[Elecraft] Re: Now how 'bout a good straight key recommendation? :)

[Gil Stacy]

Different strokes for different folks.  I never could use my J-38 as well as 
my Flameproof; the Flameproof seemed to operate better in my fist.  In 
learning to send, the knob helped me control things a little better. From 
what I understand, there was a wide range of quality in the J-38 and maybe 
my J-38 wasn't up to par.

Joe Jacobs offers for sale new in the box Flameproofs, mfg'd circa 1950.  He 
is a retired employee of Bunnell and his son is the current owner of the 
company.  Bunnell sold Flameproofs until the mid 1980s to the Mexican 
railroads who still used telegraphy.  He has a few Flameproofs  left for $69 
and they come factory sealed in muslin/copper foil pouches or in corrugated 
boxes.  He has some other keys as well and in addition to the Flameproof, I 
bought a fine German WWII Maus (mouse) key from him.  His email address is 
joekey%aol.com (replace % with @).  With the purchase, he sends an 11 page 
photocopy of the original machine drawings and specs for the govt. contract. 
  Maybe someone can make a key from scratch. ;)  My former FISTS code buddy 
N2KZ uses the same Flameproof his father and uncle used  on the air in the 
late 1930s.  You won't wear it out.

73 de Gil
KG4VCG
K2 #3104


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