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write your own review of the CW Touchkeyer Model P1.
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N6DMB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 3, 2009 11:04
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Excellent Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The model I ordered was the assembled version. The P1 is also available in kit form for those who can't seem to get enough of the smell of solder. I was looking for a portable CPO which could also serve as a memory keyer for field use with my QRP rig. The idea of having no moving parts to deal with appealed to me. The P1 CW Touchkeyer exceeded my expectations.
The P1 is heavier than it looks and will stay where you set it. I like that. The paddle spacing is perfect for me, as it is identical to the Scheuneman Morse Dirigent I am now using. Dirigent is the German word for symphony conductor. To be fair, my "Dirigent" can be adjusted for a delicate touch, but changing temperatures will trigger continuous dits or dahs. If the gap is widened even slightly, you'll hear the mechanical clicking sounds of contacts being made. This won't happen with the P1. With no moving parts to contend with, the P1 is always in adjustment. My P1 did not trigger unless the paddle was physically touched. Another reviewer suggested that close proximity to the paddle was enough to trigger it. That has not been my experience. After several attempts (and now, after hours of use) I have never experienced a false trigger. The touch sensitivity on my unit is perfect.
The P1 can be powered using a 12V wall wart, but it is rated for 6 to 13.8 volts. I find that the 9 volt internal battery is ideal for all of my needs. The P1 has a host of user adjustable parameters easily accessed through a simple "press and hold" or "press and release" menu system. The combinations are clearly described in the instruction manual. When you reach a desired menu item, the unit will signal the item identifier in CW. I think that was a clever idea. You will be able to program your specific parameters or keyer memory messages quickly and easily. The P1 has a built in, tone and volume adjustable Piezo speaker which is perfectly adequate. A mini external speaker jack is also installed for convenience.
Even if I never learn to conduct a Morse symphony, my "Dirigent" will always occupy space on my desk. I'm an amateur machinist who finds a machined and finished piece of brass a thing of beauty. However, my P1 has earned a permanent spot right along side. It is a top quality piece which is convenient, fun to use, and available at a reasonable price. I find that I use my P1 all the time now and I highly recommend it.
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K2QE
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 27, 2009 16:12
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Excellent keyer
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought this keyer (P1PADW) for portable operations use - no need to worry about the keyer moving around, as is the case with so many portable mechanical keyers. The build quality is excellent inside and out, the paddle touch is just about perfect, and the overall feel of the keyer is great. Nice piece ...
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W2FBS
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 29, 2009 10:02
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Got Me Back on CW!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I was waffling about getting my CW back up to speed after so many years of neglect. I read an article on the Touchkeyer and decided to try it out. What a great product! Well designed and well made with a great feel for these old fingers.I did not have to change my grip or style as I had none, so getting used to it was quite easy.
I have been using it to practice my CW and finally have started to make some CW contacts on 40 and 75. When I mention the Touchkeyer, everyone asks about it. I recommend it highly.
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G3RXO
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 14, 2009 08:38
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CW Touch Keyer sensitivity
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Some say the Touch Paddle is too sensitive and that it triggers if you hold your fingers almost touching the paddles, as you may when using a mechanical paddle.
I tried the published modification to it of increasing the two 100k paddle feed resistors with 250k potentiometers and that does de-sensitise it of course, but it also makes the response less 'sharp' in an inexplicable sort of way.
The best value I could find was the 100K that the manufacturers install. (surprise, surprise)
It therefore remains the immutable fact that with capacity sensing paddles the operator has to adopt a slightly wider minimum finger spacing than they can with mechanical paddles.
It is only a matter of incremental change in technique and that is a small sacrifice to avail oneself of this excellent method of keying.
The Touch Paddle is a commendable product.
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KD8FCB
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 11, 2009 12:40
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Excellent
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is a wonderful product for the price and Sumner offers outstanding customer service. The first unit I received had a problem with remaining stuck in a mode. A brief telephone call to Sumner and a new unit was dispatched straight away. I would have no hesitation in recommending this unit to anyone else who needs a superb keyer.
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KB3TIM
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 10, 2009 07:05
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A great keyer
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just got back into ham radio and needed a keyer. I was astounded to see the prices of keyers and paddles. Then I found this CW Touchkeyer Model P1. The price was reasonable so I ordered it. I just love the keyer. It is programmable and has a great trouch with no moving parts. It took me a very short time to get used to the touch paddles. I had a bit of a problem getting it to work with my old rig but I contacted Sumner who got back to me immediately and helped me solve the problem. I am now enjoying cw again. I can't recomend this keyer highly enough.
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K7DNH
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 1, 2009 20:00
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"Thanks" from an old ham
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I am posting this for a new friend I made earlier this year - you'll read why I am posting it below. Sumner - the owner of CW Touch Keyer company donated a P1 to my new friend. K7DNH
"This is a “thank you” to CW Touch Keyer who made it possible for me to use a Model P1 touch paddle code keyer. One reason this touch paddle keyer is so important to me is that I am blind.
Amateur radio faded from my daily activity but not my dreams. Memories of sending in Morse code at 50 words a minute just would not be erased. The P1 touch paddle keyer provides dots and dashes of proper length and spacing by simply touching the paddles, thereby enabling me to practice the alphabet, sentences, and general conversation. Due to a stroke, the one reason this touch paddle keyer is so important to me is it’s a challenge to get my hands, especially the right hand, and my brain to communicate with one another. Your keyer is making it possible; without it I don’t believe I could do it. Again, Sir, thank you very much for letting me use it. Jim W7PYV"
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N4KZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 3, 2009 13:33
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I love this paddle
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got this paddle (non-keyer version) last week and have been using it and really, really liking it. I own two semi-expensive conventional mechanical paddles and never felt satisfied when adjusting them. Too much contact spacing. Not enough, etc. But the Touchkeyer has nothing to adjust. I started with a Vibroplex bug 40 years ago and got used to slapping that thing around with the thumb and fingers. So switching over to iambic keying in later years was never completely successful or satisfactory for me. I continued slapping it around like a bug but the true iambic afficionado gently squeezes the two iambic paddles together to form the various letters. Sounds easy but I always found it hard to do. But if you have truly mastered iambic keying, this paddle might not be the one you want because if you rest your fingers on the paddles, it will send and send and send forever. It doesn't require any slapping but you definitely must touch each side for your dahs and dits. For me, the motion seems more natural than iambic squeeze keying. The paddle is very well made and looks very professional. And despite its looks, it's heavy enough to stay put on the desk without scooting around. A good investment for me. Now, to sell the other paddles to folks who can truly appreciate their great beauty, engineering and just love to make constant adjustments!
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W3BG
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Rating: 5/5
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May 12, 2009 08:31
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Great Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have been using the P1 for several weeks now and find that it is becoming my "goto" paddle/keyer. It was recommended to me by a close ham friend who has been using one for almost a year now. I am very impressed overall and after learning to use a lighter touch, find it sends flawlessly with little effort. I was concerned that the case would look "home-brew", but the pictures do not do it justice. It is very clean and professional looking. I also find that it has enough added weight not to travel as I send which was another concern for me. A real find and a performance winner at a great price.
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N2ADI
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 23, 2009 06:08
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Fantastic product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just got the p1w yesterday..The touch process is outstanding..extremely compact and well constructed, easy to use...Managed to use it on my XP desktop on cq100 using the speaker output of my stereo mix settings. wasn't successful using vista due to my soundcard. I was given phone support the other night and very satisfied with the product, ease of use and support given.
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