Iambic Keyer and Technique. CW Morse Code key

Presentation of an iambic keyer and iambic technique for the Morse Code.

The true speed (not the PARIS-system) is 183 ch/minute (~36 wpm), but it's just a demo to show what is possible with the iambic technique (of course, it's not a limit for some people out there). I don't think it's a practical speed for everyday, but iambic of course suits perfect for much less speed too.

There are 4 dual-lever paddles on the video. You can use all of them to get 183 ch/minute, because it's hands that make it, - not paddles. However, there are such criteria like comfort to use, durability, design and style.


== MFJ-564 ==

(Bencher has the same kind of a paddle).

"Made-in-China-quality paddle".
The contact arms and thin plastic plates are springy. When you make a touch, your finger makes additional motion. It's very uncomfortable, imprecise and loose. And the whole design is poorly thought-out. The screws don't hold, so they need adjustment constantly and you need a screwdriver for it.
Because of the low price, it's usually the first paddle that beginners buy. Personally, I can't recommend this paddle.


== Schurr Profi II ==

It was designed by Gerhard Schurr. Today these paddles are made by the Schurr's successor Uli Scheunemann (it's his copy on the video).

The paddle has a distinguished elegant style, which is a trademark now. It's even used in advertisings. The paddle has only 3 adjustment elements: two large knobs for contact spacing and one for spring tension. At the first glance it looks strange, but this simplicity is possible because the paddle is perfectly balanced. The contact screws are so tight and so precise that you can adjust it to a minimal, almost non-existent contact spacing and the paddle will work as a touch-sensitive paddle. So, you don't hear the clicks at all, and the contacts do not stick. Virtually, the key never needs to be readjusted. The key has 1,5 kilo in weight and its is very stable on a table. The cable goes inside the lacquered brass base, but it's replaceable of course. Overall, the paddle is a masterpiece of engineering and it's my choice.


== Begali Signature ==

Expensive toy, but to me it was a bitter experience. I have heard only favorable comments about this key and decided to buy a copy. The mechanism overall was very inaccurate and carelessly made. The contact arms were loose. You could move them up and down and even from the contacts! This was the reason of a strong contact bounce. While operating, your fingers felt spurious responses: tinkling, jingling etc. It seemed like the inner parts were made with a very high tolerance. Also, because of this inaccuracy I had to make wide spacing, otherwise the contacts stuck unpredictable.

But it is a very beautiful paddle with magnets instead of springs for the return force and the optional gold-plated contacts.
Moreover, the money back service (I've returned it back to Begali) was personally oriented and accurate. So, you can try it out, maybe my copy was an exception. The finish and style are superb, so if you are satisfied with the mechanism, the paddle will be one of the most attractive exhibits at your shack. And if you are not satisfied, the money back service of the manufacturer is irreproachable.


== KENT ==

Also, a well known paddle. It's worth buying a kit of it: costs 10 Euro less and even a child can assemble it in 15 minutes.

The bearing block with the contact arms is sturdy made, no looseness at all. It weighs 1,4 kilo, enough for a good stability . The spacing is controlled by the contact screws with the locking nuts and it allows a soft touch. The gap between the paddles is too wide for me, but this can be a matter of habit. Overall, the paddle is a very reliable workhorse. If we take the price/quality relationship, this paddle is the winner here. If I didn't have the Schurr, I would use this one.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• morse
• keyer
• key
• dual-lever
• paddles
• cw
• ham
• radio
• telegraph
• iambic

[bizzzybee]

I retired from my job, and i'd like to take this up along with ham radio as a new hobby. I'm so confused as what to buy or where to start.. I really like the duel key paddles. I was wondering if there's a such thing as these types of keys that will hook into my computer so I can start learning, or do I have to be hooked up to a radio? Can anyone please advise for my best course of action in getting started? I checked in my area here in port charlotte florida for a ham club, but non exist.

[Geistero]

@bizzzybee, good idea. You can check qrz (dot) (c)om forums, register and ask people there. they will help.

[sonick808]

aren't the dits usually on the thumb ? i know many people switch it, but the default is dit left and dah right yes ?

[Geistero]

@sonick808 nope. the "default" here does not exist. It's a matter of how you personally first saw it and tried to imitate. There is nothing unusual or usual in both variants.

[sonick808]

@Geistero ah , i see. I reckon i should probably identify what i've seen as a majority, and not a default or preferred method. Didn't mean to detract from your method. That is a fine fist indeed :)

[Geistero]

@sonick808 it has been discussed in these comments. Check the comments by SirPayne and flatpaws6 (1 year ago)

[NG9D]

Re: comments on standard set-up being dits with thumb rather than the pointer finger. Brief history - befere the development of the electronic keyer many CW operators used "bugs", i.e. semi-auto mechanical keys. Most "bugs" were manufactured for right-hand operation with automatic "dit" action via the thumb and the manual "dah" action via the pointer finger. When electronic keyers became available the natural progression for most operators was to continue in the same manner - dits with thumb.

[kc2zxl]

Thank you!

[GMSamuelRhine]

Do people ever key morse on GMRS?

i keyed a CQ once and got a response, but usually never hear anything

[SupremeRulahXenu]

@bizzzybee No worries. Just wanted to share what I've found out. I can send morse code at 15 words per minute now, but I'm not as good receiving it yet. I won't start using a straight key until I'm "perfect". The iambic keyer helps one to get the timing right.

[bizzzybee]

@SupremeRulahXenu Hey just wanted to say thanks, your posting was very helpful...I can't want until I earn Morse Code....Again thanks for your time...God I love Youtube....

[SupremeRulahXenu]

@bizzzybee There are programs which will let you either use your mouse buttons as the paddle, or hook up a key to your computer. CWirc for X-Chat, CWCom from MRX and Morse Keyer from Robert B. Denny all allow you to do this.

[DO5TMX]

tnx!

[iluvdx60]

Learned alot. Never used nor been around these keys. I've always used straight key all these years and have no elmer to teach newer types like these. Embarassed to admit this but many thanks. Greatly appreciated this video to learn something new now! Ham since mid-70's and was QRT'D for quite awhile til lately.

[retepvosnul]

Very inspiring stuff and a nice collection of paddles !.