[Elecraft] High End Paddles

[Darrell Bellerive]

I sure have enjoyed this thread on high end paddles. I have so far mostly used 
just a straight key, but with my new K2 and it's built in keyer I would like 
to give iambic operation another go.

I had a Heathkit uMatic keyer, model SA-5010, with the capacitive touch 
paddles. Had lots of trouble getting used to those paddles so I purchased a 
Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe. Well, I was not much better with those, so I gave up 
on the world of keyers and went back to my straight key. I did use the 
memories in the uMatic though.

A few years later I discovered the article by Chuck Adams, K7QQ, on using an 
iambic paddle. I found I was using the slap the paddle around the desk method 
and seldom used the iambic function of the keyer but treating the paddles 
more like a single lever. Resetting the Vibroplex paddle as Chuck recommends 
and learning to send with a light touch helped, but I still was having 
trouble. Ended up selling the paddle when someone wanted the paddle for their 
collection and I needed a few bucks.

With the new K2, and the need to test the built-in keyer, a friend lent me his 
Bencher BY-1 paddle. What a difference! Although I still need lots of 
practice, I can use this paddle.

Reading the Bencher web site it suggests that the BY-1 series is better for 
those using a light touch than the Hex Paddle, which is for those more used 
to a bug.

That seems to run contradictory to what I read in this thread and on eHam. So, 
do those of you who have used both the BY-1 and Hex Paddle agree with 
Bencher's views? Is the BY-1 really better for those using a light touch?

With little money to spend, and a KPA100 and KAT100 also on the wishlist, I am 
wondering if I should look for a good used BY-1, and save for a better paddle 
down the road. I doubt I will reach 20 wpm for a few years and I am just 
learning how to properly use an iambic paddle. Is there a downside to 
learning with a BY-1 and then moving to something else?

Or would it be better to learn with a better paddle from the start? The HEXKEY 
and Begali Simplex would run in the $215-250 range in Canadian dollars. The 
Begali magnetic paddles would add another $140 to the price. The Begali 
Signature would set me back about $475. Used Bencher BY-1's from eBay would 
cost me less than $100 Canadian dollars.

Probably not the best apples and oranges comparison, but I doubt I will find 
many used HEXKEYs, Begalis, or other high end paddles for sale. I would also 
be hesitant about buying such an expensive key on eBay for fear of getting 
one that has been abused.

I'd like to hear your opinions and thoughts on my paddle selection,

Darrell


-- 
Darrell Bellerive
Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA
Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada