[SOC] Seeking suggestions for new straight key

[Bill Cunningham]

Mike,

I'm still using the J-38 I got for Christmas 50 years ago.  This has a black
plastic baseblock that would slide all over if I let it.  Having tried a
variety of heavy wooden blocks, etc., finally glued a skidproof pad to the
base and solved all problems.  I used the bottom foil of what had been one
of those super thin mousepads.  There is a household product used in china
cabinets that will work, but it may have too much vertical give.

I've tried a number of keys over the years and found that the knob shape
makes all the difference.  I'm sure this is a matter of personal preference.
Having grown up with a J-38, nothing else suits, even another J-38 with a
thinner flat part of knob.  So, first thought is to get something for which
you can experiment with the knob.

A real J-38 is something of an expensive collector's item these days.  I
think Ameco makes a suitable replica for under $20, but almost certainly you
will have to provide your own baseblock.  Since the baseblock raises the key
height, you might want to experiment there.

There are a number of absurdly priced handkeys on the market, basically
finely crafted show pieces.  No matter which one you bought, you would wind
up either admiring its looks or fiddling with knob and height to suit your
fancy.  At which point you might well consider fabricating your own.  As
absurd example, if a hacksaw blade makes a decent single lever paddle, it
will certainly make a decent key; but you will have to fiddle with length
for spring tension and contact height to limit travel.  And absolutely, you
will have to experiment to find a suitable knob.

For what it's worth, I received an entry level keyer for Christmas this year
and am using old bug as a single lever paddle.  Won't go on the air with it
until moderately competent and the shack has been too cold to work at it.
Until competent with the keyer, I find it the nature  of mistakes quite
different than those of hand keying.  Makes it easier to decipher some of
the sloppy stuff I hear on the air, tho.  So, I would expect a moderate
learning curve transitioning from keyer to hand key.

73
Bill C
K4KSR

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Besemer" <mwbesemer@cox.net>
To: <soc@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 12:04 PM
Subject: [SOC] Seeking suggestions for new straight key


> Good day all,
>
> I've been thinking lately about trying my hand at the straight key again,
> but can honestly say I am not very knowledgeable about modern keys.  Every
> now and then I see an ad or an article in one of the ham mags, but would
> like to hear from folks who are currently pounding brass with one.
>
> I've been using my old reliable keyer (HD-1410) for the past 25 years or
so
> and it still works great.  The only reason I gave up the straight key was
> because my sending got a bit sloppy at the speeds I liked to operate at.
(I
> think my fist was okay up to 15 or 18 wpm, but it was all downhill from
> there!)
>
> Anyway, what I'm looking for is:
>
> 1) Function - I like a smooth key
> 2) Heavy or stays in place -  I have a nice operating desk and don't want
to
> have to attach the key to it
> 3) Nice to look at - I share my shack with my wife and her hobbies - 'nuff
> said!
> 4) Not going to break the bank - If the darn thing gives me terminal
> glass-arm, I don't want to feel like I should have spend my money on beer
> instead!
>
> Thanks for your thoughts,
>
> 72/73/74,
>
> Mike
> KG8L
>
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