Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
Stewart Personick (AB2EZ)
on
October 29, 2004
View comments about this article!
Having put together a small collection of paddles... I have been doing some side-by-side comparisons.
I now have three excellent magnetic iambic paddles: a March R3a, an Alberto Frattini, and a Begali Signature Edition.
I have them set up for nearly the same spacing and restoring force. With respect to those factors, they feel the same.
However, when I use them side-by-side at 25 WPM... hooked up in parallel to the same Idiom Press K-3 keyer... and when I switch back and forth... I find that my code is always nearly perfect with the Begali, and not as nearly perfect with either of the other two. I.e., occasional, unintended, extra "dits" and "dahs".
So... what can the difference be?
My conjecture:
The Begali paddle uses stiff, metal finger pieces. Because they are made of metal, they have two characteristics that my other two fine paddles don't have. (The Alberto Frattini paddle has beautifully crafted plastic finger pieces, and the March paddle has beautiful, comfortable, carved wooden finger pieces).
1. The Begali finger pieces are good conductors of heat... and they are noticibly cool to the touch. Therefore, they provide additional tactile feedback to help you know when your fingers are just touching the finger pieces.
2. The Begali paddles are excellent conductors of vibration (sound waves), and this provides excellent tactile feedback regarding the instant the the contacts touch.
Best regards
Stu
AB2EZ
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by G5FSD on October 29, 2004
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no, the magic is in.. living in a decent country where you don't have to learn one particular mode just to get access to HF ;o)
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by ZS1DX on October 29, 2004
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Thanks for the interesting article Stu. Your theory about the enhanced tactile feedback of metal makes sense. Wish I had a way to test it!
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KC8VWM on October 29, 2004
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Nice technical thread.
dit dit dit dah... dit dit dit dah... dit dit dit dah...
I never could get used to a paddle... ever. I seem to "flinch" everytime I use one. It is like I am trying to "manually" generate the characters from my brain to my hand.
This is why I still prefer using my J38 key.
Any tips?
73 DE Charles KC8VWM
dit dit
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WY3X on October 29, 2004
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I just bought my first "great" key! I've had many "good" keys in the past, but with the new "great" key, the enhancement in my ability to send (and therefore learn code at a higher speed) has been improved! (My new key is an N2DAN original Mercury keyer.) Anyone who has never used a really great key will know it when you get your hands on one- you will immediately wonder: "Why didn't I buy one of these before?"! I got my ticket in 1991. I've used straight keys, home brew keys of my own design, Vibroplex keys, military keys, etc. but *NEVER* have I sent CW with a key as smooth as the Mercury keyer! I'm now sold on expensive keys, although I'll probably never buy another one... that is, unless a WBL present itself at a reasonable price.... (!)
-KR4WM
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W3PH on October 29, 2004
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After a lifetime of 99% CW operation, I still don't know for sure what makes some paddles 'good' and others not-so-good. I have a Begali, and it's terrific, but I don't do any better with it than I do with a carefully-adusted Bencher ('carefully' is the keyword - it takes me a long time to get Benchers adjusted to my taste, but once adjusted I do like them).
I've used many paddles over the years and have liked most of them after a breaking-in period where I tweaked them and they tweaked me (i.e., I got used to them). The only one I have that I really don't like is a CT iambic that's all-brass with wooden paddles - it looks lovely, but it feels 'dead' - that's just my taste, though, and I'm sure there are others who would love the feel.
The key thing in my experience is allowing enough time to get used to the paddles - they're precision instruments, no two feel the same (even two of the same model, at least with the Benchers - I have 4 of those and each feels different) and I find if I relax, try not to worry about the fact that the paddles I'm using 'feel different' and allow a little break-in time to get used to the feel, I can work with almost any of them.
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by DJ8GO on October 29, 2004
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Another factor without a doubt are the bearings: of the three only the Begali uses instrumentation grade sealed ball bearings. I assume that you're using a pretty small contact gap and a light return force - under those conditions with the other two paddles you may well be experiencing a slight "sticking" effect that sometimes produces extra dots and dashes. But your observations about the better tactile feedback of metal are true and certainly play a role. As always, it is the overall package that defines the quality of a key and not just a single element.
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KB9YZL on October 29, 2004
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Personally, I don’t use Code, but I did find the article interesting, particularly the author’s comments about the perceived tactile differences between materials. (My original field having been Mechanical Engineering and Product Design.)
The thing I don’t understand is why guys like G5FSD find it necessary to jump in with a pointless, inflammatory comment! (Pun intended)
He says in his Personal Profile; “My opinion is NOT less valid just because I don't give my full ID.”
I beg to differ:…….When you remain anonymous, AND act like a Troll, your credibility is very much in doubt!
If you feel that strongly about the “Code/No Code” issue, write your own article, and leave the guys writing the simple tech articles alone!
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
“Appliance Operator”
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That bugs me....
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by KA4KOE on October 29, 2004
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I don't fool with no stinking electronic gadgets to make code....they bug me. That's why I use a bug; Vibroplex that is (in Foghorn Leghorn voice).
Feeleeep
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by NI0C on October 29, 2004
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Nice article! There are huge differences in paddles, and these differences are accentuated at higher speeds. So far, my favorite is a Brown Bros. BTL; however I haven't had the opportunity to try many of the nice models out there. Guess I'll have to make the trip to Dayton again.
Now to respond to a few of the comments:
G5FSD, go away!
KB9YZL, Kent-- you are truly a gentleman-- thanks for your comments.
KR4WM, I read your recent review of the N2DAN paddle, and turned green with envy! Nice purchase there!
KC8VWM, Charles-- you might try using a bug first. I'm serious, of course. Many of us transitioned from the J-38 to a bug to various models of electronic keyers. With the bug, you get used to having just the dots generated for you, and you form your own dashes. If you don't want to use a mechanical bug, some of the electronic keyers can be programmed for a "semi-automatic" mode. My K1EL WinKey has that feature.
73 de Chuck ni0c
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KD5MJJ on October 29, 2004
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I have a begali simplex and a schurr profi 2. Both are non magnetics.
I also seem to enjoy the begali more and have also noted the tactile feel, the nice vibration through the finger piece when striking the contact at closure. It is almost a ringing type vibration that provides a great feedback through the fingers.It seems the metal finger piece is something I prefer. I love the Schurr but find that I use the Begali more because of the tactile feel.
It is only my opinion. I sure love the Begali.
73
hank
kd5mjj
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WB2WIK on October 29, 2004
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What an interesting observation!
I have three Benchers, and that's all I use for everything, both home and mobile/portable. Never had any problem with them, and they feel terrific to me...but now you've got me interested in test-driving the Begali, which I've never tried.
Or, if it's expensive, maybe I shouldn't try: Last time I test-drove something I fell in love with it but didn't like the payments on the Porsche....
WB2WIK/6
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by AD5X on October 29, 2004
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Geez - I've been so very happy with my March key, and now you're going to force me into trying a Begali! Thanks a lot.
Phil - AD5X
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by NI0C on October 29, 2004
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KC8VWM:
Charles-- see the ongoing discussion on eHam Forums, CW, "Straight Key to Keyer," that just started today. You might get more tips there.
73 de Chuck NI0C
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W4MY on October 29, 2004
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Hey, I got a Begali Signature (non-magnetic) after years with a Bencher BY-1 and Vibroplex. There is absolutely no comparison. I still make errors, but never due to the paddle.
Its the most "comfortable" paddle I have used to date. If you are thinking about getting one, just go ahead, if for some strange reason you don't like it, it will sell very easily.
73
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by GHOSTRIDERHF on October 29, 2004
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G5FSD
Two choices --
1. Move to one of the 76 other countries that allows their No Code Morse on HF bands
or
2. You only have to wait about another 2 years for the FCC to make a ruling and another 2 or 3 for it to go into affect -- hey -- if you think its allot better to get on HF and start enjoying the radio NOW then wait five years just learn the 5 WPM and move on...
I guess bottom line its more important to most Amrican HAM radio operators to allow the citizens of the rest of the world (to include several countries we do not consider friendly) full access to HF as long as we keep as many American ham radio operators off of HF that we can ....
I think its totally cool that I can talk to some ham no code radio operator from Iraq or Grenada on HF but not allowed to talk to my TECH brother (who is in the Navy in Michigan) on HF....
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KC8VWM on October 29, 2004
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>> see the ongoing discussion on eHam Forums, CW, "Straight Key to Keyer," <<
Thanks Chuck!, Your an Elmer and a Gentleman.
73
Charles - KC8VWM
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W3DCG on October 29, 2004
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I'd in pig heaven if I had a Begali, March, DAN, PZY, Schurr, etc...
But I make do with a for the masses Kent.
I wished, that the standard for paddles was finger pieces being an integral part of the lever-arms, as in, all one solid piece of metal. Finger pieces and lever being one and the same. Wonder why not? One less thing to assemble and screw down.
Regarding The Magic-
I'll go with the notion:
The magic is in the mode.
hi.
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by AK2B on October 29, 2004
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I have the Begali Signature Edition paddles. I haven’t tried very many paddles nor is my fist all that good. In fact, recently, I was QLF’d by a DX station in the middle of a pile-up just trying to send 5NN.
I do have a Viproplex, Bencher and old Johnson bug which, in there own different ways, are all quite adequate for sending cw. The Begali is definitely a luxury item that I could have done without. But then, what fun would that be?
Metal vs. plastic – could be something there. I think it’s the whole package, the mechanical, the tactile, the visual and the audible part that all add up to make these paddles what they are. I really like the noise they make and the way they feel. They look like a little bronze sculpture.
Now for the other side of Begali – or what I call – “Adventures in Ordering”.
If you think Begali is Amazon.com, nothing could be further apart.
First, is the dubious manner of sending your credit card information - truly, not for the faint of heart.
Next, if you’re expecting instant gratification – it won’t happen!
Communication is slow and difficult because of the language barrier, his vacations, the country’s vacations, etc…
There are times when you will feel desperate and despondent.
But from all accounts I’ve heard from others and my own experience, there isn’t much to worry about. You will get your paddles (eventually). I don’t know of anyone who has not willed his Signature Editions to be buried with him.
Tom, AK2B
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by WY7I on October 29, 2004
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My thanks to AB2EZ for turning me on. Not only turning me on the the Begali Graciella Vertical paddle and Pietro Begali, but reinstilling me with enough CW enthusiasm to get involved (for the 30th? time) in Nov SS CW!
I was wondering when the impetus would strike me. I still don't have the tower up, nor the beam, nor even a piddly attempt at an 80 meter antenna...but now I feel truly **motivated** !!!
Not to mention I'll be ordering one of Pietro's works of art.
The only question is whether to go for the mother of pearl inlaid fingerpieces after the comments AB2EZ makes on the temperature coefficient and "tactile feedback" aspects of hot CW contesting...
What thoughts do you have on "warming up" the paddle with mother of pearl? Jeez, we should all have such problems!
On another note, what thoughts do all the readers have on a quick 80m CW antenna for SS from San Diego (where prop is muy FB)? I have no tall trees, but three acres of gentle slope. My problem is getting the ant high enough so that I am not working earthworms. Perhaps a long wire, tuner-tuned that slopes from about 15' off the roof down to an avocado tree at 15' high and about 250 feet down the hill?
Or some kind of vertical?
Hmmmm.
Any/All ideas on either subject will be appreciated.
CU in SS!
WY7I
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by WY7I on October 29, 2004
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P.S.>>
I currently use an N2DAN Mercury Paddle....
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W2QN on October 29, 2004
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I don't know about magic in the fingerpieces, but I've got a bit of nostalgia in mine. I use my forty-five year old Vibroplex Original bug as the keyer lever. Just go underneath the bug and unhook the dash post strap where it joins to the dot post and bring it out the side and hook up the dash line with a small nut and bolt. Then use tiewraps or wire to tie down the vibrating centerpiece to the damper and you've got a key lever. It's got all the neat adjustments of a bug, it's heavy enough not to walk across the desk, and best of all, it looks like a real old-time radio key...because it is.
73,
Bert
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W6TH on October 29, 2004
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You can improve the Bencher by making the finger pieces shorter. About half of the present length. Keep the original ones and use something else to replace the standard fingerpieces.
The Bencher can't be beat if the keyer is kept at a 3:1 ratio at all speeds.
I have settled on the Bencher with this mod.
Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces? Yes, for sure.
.:
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W7WIK on October 29, 2004
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G5FSD... This was a nice and very informative article intended for people who enjoy the use of CW. If you don't have anything to contribute or something nice to say, then don't say it. We don't need your kind here.
Marco, W7WIK
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W4CNG on October 29, 2004
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For a mostly VOICE (SSB)operator, my Bencher work's just fine, nothing like it, mine also not trimmed on the front side, just perfect! What's this other brand name made of and where???
Steve W4CNG
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by AB2KT on October 30, 2004
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Musicians have been fanatics about this sort of thing for, oh, a couple of millennia now, probably. Personally I find the metal fingerpieces distasteful, kind of like playing a piano with a steel keyboard. Just shows how idiosyncratic the whole thing is.
How long do you suppose it will be until a set of upscale paddles will cost you about the same as a new Steinway? ;-)
73
Frank
AB2KT
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3EY on October 30, 2004
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Hmmm on the comments here...
I take a SMALL about of credit for the Begali Graciella Vertical and gladly give all the rest to real paddle expert who wrote replied to this topic..."Ulrich". Ulrich bought a WBLV22 I had and gave it to Begali to make a great paddle into perfection. Begali has been in the machining business for more years than a lot of people have been alive. Being a machinist myself since the early 70's I know and can appreciate good machining and design. I recently sold my Begali Signature, and unlike the comment above will not be buried with it. I have owned most high-end paddles and I am surprised at the comments I hear about the N2DAN. I really believe the remarks are simply justifying all the money spent. I did talk to Steve on the phone for a hour once not long before he died but never did get a chance to buy his Mercury. BUT, did buy one from a guy up on Long Island who makes the exact same key. I paid big bucks for it and ended up sending it back for a loss. The maker and myself came to terms so he wouldn't loss all his money. I was very disappointed to say the least, with the materials used, the finish, and most of all, the feel. The feel was no better and in fact IMO worse than a springy Bencher. Feel is obviously a personal thing. But I must say the BEST two paddles that I owned with the absolute best feel where the WBL and the Signature and in that order. The Begali being the best made paddles anywhere on the planet, the materials, the machining, the entire product cannot be touched IMO for first rate quality, after all, this guy makes industry machined products for the electro-mechanic industry and is a first class expert at producing these products.
I currently own the Profi and a Jones Key and soon will own the new Begali Graciella Vertical. To me I have reached my pinnacle in the paddle world and will not have to spend another dime on paddles after the new Begali arrives.
Yes a Bencher works as does a Vibroplex and even those ones sold on eBay by an amateur machinists, they all work, but until you used and held in your hands a paddle on the level of the Begali you have absolutely no idea what high-end really means.
curt/k3ey
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I USE PEDDALS FROM BENGAL GOPHER WOOD
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by KB7LYM on October 30, 2004
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I made them from this wood and I tell you they are superb. Carved from a 150 year old Gopher tree I used the paddles to cross the Bay of Bengal. Yes my paddles are better then those made of the inferior wood of the Napels orange crates. Anyone interested in getting some of those paddles contact Osholi Behali in India. You can spot him because he is dressed all in white.
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by DJ8GO on October 30, 2004
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K3EY:
Curt, I wouldn't part with the WBL, and I didn't send it to Piero - he sure wouldn't need anything to copy from, and the Graciella key is totally original and very different from the WBL. But, you're right, experiencing the WBL started my discussion with Piero that eventually resulted in the Graciella, and you're fully entitled to the credit you took!
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KB9YGD on October 30, 2004
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Tnx Stu fer The fine Article.I Tend To Agree With You.I have A Beautifull MFJ-564,But It Leaves Much To Be Desired.I Also Have A Vibroplex Code Warrior Jr Which Is Very Good.I Would Love to Have A Begali But Its Just To Costly At The Moment.Agn Tnx Fer The Nice Article.73,Norm.
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by SWANMAN on October 30, 2004
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I agree with GHOSTRIDERHF 110%. It's simply amazing that the rest of the world decided to get with the 21st century, yet the United States is for some reason hanging on to this antiquated mode as an HF 'barrier' for hams who have no desire in learning code. Knowing CW does NOT make a person a good operator. I've personally heard many a LID on the HF bands! Hmmm...maybe if we reversed the issue and required Generals and above to set-up a packet station as a requirment for them to get on VHF/UHF. There I go making sense again!
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3EY on October 30, 2004
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SWANMAN....your comments don't belong here. You obviously can't master an antiquated thing such as CW that requires low level cerebral skills. This doesn't give you the right to piss on everyone who can, go away and chum with you SSB buddies on 11 meters.
Curt/k3ey 100 % CW. When CW becomes obsolete so will I and leave the hobby.
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by G3VGR on October 30, 2004
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I knew I shouldn't have read this thread. I'm now giving sideways looks at my Kent TP1, whilst reading Begali reviews and calculating exchange rates on their website. I was extremely happy with the Kent until about 30 minutes ago, but now fear it's destined to end up in the garage with my other unloved possessions: Bencher BY1, Vibroplex, all my microphones and various putters, wedges and drivers.
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by K3EY on October 30, 2004
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G3VGR
Satire Aye---your Kent is the best value out there, I have owned several. Buy it unassembled, polish it, clear coat it and you have the best value out there.
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W5AU on October 30, 2004
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I don't think I would retire my KENT. It has a great
feel and I think I would have a hard time replacing it.
73,
Troy
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WN2A on October 30, 2004
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Nice article. Begali magnetic paddles seem to be the best . I have yet to make the transition from J-44 to paddle...but that's in the works.
73
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WA2JJH on October 31, 2004
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Tactil feed back is where it is at. Ever have a J-38 adjusted to absolute perfection.
I once did. I had a heath kit keyer which had lousy paddles.(aluminum strips) I put two j-38's back to back.
Made my pressure and travel adjustments.....ahhhhhhhhh!
Sorry I threw away that thing I built when I was 19 years old!
The perfect tactil feed back I had from each-J-38 made my heathkit/mykit the best keyer I have known.
Do not believe me..TRY IT! TOTAL COST 1979 $11.25
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WA2JJH on October 31, 2004
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Tactil feed back is where it is at. Ever have a J-38 adjusted to absolute perfection.
I once did. I had a heath kit keyer which had lousy paddles.(aluminum strips) I put two j-38's back to back.
Made my pressure and travel adjustments.....ahhhhhhhhh!
Sorry I threw away that thing I built when I was 19 years old!
The perfect tactil feed back I had from each-J-38 made my heathkit/mykit the best keyer I have known.
Do not believe me..TRY IT! TOTAL COST 1979 $11.25
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by SWANMAN on October 31, 2004
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Oh contrare Mr. Krelic (relic?). I can probably burn circles around you with my key. And for the record, do not confuse your operations with mine. I have never been on 11-meters.
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W5RJ on October 31, 2004
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yes, the magic is in the fingers, but, you will someday do as I have done when your fingers refuse to perform as requested. you will move to the keyboard and keep the wonderful beautiful keys for the display case.
when "Arthritis" won't let your fingers work as before. the keyboard is the only way to keep pounding the keys. see on the air. dit dit
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3EY on October 31, 2004
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by SWANMAN on October 31, 2004 Mail this to a friend!
Oh contrare Mr. Krelic (relic?). I can probably burn circles around you with my key. And for the record, do not confuse your operations with mine. I have never been on 11-meter
------------------------------------------------------
Don't be an ICE HOLE, ICE HOLE.
Swanman...I don't confuse anything...you act like that, "CBer" on here but make you're money from eBay off hams selling that "perfect" [yawn] clean gear.
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3EY on October 31, 2004
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W5RJ
God Bless You Sir...not everyone become afflicted, others like my wife do at a young age, others still never have any problems until the second of death. I will use my paddles until I can't or I stop breathing...
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W6PMR3 on October 31, 2004
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Tell me again, why does the microphone feel better if it's made from metal or wood?????
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by SWANMAN on October 31, 2004
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"Swanman...I don't confuse anything...you act like that, "CBer" on here but make you're money from eBay off hams selling that "perfect" [yawn] clean gear."
Once again you are confused. I have never sold ANY Swan gear on eBay or any other auction site for that matter. You must have me mixed-up with someone else.
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3EY on October 31, 2004
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Once again you are confused. I have never sold ANY Swan gear on eBay or any other auction site for that matter. You must have me mixed-up with someone else.
-------------------------------------------------
I didn't say swan gear did I....it's you all right the one and only...jan
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K7FD on October 31, 2004
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I'm sorta partial to the optical GHD paddles although lately I'm having a ball w/ a GHD bug. What an experience trying to 'unlearn' a paddle and go back to a bug. I express thanks to all who have endured my sending during my 'transistion period' to the bug...
I must say I find the bug much more 'fun' to use; it certainly gives one auditory feedback when you mess up bad!!!
73 John K7FD, where there's never a charge for extra dits!
http://webpages.charter.net/peanut
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by VE3MFN on November 1, 2004
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"maybe if we reversed the issue and required Generals and above to set-up a packet station as a requirment for them to get on VHF/UHF. There I go making sense again!"
Oh, really, and this is "rocket science"? This is currently a discussion on Keys/paddles why not just read and leave if the subject is not to your liking? The whining never stops........
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by AC0H on November 1, 2004
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<"Hmmm...maybe if we reversed the issue and required Generals and above to set-up a packet station as a requirment for them to get on VHF/UHF."
Pffffffffffffffffft! Plug n Play.
CW,...........those that can do, those that can't whine about it.
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KB9YZL on November 1, 2004
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OK, this started out as a nice little hardware article………….and it should have stayed that way!
What is it with you people who always feel the need to bring up the subject of “Code/No Code” , even when the thread in question has nothing to do with it?
………..And something else that I have been wondering about: If you feel so strongly about the issue, why don’t you stop with the cheap little caustic comments, and expend the time and effort to write a properly constructed and presented article of your own?
I’ve seen the word “Lazy” bantered around a lot in these forums; but I think I just found a new home for it! …….. (Or is it that submitting an article requires that you sign your work……..Something anonymous trolls find hard to do!)
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
“Appliance Operator”
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by W3DCG on November 1, 2004
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My second radio was a SWAN.
Swan 350. Swan, man- nice set of tubes, inexpensive and worked great.
Awesome cabinet. Super metal fast excursion outer VFO dial ring. A marvel of electro-mechanical engineering.
Sure it drifted a bit for a while...that long shafted bandswitch or something or another I finally heard now, 23 years after I owned it.
Super power output.
SSB audio that just rocked the house and still does.
Barnstorming barn-door wide audio, as in a barn-stormer could fly a bi-plane through it.
Still it was a good radio. Probably because it is so wide.
Albeit, no provision to easily reduce it's bandwidth, someone of an antequated radio by todays standards.
I'm cool with voice. I like my voice. I use it often. Doing good voice does take energy, poise, and a certain attitude. You know, much goes into one's voice- maximized voice is a whole body transmission. Body posture, neck/facial muscles, breathing, spine, all of your body- there is most definitely much that goes into good voice. Professional broadcasters, actors/performers know this to be absolute fact.
Some people can do either, well.
I'm cool with CW. It excersizes whole other parts of the brain.
Balance is preferred, in my opinion. I rather not get moded and stuck in a rut.
No matter what ever happens to ham radio, my voice I will and must always utilize.
And CW can always be practiced in ham radio and- and-
Amateur Radio, and so therefore,
CW Forever, the heart and soul of ham radio.
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KL7IPV on November 1, 2004
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I am a SLOW CW ham. I learned it wrong and it haunts me to this day. I have owned a beautiful Vibroplex sidewinder and loved it even as bad as I was. I sold it and the J-38 I had thinking I was done with CW.
Then I found others looking for a Nevada contact and some wanting CW. I also still find that at times CW gets thru when SSB wont. So I bought another beautiful J-38 KEY on eBay. After the years of absence, I was surprised to see I could still send and even copy CW; if it was SLOW. I may never get speedy.
I am not in favor of continuing to test for CW to get a license or an upgrade. I AM in favor of using CW in for no other reason than to know that it works and still has a story of it's own. Bengali? Naw, I would never be good enough to do it justice. But it is a beautiful key. Then too, CW is beautiful in it's own right.
73
Frank
KL7IPV
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K3ESE on November 2, 2004
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I have a Begali Signature Edition, and also a Begali Simplex. I used to have a Begali Magnetic Classic, and I'm expecting a Begali Magnetic Traveler Light to arrive this week. I also have a chrome, Russian-made Bencher knockoff.
I find the Begali magnetic keys to have a better feel, and are able to be set closer, than any spring-loaded paddles I've used. I agree that the metal fingerpieces contribute to this, and I've opted to use the shorter ones that came with my paddles, rather than the longer one, for a shorter lever arm, and shorter "throw." Also, Piero uses very stiff and lightweight material to make the arms, which are short, as well as matched bearings (in the Signature,) all of which contribute to the very special "feel" of these world-class paddles.
As to the unidentified trolls that infest these pages...it's apparent they mean no good from the git-go, as they've opted to hide and skulk, in order to have the "freedom" to act like poorly-raised children with personality problems. I suppose they're the price we pay for having an open forum...
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by G5FSD on November 3, 2004
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calm down, calm down...
you obviously missed the wink 'emoticon' - ;o)
I just couldn't resist a first post joke. Sorry if you didn't 'get it'.
BTW, I *do* live in a country that doesn't force... etc.
If it makes you feel any better, I don't even operate on HF, even though I can if I want to. Most of my amateur activities are a) just listening b) reading and studying technical interests c) a few educational experiments ... which is what amateur radio is supposed to be about, on this side of the pond. Unfortunately, with so little evidence of my interest actually on the airwaves, I'm not helping the 'use it or lose it' cause. Funny old world, isn't it?!
Would it be better if I'd made an effort to learn Morse, had a top class licence, and I was bleeping away for hours each night, keeping the bands warm, but not studying radio technology? Which is better for my own educational advancement?
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by KC8VWM on November 3, 2004
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Which is better for my own educational advancement?
uh,,, bleeping away for hours each night, keeping the bands warm with CW?
:)
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Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K2KI on November 9, 2004
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I have tried many different keyers. I have liked most of what I tried. I just got a vibrokeyer and like that one the best. So much that I sold my bencher (well, ok, you got me. I needed the money for a new toy).
Anyway, I found that although the bencher was set for a light touch, It would sometimed lock into a series of dits or dahs. I found this was caused by the wrap around spring hanging on the center post. And, it didn't matter if I increased the spacing a bit.
The vibro on the other hand really works well and has never gone off on its own.
I wouldn't mind trying a Begali. I just need a small loan. What say guys? :-)
Bob de k2ki
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by WB2WIK on November 10, 2004
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I'm "test driving" a Begali Signature edition paddle right now, just received it yesterday (and dismayed to find they don't provide the miniplug cable, which is pretty unique to the Begali).
I like its "weight" (heavy!) and simplicity of adjustments (only four, very easy to adjust, no tools required), but I already find that with it sitting on the desk in the right position, its "feel" to me is exactly the same as my Benchers. In a blindfolded test, I'd never be able to tell the difference, unless I intentionally tried to rock the paddle handles up and down: With the Begali, you can't do that, and with the Bencher, you can.
But in actual use, sending code, there's no reason to do that.
I'll use it a while and see if it grows on me, or not. Surely pretty to look at!
WB2WIK/6
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RE: Is the Magic in the Fingerpieces?
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by K2TL on November 22, 2004
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After 40 plus years of CW, the best paddle for me is the Kent. If you like solid and heavy, the Kent is a beauty. All brass mechanism, large heavy fingerpieces, simple to adjust, fair price...
Benchers are for whoosas and sissies, like WIK ( hi Steve ! )
Get a MANs paddle!..Get a Kent!
K2TL
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