Western Electric 6-B Mini CW Key

Often called a spy key, this CW key actually came out of a Western Electric test set. The keys were in banks of four and used as test equipment. This video shows how to modify and use the key for a very useful CW key, especially well suited to QRP use.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Ham radio
• cw
• morse code
• homebrew
• QRP
• antenna
• w5cyf
• SWL
• homemade
• homebuilt
• 5 watts
• MFJ-9420
• camping
• pop up
• state park
• low power
• dipole. Launcher
• slinky
• mfj-259
• 703
• hamstick
• Buddistick
• buddipole
• machine shop
• Hygain 18VS
• MFJ
• antenna mount
• power pole
• S9
• S9v
• Icom
• Yaesu
• 817
• TenTec
• Rock-Mite
• Pico Keyer
• Picokeyer
• Arizona ScQRPion
• 386 amp
• SW-40
• small wonder
• Kenwood TS-520
• Century 21
• Ten Tec
• R4020
• Emtec
• EM-2
• ATU
• amateur radio

[USNERDOC]

Neat project John! I always enjoy your videos. That is a cool QRP key.

73!

[johnrob281]

@USNERDOC

David,

Alway good to hear from you. It sure looks like you've been busy with the SHOT show and AMP-3. Best of success!

73

John

[g0vqw]

A nice little project John well done. I am sure it will feature again in future videos. When out /portable I pack an old WT8AMP key which dates from WW2. It's just a bit bigger but not heavy at all.

All the best for now.

73

Sandy

[johnrob281]

@g0vqw

Sandy,

As always good to hear from you.  I just finished a QSO with the little key and the Ten Tec R4020...a great combination!

73

John

[ae5kw]

I always enjoy your videos John. I think this one is one of your best.

John

AE5KW

[johnrob281]

@ae5kw

John,

Tnx for the comment and for following along...I really like the little key and find it easy to use considering its size!

73

John

[W4CJB]

Very Nice. Cool project.

73 de John - W4CJB

[johnrob281]

@MGARestoration

Fred,

Thanks for the bit of history on the key. I was trying to find out more about the orgin of the key and you helped fill in the blanks.

All the best,

John

[MGARestoration]

Boy this brings back memories. The test box that the key came off of is called a "skinner box". The box was used to adjust polar relays that were used in a #5 crossbar office. Back in the early 70's I used this box for many hours. The quality of materials used on these boxes were top notch.

Nice job... Fred- Rochester Telephone retired.

[johnrob281]

@ae5kw

John,

Tnx for your comments.

BTW: Hopefully I'll be able to retire mid year and get back to TX this summer. Before the move to MS, we lived in Forney and want to move back either to the Athens or Kaufman area.

73

John/W5CYF