[Elecraft] Good time to buy Begali products

[Jim Hoge]

Charlie,
My wife gave me a March R-3A a few years ago. It spends most of its time on a display shelf. While it is a nice key, it couldn't usurp the prime position my Begali Sculpture holds. Most of the reasons why are purely personal but one is what I would consider a design oversight. 

By comparison, the Begali's finger pieces are spaced  0.575" (outside dimension) while the March's are 0.500". Minimum force to close a contact on the Begali is 6 grams and the March is 19 grams. These two parameters are very personal as I prefer a wider spacing and a very light touch.
What I consider a design oversight is the length of the contact spacing screws, they are nearly  0.375" longer than they need to be and to me, stick out like a sore thumb.
That said, the key is well machined and functions very well. It is a fine example of key art. It just isn't my favorite. 

73,Jim W5QM
 

     On Sunday, January 25, 2015 5:28 PM, Jim Lowman <jmlowman at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
   

 Yes, indeed!  I have one and it's very nice.
Actually, it belongs to Chuck Adams, K7QO.
It's on a somewhat-indefinite loan to me.
I found out from a Mutual friend that Chuck didn't care for it that much.
Of course, "feel" is a very subjective matter.

It had some minor wear, so I sent it back to Mike for refinishing. Now 
it's as good as new.
It looks good in my collection and, if Chuck ever asks for it back, it's 
in better shape than when he loaned it to me.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 1/25/2015 2:02 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
> Has anyone on here used a March Magnetic Paddle? Mike's out in 
> Winchester VA and hand makes these individually.
>
> I'm not qualified to comment since I can barely use my antique 
> Vibro-Keyer.
>
> 73, Charlie k3ICH
>

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