magnetic return paddle ??

[PA0BLAH]

Chuck wrote:


"I was primarily curious if there were some obvious characteristics that could be attributed to the magnetic return as opposed to the spring."

Chuck, when you press a paddle with a return spring the force INcreases with the path of the paddle
When you press a paddle with a magnetic return the force DEcreases with the path of the paddle.

73
PA0BLAH

[VA7CPC]

. . .

Chuck, when you press a paddle with a return spring the force INcreases with the path of the paddle
When you press a paddle with a magnetic return the force DEcreases with the path of the paddle.

73
PA0BLAH

That depends on whether the magnets are attracting each other, or repelling each other.

For the N0SA single-lever paddle:

http://n0sa.com/?page_id=56

the magnets are repelling, on the _outside_ of the moving arms.  So, as you press the paddle, the force (acting to keep the contacts open) increases.   That's what happens with a spring.

For some other designs -- for example, the Vibroplex Square Racer:

http://vibroplex.com/square_racer.html

the magnets are attracting.  The space between the magnets increases as the contacts close, and the force decreases.  There's a distinct "clicky" feel with that arrangement  (with wide contact gaps) -- not bad, but different from a spring.

With really narrow contact gaps, both springs and magnets have "nearly constant" force as the contact go from "open" to "closed".

              Charles

[PA0BLAH]

Charles,

You are right, I didn't notice the repelling use of magnets.

I should not prefer the repelling type  for three reasons.

1) As you remark: for the usual small pathlength of paddle movement, the return force is nearly constant just as with a mechanical spring.
2) permanent magnets are losing H force in time, especially with air gaps in the fieldline path. And "stored" in a repelling position, I expect  that effect will  happen considerably faster.

Another disadvantage of magnets is probably  that the repelling or attracking force is not linear increasing with the setscrew position, but in a kwadratic way.

PA0BLAH

[KA2DDX]

I have the Begali Magnetic Classic and the MFJ. The MFJ is a Bencher knock off. The Begali runs circles around any spring return paddle, imho. There is a huge difference between the two. If you are thinking about a magnetic paddle, bite the bullet or ask Santa to drop one off in December. You'll be happy, I bet. In between these two on the price scale, I also have the Kent tp-1, which is a very nice and affordable paddle, much better than the MFJ and about 150 bux.

73s - Larry

[N0UY]

GM Chuck,

I have both the BY-1 and the Mag Classic.  I use the Bencher when portable, and the Begali in the shack.   The magnetic return is by far my favorite.  I have used the BY-1 for 10 plus years until buying the used Begali at a reasonable price.  As far as light touch, I can adjust the magnetic return to send a character anytime I blow on the finger piece.  It is a double paddle not a single like you have suggested you want.  I have a similar condition in my hands that you described with yours.  I don't use my fingers as much when sending as I do just a slight movement in my wrist.  Setting the paddle for a very light touch has made sending for hours quite comfortable for me.  I don't know what this snap return others have mentioned is but I assume it is something that may occur if the contact spacing was set very wide.  I have mine set so you don' feel or hear any contact movement at all.  I love it.

GL with your choice.  If you buy one and don't like it there is always someone wanting to buy a new or different paddle for their shack.

Ray