|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
| Reviews Summary for Begali CW Machine |
|
Reviews: 13
|
Average rating: 5.0/5
|
MSRP: $295
|
|
Description: An advanced microprocessor-based keyer with many unique functions. Since you can load and update the firmware yourself, this device actually is the platform for different types of keyers, and changing from one type to another is a simple process that is controlled by a Windows program. Initially an advanced memory keyer with full keyboard support and semi-automatic logging for 12000 QSOs will be available. Another unique keyer firmware with advanced features for training purposes will be offered in June of 2007.
|
|
More info: http://www.i2rtf.com
|
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this review.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
|
You can
write your own review of the Begali CW Machine.
|
N8BS
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jun 20, 2009 03:46
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
CW Machine software on a Mac
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I've used my CW Machine for over a year now and love it!
If I had one request for Ulrich, it would have been to write CW Machine software for the Macintosh computer. Here's a solution. On an iMac running OS 10.5.7 with a Boot Camp partition, I installed VMWare Fusion and Windows XP. My CW Machine software now runs flawlessly on my Mac.
Thanks again Ulrich for a great product!
|
|
DH3RB
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 16, 2008 14:12
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
SUPERB!
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
I've been using the CW Machine for increasing my Morse Code speed for roughly a year now after having tried several other options. This,
however, is the ultimate gadget, because it is the perfect combination of hardware, software, your transceiver and your PC. The range of
software possibilities is constantly enlarged by the inventor Ulrich, DJ8GO/N2DE and very well documented in PDF-files. But the CW Machine is
not only a Morse CW-training-equipment and a perfect keyer. It also serves as a CW-logger and can even be used for remote transceiver peration. All functions are carefully described at www.i2rtf.com. Due to its versatility I can strongly recommend this awesome product to every serious CW-operator and don't hesitate to give it 5 points.
Ruediger, DH3RB
|
|
DJ6ZM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 19, 2008 02:47
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Operating Remote CW with your Paddle - Finally
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I may be old fashioned, spending my time 100% on CW, but there is nothing old fashioned about my radio setup, which I tend to keep state-of-the-art.
Operating a radio by remote control software via some sort of Internet connection is a fairly recent capability, and I am convinced that even we dyed-in-the-wool CW ops should take a serious look at that.
Controlling your radio over an Internet link is not uncommon by now, but until fairly recently the only realistic option to operate CW this way was to use the keyboard - something that not everybody feels comfortable with. Enter the Begali CW Machine, which was actually designed by Ulrich, N2DE. This has finally allowed me to send perfect CW with my paddle from a remote location.
There are scenarios where using a keyboard would not only feel uncomfortable, but is downright impossible. Here in Germany we have pretty good coverage for wireless Internet via UMTS, actually good enough to allow wireless connectivity from your car while you are zipping along the Autobahn ... I am now experimenting with a setup where all I have in my car is a small computer and the CW Machine with a paddle. No more radio and mobile antenna here. I can operate my QRO station at home with a highly efficient antenna while driving, using my paddle just like at home.
But even without this leading-edge mobile application there are other advantages using the CW Machine with the Remote Control Option and a paddle. If you were using a keyboard via a remote desktop connection, which is pretty much the only option you have without the CW Machine, the keyboard program (in my case CWType) has to be in focus while you are typing. But you certainly have other programs running, like the control program for your radio or a logging program, and constantly shifting the focus with mouse clicks from CWType to other programs is awkward. With the CW Machine and a paddle, I can stay in those other applications while I am keying, because the CW Machine components on both sides can run invisibly in the background, just like you had your paddle directly connected to your rig.
Even as a standalone keyer without the remote connectivity the CW Machine has features that far exceed the capabilities of other keyers. They are far too numerous to all be mentioned here - the documentation for the CW Machine is several hundred pages, and you can download it from the Begali site: http://www.i2rtf.com.
For me this is a device that keeps CW at the leading edge of technology, and you owe it to yourself to take a close look if you are serious about dits and dahs.
|
|
N8BS
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jul 13, 2008 13:57
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Amazing!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
Out of the box, the CW Machine is a remarkable keyer. When you've delved into the manuals for it and companion CW Machine Manager software, you realize it's true value and potential - capabilities far to numerous to mention here!
Support is excellent! At first I used a DC power plug that was not quite 2.5mm x 5.5mm and so had an unreliable power connection. Ulrich quickly diagnosed MY error and got me on track.
Improvements and refinements are regularly made available via firmware updates. I can't wait to see what Ulrich will do with it next. Wait, it's going to be remote operation!!
A GREAT MACHINE!!
|
|
9A4NC
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jun 7, 2008 13:28
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
fantastic
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
..it's very hard ,to find words ..what will be personal review,after
this precise ,and truly..really ..opinion of respected friends.
But i have obligation ,according myself ,to say something -after couple of
days with CW-Machine.,
Till time use a lot of : from Curtis to K5..last ETM etc.On market is lot
good keyers.And i build a couple of ..from kits ,of course.
But...i belive that CW-Machine is ,at first for operators -who want best.
Capabilities of Machine is impressive ,and lot lot up of ...anny known keyer .
Practically ,can do all what need ,and much much more .Depending of inclinations ,
affinitys...CW-Machine will do all.With paddle ,and/or keyboard it is amazing power
for enhance CW language.With detailed instructions ,and ultimate support from
Mr. Ulrich,with constant work on improve firmware ....,that is more than just piece of hardware .
That product can make only person whith deep passion for Morse code.
PC setup is easy ,just folow manual-with care on COM port.
At this moment :THANKS Ulrich,THANKS Begali !!!!!!
I continue to work with CW-Machine in combination with :Signature ,Sculpture paddles...,
various tipe of keyboards .PC programing messages...etc etc.
Belive that :That is crown of CW keyer products !
So for my first comment :regards - to all of You friends ,who share
impressions about this great product.
Zoran Vukosav-9A3Y
|
|
K8RBW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Apr 6, 2008 17:25
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Marvelous
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I have tried to adopt a general rule of thumb that I would not review products until I have had at least three months to use and assess them. Nonetheless,the CW Machine and N3ZN SL paddle both arrived the same day and I was literally shocked by how well they performed.
At the outset, I would like to say that Ulrich is amazing. I received the CW Machine in January and simply couldn't get it to function properly. Convinced that it was my lack of computer knowledge, I struggled with it for a month. I finally contacted Ulrich to see if he could be of assistance. After a couple of simple tests, he told me to send it to him and that he would either repair or replace it. As it turned out, the problem was attributable to a wire connected to the keying output that had not been completely stripped. Ulrich had it back in my hands in a few days and and it worked beautifully. He knew that I was having problems with my manual dexterity in my advancing years so he upgraded the firmware to accomodate me! I attached the N3ZN SL that arrived the same day and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I have seen numerous complaints in product reviews where people stated that manufacturers were not providing adequate firmware updates. Place your concerns at rest because Ulrich must do an update every couple of weeks!!!!! Everyone should have such dedication.
I have always loved all things CW and have only found a couple of keyers ( the MFJ 401 and 407) in my almost fifty years as a ham that I really disliked. Until now, my favorite keyers were from Logikey. The CW Machine adds a whole new dimension to CW. It always seemed to me that the keyers on many transceivers were almost tacked on as an afterthought, thus my perference for an external keyer.(Elecraft products would be an exception.) Even with my limited knowledge of computers, I found the CW Machine to be a marvelous addition to my shacks (Chicago and Wisconsin)that evolves and improves on a regular basis.
I can't give the CW Machine a stronger endorsement.
Vy 73 to all.
Dick
K8RBW
|
|
LU1DZ
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 26, 2008 08:18
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great CW Machine
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
Hello:
Was a pleasure to make bussines with Pietro and his daugther Bruna.
I received my CWM very well presented with a very good packaging.
I started with some problems that Ulrich help me to identify.
I was using my Portable PC with an USB to RS232 converter of poor quality. The problem was solved when I buyed a KEYSPAN cable recomendad by ulrich.
I find the keyer one of the best I ever used, and I used many of them.
Very smootly operation, good screen to watch my mistakes specially timing and rythm.
I use it with a Kent and Super Pascual single paddle.
I find very useful connected to my PC or the CWM itself as a keyer and ADIF logger.
There are enough memories room for many operation and operators options, contest, normal QSO, QRP, field day, etc.
I will make a presentation of the CWM and CWT in next LU3DY Contest Workshop.
|
|
W2ST
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 21, 2008 04:53
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
The CW Machine sets a new standard!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I used the superb AEA MM-1 until the even better MM-3 appeared, and -- like many others -- believed that the MM-3 was the ultimate keyer.
No longer. Everything that the MM-3 could do (except -- for the moment -- beacon mode), the CW Machine does better. And it does much more.
As a straight keyer, it is simply the best I have ever used, including a character and word spacing mode that -- once you are used to it -- makes your sending near perfect.
As a memory keyer, it is in a class by itself: loading from computer files, 30 memories, and an impressive collection of inserts/call-ups/references/serial numbers, etc.
As an automatic logger, it detects and logs QSO data, cross-checks dupes, inserts name/qth, etc. into the current and future QSO's: think of what you might like, and it does the job.
As a CW trainer (separately loadable software), it has every imaginable training function, including -- importantly -- readily downloadable text from any source.
Yes, there is a learning curve, but it took me no more than a few hours to master all the functions. You will want to have it connected to a number keypad or a keyboard, and you will need to connect it -- periodically (or permanently if you wish) -- to your computer. This functionality would be impossible without connectivity.
Congratulations are due to the CW Machine team. Functionally, esthetically, operationally, this device sets a new standard.
|
|
BWOETTKE
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 16, 2007 17:44
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Thank you Santa !
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
It really took a little longer than I had anticipated to actually having my very own CW Machine, and not just the unit that I was allowed to take for a spin before Dayton. I understand from Piero that some parts were held up in Italian customs, and it took a little while to get the assembly line going. But now it’s here, just in time for Christmas!
And, boy, was it worth the wait! The software has seen many improvements, from the support of foreign language characters to the ability to let the CW Machine work with other logging programs, but the basic functionality is still as mind boggling as it was back in May. And the CW Trainer firmware / software package is also a “real” product now, not just the prototype that I tried.
This truly is one heck of a software defined device – calling it a keyer would be a severe understatement. I ran it through the motions, and it worked perfectly. But now I have to immerse myself into the handbooks again so that I can take full advantage of all the features – eventually. Fortunately you can just hook it up and start using it as a regular keyer, progressing to the advanced functions step by step. And since my CW has become a little rusty during this sunspot minimum, I think I’ll use the Trainer quite a bit to improve my fist and get my speed back up. Couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present.
|
|
K2HK
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Oct 5, 2007 13:47
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
This keyer is a beautiful thing
|
Time owned: months
|
|
Sound like hyperbole? Well this CW Machine is a superb piece of equipment combining masterful construction with extraordinary firmware. It is extremely versatile offering keyer features as well as logging, particularly contest logging. It may be used with a straight key, a bug, a keyer or a keyboard. The software that accompanies it offers auto entry of call sign, name, report and warns if it is a dupe. It is portable, being of compact size and permitting 9 volt battery operation. It does many things that are better described in the manualmand on the website. The firmware and software are frequently upgraded and can be downloaded easily into the keyer. I might add although setup is surprisingly easy for so complicated a piece of machinery the support is outstanding. One final note is that when utilized to its fullest it is somewhat complex but it can just as easily be used in its simplest form which requires little preparation and is quite instinctive.
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
