[Elecraft] CW Key suggestions ?

[Mike Morrow]

Ron wrote:

> The appeal of a J-38 is strictly nostalgic and, for me, it
> works as well as any other straight key that I've touched.

These keys have some military historical value as well.

The J-38 was never in operational/combat theater use...it was
used only for US Army radio operator Morse training.

The somewhat simpler J-37 was the key for actual service use.
There was one on every B-17/24/25/26/29 size aircraft, and
every C-45/46/47 cargo aircraft, and on every ground-based Army
fixed/mobile/portable MF/HF station.  On various mounting
bases, it became the J-44, J-45 (KY-116/U), or J-48.

The key that served a similar role in the US Navy was the
navy type 26003 based on the Bendix MT-11B.  This very fine
straight key is my personal favorite, but expect to pay
at minimum $50 US for a used surplus one, even at a hamfest
flea market.

I love old historical straight keys.  There is nothing
equivalent in the iambic key world.

73,
Mike / KK5F