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write your own review of the Vibroplex Brass Racer.
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KC2CT
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 9, 2010 01:33
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Elegant Design
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Bought the Brass Racer EK-1 from a seller on eBay at a reasonable price. The previous owner was left-handed and cut and reversed the circuit traces. I am left-handed but learned to use Iambic paddles the "right" way. Returned the electronics back to factory spec, took the whole thing apart and cleaned up all the brass. Shrink-wrapped 5,357 button cells and the paddles are operational on a daily basis. Magnetic tension is set to my personal taste and it stays there. Doesn't walk around the table. Nice, light tactile response. I'm looking for another one.
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N5THN
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Rating: 3/5
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Sep 27, 2009 05:36
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Not the best design.
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I'm new to CW and wanted an inexpensive paddle. Bought a brass racer used, I don't think it had been abused, it seemed in good shape. The internal keyer worked, but I've bypassed it for a more versatile external keyer. The problem is, it absolutely won't stay in adjustment. After using it for just a few minutes the magnets slip forward and catch on the arms. I've had it apart, and yes the little springs and balls that are supposed to hold tension on the magnets are still there. I tried roughing up the magnet posts with an emery board, which didn't help. If it had setscrews to hold the magnets in place, I think it would be fine. I have a light touch, I don't bang it around the desk! I'm reluctant to use nail polish to lock the magnets in place. Other than the adjustment problem it works fine. It has a nice light touch without much finger movement. However, it WILL be replaced sooner or later!
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W6SYQ
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Rating: 4/5
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Mar 10, 2009 18:18
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Batteries
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Time owned: months
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I have had my Brass Racer Carson since 1979 we buildt them in a basement in Scoita, Ca. before Vibroplex bought the patten from three friends mine.
Mine is still going strong and no problems other that buying batteries.
I called Vibroplex and they sent me one at no charge.
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KC6BLW
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 11, 2009 16:38
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battery
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Batteries are a bit of a problem,the ek1 is a little pricey.Turns out a 9 volt transistor battery and a 10k resistor will give you about 7.25 volts and so far works quite well.Yes it is butt ugly.I haven't tried this yet but 5 of them button size 1.5v batteries stacked up and wrapped with shrink tube would work but the price is up there.Other wise the brass racer has been alot of fun over 10 years........73
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VE3AKV
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 10, 2009 20:07
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I like it...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own several Vibroplex models and many from other companies too...but if I'm heading out to the field, cottage, road trip or just simply, a harsh environment, the EK-1 is the one paddle I take.
I bought it at a flea-market pre-loved and enjoyed. I was of course told - "yup - the keyer works just fine". Well, I've heard that before too. I low-balled the guy and gave him $35 for the paddle. Sure enough, the "keyer" was crap so I neutered the thing and presto...and very reasonable and durable paddle.
To be honest, it's not a great piece of gear, but it surely works. It stays in adjustment, it doesn't slide all over the desk, dash, suitcase, or whatever. I've even used it in a balloon gondola at 3500ft.
For $35...it was a SUPER purchase and yes, I'd buy another ;)
So - here's to keeping CW alive and growing...73/72 VE3AKV
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VE7BGP
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 1, 2008 17:23
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Wow Nice Paddle
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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On the weekend I got really nice Brass Racer Paddles. I cleaned them up and set them to my liking. These are the first set of Magnetic Paddles I have owned and wow is the Magnetic Return ever nice and snappy Great Feel. Sending Code on these paddles is almost Effortless! I also have 2 other sets of Vibroplex Paddles the Iambic and Vibrokeyer these are the nicest made by Vibroplex. I think in your search for really Nice Paddles you don't need to go offshore the best are right in your own Back Door Vibroplex in Mobile AB.
73
Gerry VE7BGP
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KJ6EF
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 14, 2008 16:24
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Tough as Nails
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Had the EK-1 since 1992. Originally had to send the unit back under warranty, but repair was speedy, and afterwards the thing just won't quit.
Factory email seems to be very slow; wrote them several days ago regarding a replacement for the now hard-to-get type 175 7.5V silver oxide battery, and have had no response yet, so just ordered it from Radio Shaft.
The firm was sold in 1994 to W4OA.
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KD3JF
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 13, 2007 18:35
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Brass Racer
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have the brass racer and just got it back from Vibroplex and they cleaned it and did whatever was needed. I have not done one thing to adjust it since I got it back and it works probably as well as any paddle... I like it very much and it works perfectly for me does not move at all on the desk.
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K7MH
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 12, 2004 02:04
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My favorite keyer
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Have owned one for many years. Mine is actually the Carson, before Vibroplex put it out. I had a Vibroplex also at one time so switched the bases and put the Carson EK-1 electronics assembly (which was inside the wood base) under the Vibroplex paddles and later sold that one. I wanted to keep the Carson paddles as there is a set screw that you adjust the magnets with. Don't understand why Vibroplex didn't keep that adjustment!! A good mod would be to drill and tap over the magnets so you can do the same. I have had other paddle sets but only ever kept the mutant Vibroplex. It does move around alot but I find if I clean the feet before using it, it sticks much better to the desk. I set the "points" with an automotive feeler gauge for distributor points.
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WA4DOU
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 19, 2002 09:20
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Very pleased with it!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've now had mine for most of 3 years. I've never had to make any adjustments after the initial setup. It has the same feel, consistently, everytime I sit down to use it. I owned a Bencher BY-1 for 20 years and never found any adjustment I could be satisfied with for very long. I am completely satisfied with it !
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