[Elecraft] Portable Straight Key

[N5GE]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> My J-38 is about a portable as one can get, since it survived combat
> conditions in WWII! 
>
> The important thing is to protect the bearings that allow the lever to move
> up and down, especially on any key that uses "pins" like the J-38. By pins I
> mean the sharpened ends of the metal shafts that sit in a concave cut in the
> ends of the adjustment screws. They can be damaged by hitting the finger pad
> end of the key too hard with a side force. 
>
> Still, the J-38's used to be all thrown in large barrels of maybe 100 or so
> keys just tossed in with no protection in the War Surplus stores and darn
> few were injured by the rough handling. 
>
> I'd not be afraid to grab my J-38 and throw it in a box of stuff to go to
> the field. If I wanted to be *real* fussy, I might wrap it in a small towel
> first. But, hey, my J-38 is at least 70 years old! It deserves a little
> "senior care"...
>
> BTW, for portability I have my J-38 mounted on a thin piece of hardwood,
> long enough to extend under the finger grip. That way, it sits still and
> firm on most surfaces with no further anchors. It won't tip no matter how
> "heavy" the fist. 
>
> Some "modern" straight keys have roller or ball bearings instead of the
> "pins". They're quite robust but pricy (I consider $20 about top dollar for
> a straight key ;-)
>
> 73,
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
> On Jul 27, 2009, at 9:44 PM, Frank MacDonell wrote:
>
>   
>> Thanks to all  in advance. This reflector is fabulous. Can someone
>> recommend a portable straight key for use in the field. Thanks.
>>
>> -- 
>> Frank KD8FIP
>>     
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>   
If you can find a J-38 mounted on a leg clamp you'll have the premier 
portable key.  I've used them in a moving jeeps and duce and a half's 
with good success.

Tom, N5GE