[Elecraft] OT: Morse keys, pricing

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Ah, those are *beautiful* keys, Benny. 

But I'm always disappointed that every custom bug maker I've seen copies the
fussy Vibroplex weight system that requires loosening a set screw and
sliding a weight to change the dit rate. And then, of course, when done
quickly during a QSO and the set screw is not really tightened, suddenly
it's sliding along in the middle of a character. 

E.F. Johnson fixed that way back about 1950 with their version of the famous
Logan Speed-X. The weight is held by a spring clip that is released by
simply squeezing the weight at the top between thumb and fingers. The speed
can be adjusted in a fraction of a second and it *never* comes loose. 

The weight is larger in diameter and not as wide, so it offers a much
greater range of speed control too.

If you are having trouble picturing the system, here's an image of one:

http://www.ac2c.net/images/Key-Collection/Johnson-SpeedX-2_l.jpg


Maybe it's a patent or licensing issue of some sort, but that Johnson design
is over 60 years old! 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

Do not forget to see

http://www.i1qod.it/prima.htm

My favorite is The New Iambic.
These paddles have a serial number.

Benny  OH9NB