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| Reviews Summary for Begali CW Machine |
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Reviews: 35
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $295
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Description: The CW Machine is a unique software-defined keying device
which combines the functions of an advanced iambic memory
keyer and a keyboard keyer with the functions normally
performed by a logging program. The CW Machine will collect
the information for a log record from the signal that you are
sending out and store up to 12,000 log records. The firmware
in the device can be updated with a few mouse clicks in a
Windows program to let you stay up-to-date as enhancements are
provided. This update capability also lets you load the
optional CW Trainer, a combination of Windows software and
firmware that runs on the CW Machine device. It lets you
improve your copying skills, no matter what level you are
currently at, with a great variety of techniques, and the CW-
over-IP function even lets you connect to another CW Trainer
over the Internet to practice QSOs off the air.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.i2rtf.com
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write your own review of the Begali CW Machine.
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W6NRD
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 1, 2012 18:49
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Just Awesome
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just had the best CW session of my life! I can’t thank Ulrich and the Begali team enough for building this device! So much of my time prior to receiving the CW Machine was focused on listening to CW. Now that I can practice sending I’m finding myself really enjoying practicing sending. Even better is the fact that the sounds have so much more meaning when I’m sending. It’s as if sending is really filling the gaps of understanding. I am finding rythms and patterns in the sounds as I produce the CW – just the word MINE has such a nice rhythm to in in CW I couldn’t stop sending it just to hear it. Then the combination of G,Z,7 was fun – interesting how by mistake you learn a new letter and then just trying to produce that letter over and over you find all the other letters or numbers that are close variations of it. This is way more fun to learn this way and I would have never done this on the air because I’d have no idea what I was sending! Now with the CW Machine displaying what I’m sending and seeing the output immediately following my timing and spacing – it’s just fantastic feedback. Also, the difference in the spacing of the CW machine compared to listening to CW from IPhone apps is HUGE. The IPhone apps have terrible spacing I’m finding when I compare the differences.
I can't say enough how great this device is! For anyone considering it I'd be sure to look at the updated photo - as the device now fits in your hand and is WAY smaller than the photo on the web site and in the manual. It's tiny.
73,
Jason
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K2KGF
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 14, 2011 08:18
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It's more than a CW Machine, it's an adventure!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm an old timer who hasn't been on CW in 30 years. I read the reviews and got the Begali machine about a month ago. I added the Trainer software, sent by e-mail, at Ulrich's suggestion.
The device has been described by others in great detail and there's not much I can add -- except to offer some very subjective observations.
The reports of the legendary patience and knowledge of its designer, Ulrich Steinberg,
have not been overstated. The man is wired as one would expect of a 21st century computnik.
He answers e-mail often within minutes and will gladly do landline consults.
Shortly after Ulrich took me thru the Trainer setup [I needed handholding for this] the software got corrrupted and it would no longer communicate with the PC. It was probably something I did -- nevertheless, Ulrich worked with me tirelessly until we decided that the best course was to return the unit for repair. It was repaired and returned within the week and has been working flawlessly since.
I said that this is an adventure. The capablilties of the machine will undoubtly exceed my needs. Meanwhile, I'm using the Trainer program a few minutes each day to relearn CW. The Trainer is so powerful and varied that you could play with it as an end in itself.
I recommend the purchase to anyone who has a desire to work [or learn] CW. This is the last CW keyer system you will ever need.
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WB2LQF
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 12, 2011 14:58
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Not Your Mother's Keyer!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I can't imagine a more legitimate way for a true CW Operator to spend so little to purchase so much! I knew about the CW Machine but quite honestly just considered it a "super keyer" and worthy of neither my time nor my money. In my opinon, it is undermarketed. Geez, all my Elecraft rigs have more than adequate keyers, especially the K3. What would another $300 buy me beyond what I had? This is the key question the marketing doesn't address. It just so happened that I met Ulrich Steinberg at our recent Field Day and asked him why HIS keyer was better than MY keyer! Turns out the Begali CW Machine is not your mother's keyer! This beautiful little blue box is just about everything a true CW Op could ever ask for - and Ulrich continues to update the firmware and provide new releases as time moves on! It's a superior keyer, a CW training tool, an "evaluator" for all of us experienced ops who think we no longer make mistakes (just try fooling the damn thing!), a semi-automatic logger of up to 12,000 QSOs before you just create ADIF files and upload it to HRD, etc. The documentation files are massive and Ulrich has thought of everything - or, more precisely - he has engaged the cooperation of and sought the input of some of the world's most experienced and respected CW Ops to exercise his invention and report their findings. Then he acts on their advice! The CW Machine is clearly Major League. I have figured out about 10% of its capabilities so far. That's just fine with me - I feel like I've really gotten my money's worth and then some! No matter what you currently have - in your rig or outboard - its capabilities are no match for the Begali CW Machine's range. Times are difficult - spend wisely! I did.
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WM6Q
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 3, 2011 15:36
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Superb
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Got mine a week ago with the CWTrainer option so I can brush up. Had a few small problems, but Ulrich was very prompt in responding to me and resolving the problem. This is one great machine
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PA7RA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 31, 2011 12:56
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Great !!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have CWMachine now about 4 months and it really works perfectly.
This way you can also view and improve your Morse.
The CWtrainer works very well although I must say that I've practiced with little CWTrainer.
The support of Ulrich is really magnificent and he has a lot of patience and he will support you until the station CWMachine works as it should.
I have not regretted the purchase of the CW Machine
even though he is perhaps a little expensive but well worth it.
if you really want to improve your Morse CWMachine really is a must.
And the service of Ulrich and Begali is just perfect, no complaints there is immediate action
and the Email will be very quickly answered that it is a big advantage.
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N7HF
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 24, 2011 10:26
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STILL GREAT SERVICE
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I first posted back in October when my CW Machine arrived and I had trouble getting up and running. A computer crash put me back in the same boat and within hours of my email I had all the info I needed to get back on line.
The best thing I can say about the machine is that it works as good as the service!!
Still won't make coffee...Ulrich is probably working on that as I write this. CW Machine, Keys, Service....Begali is the best.
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W3BI
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 24, 2011 06:53
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Great Keyer!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Being the owner of 6 fantastic Begali keys and looking for a new keyer, I was drawn to the mention of a Begali keyer on their web site. I have been using it now for over a year and have been keeping up with the frequent firmware updates. All is working very well. Then after using it for awhile I discovered a couple of refinements that I would like to have. I contacted Ulrich by email and even though he was on travel to Europe he worked with me. When he returned home, and within a day, the changes to the software/firmware were completed and were tested to be perfect. How can you ask for any more than that?! Now the CWMachine is upgraded from Great to Perfect for this operator.
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N2SO
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 31, 2010 01:31
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A fully loaded CW Keyer as well as CW teaching machine.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I initially heard about the CWM in an article entitled "The Single Life: A Simpler Way of Keying" by Bruce Prior, N7RR in WorldRadio On Line, November 2010, P.8. I have been trying to upgrade my CW skills since my re-entry into the hobby in January of 2009 after a 25 year hiatus. Although I can receive about 18-20 WPM I find it very difficult to send and so I am interested in keys and keyers. Then I read Bruce's excellent full review in QST, January 2011, P.51. So I checked out Begali's web site (above) and decided to take the plunge. First of all the CWM is shipped the same day you order not from Italy but by Ulrich Steinberg, N2DE in Pleasantville, NY who is the builder and designer of CWM and author of the software. Ulrich followed up by e-mail and helped me through some initial difficulty with COM port communication. Simply great service! MY CWM is now operational and I have started with my receiving and sending lessons. Yes, you can practice sending by viewing your keying on your computer and getting instant feedback. And if you just want to practice receiving while on vacation, you don't even need a computer since once the lessons are loaded into the CWM you can simply take it with you with a set of ear phones. Of course the CWM is much more than a teaching machine since it also functions as a highly sophisticated keyer and logger as well. I presently use the Winkeyer USB with my K3 for casual QSOs and Contesting but I believe the CWM will considerably expand my CW horizon. But those topics will await a further review. See you on the air!
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N7HF
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 10, 2010 05:28
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FANTASTIC SERVICE
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My Machine arrived with the CW Trainer package. I had tech trouble getting set up on my computer. Three emails with immediate response and an early morning phone call had me up and running. Can't beat the service...I'll post on the product later.
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NW0Q
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 13, 2010 11:28
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Great Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Outstanding service, great product. Looking forward to trying out all the features.
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