com)<http://www.i2rtf.com/sculpture-swing.html>

[2] HST Mark III - Begali's Web site (i2rtf.com)<http://www.i2rtf.com/hst-mark-iii.html>

[3] American Morse Equipment - Mini-B Miniature Single Lever/Sideswiper Paddle<https://www.americanmorse.com/minib.htm>

[4] Mini-B_Manualrevb (americanmorse.com)<https://www.americanmorse.com/files/Mini-B_Manualrevb.pdf>

[5] 3M™ Dual-Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners | 3M<https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/dual-lock-reclosable-fasteners-us/>

[6] Adventure mono - Begali's Web site (i2rtf.com)<http://www.i2rtf.com/adventure-mono.html>

[7] Adventure dual - Begali's Web site (i2rtf.com)<https://www.i2rtf.com/adventure-dual.html>

[8] Sculpture mono - Begali's Web site (i2rtf.com)<https://www.i2rtf.com/sculpture-mono.html>

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