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| Reviews Summary for AC7AZ Magnetic return paddles |
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Reviews: 5
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Average rating: 4.0/5
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MSRP: $(missing—add MSRP)
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Description: These keys are no longer available. I have the parts to complete a few more, but they are reserved for close friends. I originally set out to make a paddle for myself, but some friends showed interest when they saw mine so I made some more of them. I never intended to compete with the more expensive keys and I think I offered a fair paddle at a fair price. I've moved on to other endevours now and no longer make the paddles. There were 18 large ones and 14 small ones made in various brass/ chrome configurations. I made one with oil-lite bronze bushings and another completely out of stainless steel. There were also a few straight keys and a single lever. I used to know where they all were, but I've noticed a few for sale on the web, so I guess they're starting to scatter.Thanks to all of you who bought one and if anyone ever needs one repaired, I'll be glad to do it.
73
Mark Johnston
AC7AZ
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More info: http://
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write your own review of the AC7AZ Magnetic return paddles.
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BWOETTKE
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Rating: 2/5
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Sep 2, 2005 14:57
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Just OK
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I had an opportunity to try this paddle for several hours about a year ago. I have to agree with Ulrich's assessment (but then, few people would doubt that the guy knows what he's talking about when it comes to paddles). This key looks good, and the finish is fine. But from an engineering perspective you can do a lot better for the money.
Let me give it a 2, although it is OK - and if your main objective is to impress visitors to your shack rather than use it, it's probably even GOOD.
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K6SDW
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 28, 2005 19:24
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Still the best of the best!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Thank you Mark for making one outstanding paddle! I'll never give mine up, it's the best among the best. I have ham friends that have been trying to buy your paddle from me since the first day they saw it, but they'll have to wait until my estate sale....HI HI
Oh well, sad to see you stop making them. Good luck and 73...
ed
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K0HBZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 17, 2004 11:41
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Fantastic!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I was looking for a good mobile Iambic paddle when I came across Mark's mini-paddle on E-Bay. I like quality handcrafted equipment and was intrigued. I won the auction. When the paddle arrived I was absolutely astounded. I had never encountered magnetic action before and it took me about 2 minutes to prefer it over the spring action of my full-size Schurr paddle.
The workmanship is outstanding, design unique, but the feel and responsiveness is what sold me. I've always had problems with spring-action paddles sliding all over the desktop. I've had to put anti-skid material under them (full-size keys, mind you). I started adjusting and using Mark's paddle, and found that by adjusting the magnetic action down low, they are extremely responsive, quick return, but virtually no effort required to operate them -- so despite the tiny 2" x 2" footprint and light weight, it doesn't slide all over the desk.
I was so impressed, that I immediately ordered two more. I have found that Mark is very responsive, interested in suggestions, and very conscientous.
If you're looking for a quality paddle that will last you a lifetime, this is the one!
73 Wes K0HBZ
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DJ8GO
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 24, 2003 23:52
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Skin Deep Beauty
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Several people have asked my opinion about this paddle, and although I really didn’t need another one on my desk, I bought it because of its good looks. Out of the box this paddle really looks very nice, the chrome finish is flawless, and the workmanship is perfect. The choice of chrome and stainless steel for the hardware makes sure that it will stay beautiful and resist corrosion. The hexagonal central bearing block is reminiscent of the Hensley paddle, but Mark told me that it helps to hold the base at different angles while working on it.
Apart from good looks that would impress visitors to your shack, how does it stack up technically? The field of paddles that cost between $120 and $200 has some formidable contenders, and a closer look shows that Mark had to compromise to achieve his price. (I won’t compare this paddle to others that cost more, but only assess it by characteristics that you can expect to find in this price range.)
First and foremost, it doesn’t use precision bearings. Mark will probably tell you they are not required because a paddle rotates only by a minimal amount. Well, the purpose of bearings is, of course, not only to facilitate smooth rotation, but also to provide axial stability so that the shafts don’t wobble and the levers move only in the intended direction - and in this respect the simplistic adjustable point bearings of this paddle are a severe compromise. If you have used quality paddles before you can feel the lack of precision right away, and this paddle is certainly not in a league with the top-notch paddles that other reviewers have compared it to. I sincerely hope that Mark will one day upgrade his design with „real" bearings, and I’d gladly pay the higher price for that.
The design of this paddle uses massive T-shaped arms fashioned from two pieces of stainless steel; so the moving mass is relatively high, and the geometry is sensitive to temperature changes. You have to adjust this paddle more frequently than others if you prefer narrow settings, and at higher speeds the moving mass limits responsiveness. Also, since the adjustments use standard 32 tpi threads, tight settings are not easily achieved and further complicated by the imprecise bearings. Again, dreaming of a future improved version, I could envision the arms made of a single piece of a light weight alloy, and micro threaded adjustments.
The adjustable contacts are just the adjustment screws, stripped of the thread and flattened at the tip. While this works, you can typically expect silver contacts in this price range. There are certainly valid reasons why no device with precision contacts, like a relay or a switch, would use stainless steel for that purpose.
The finger pieces are made of polished aluminum, and they go nicely with the overall design. The spacing was perfect for my personal preference and can even be adjusted within a narrow range. However, the high temperature conductance of metal, compared to wood or plastic, makes them feel cold to the touch, and you may prefer a warmer feeling material. I personally value the better tactile feedback that normally results from metal finger pieces higher than that temperature gradient, but I know operators who would choose otherwise. In this case, however, improved tactile feedback is of minor importance since the other flaws that I mentioned negate great benefit from it.
So what’s the bottom line in my opinion? If you want a good looking American-made paddle with excellent workmanship and a price tag below $180, and you are not a high speed operator who demands precision: go for it. If, however, top notch performance is your goal, then paddles like the Kent TP1 or the Begali Simplex are clearly better choices and cost less. I’m hoping that, over time, Mark will improve his design to become competitive with the established contenders in this price bracket.
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KK4DW
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 20, 2003 09:57
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Super Bargain - Hidden Secret
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought one of Mark Johnston's magnetic return paddles on Ebay awhile back. I want to tell you, as an owner of both the Schurr Profi II and the Begali Magnetic Professional, this paddle is every bit as good and does everything that they do fo a hundred bucks a throw less guidas.
Take the extra money you were going to spend on one of the "name brand" off shore makers andd put it into a good old USA product that you will love to use. Here is his email address:
Mark Johnston
Shovell68@aol.com
AC7AZ
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