|
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: 17
|
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.
|
VE2JA
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Nov 7, 2009 19:06
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Exceed all expectations
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
The CW Machine exceed all expectations. Using the machine for 1 month now, I named it the
“ Dream Machine” . Nice presentation of the unit. Built like a tank but will do what we need in normal operation or training. At start, had a small problem and sent e-mail to Ulrich and he answered me within the next 10 minutes. That is what I am calling an exceptionnal support.
Amazing really. We (including me) have up-dates praticly every week . Not to correct bugs but to give us more features. I never saw a product with the software programmer sitted aside me. At the same time I ordered a Begali key (Pearl) and that was the cherry on the pie. The CW Machine and the Begali key make the best twins for ham.
Excuse my English, it is not my native language
73. Michel, VE2JA
|
|
N7HD
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 17, 2009 11:53
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
In a class of its own
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
|
Every once in awhile a Ham radio product comes along that is similar to others in its use, but its combination of style and technology set it apart from the mundane. For instance, I have from eight to ten black boxes on my operating desk at any given time, this unit stands out like a baby blue Cadillac amongst a gaggle of black Fords. Its software defined, it can be upgraded on line, Ulrich, the developer, must take e-mail to bed with him, everything about it makes it a class act. It has brought a little joy into my black box world and that makes it worth the price for me.
|
|
VE3OKK
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 4, 2009 17:16
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Definitely worth the price, I have no regrets. 5/5
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I'm learning morse code. I tried the learning programs available on the web, and couldn't find one that is really complete or hasn't major limitations as far a helping to learn. For instance, selecting the letters you're having trouble with and making a tape to improve your weaknesses, is a time consuming task. Also I found that small 1wpm speed increments lead to much faster and easier learning than some with larger steps, i.e. 3 even 2 wpm jumps. I was thinking of making my own program. That's not a simple task. I was wondering how come no one had mastered complete a morse code teaching program. There are some excellent exercises available, but the combination is onerous to use on your own. Also depending on the availability of a teacher to supervise your sending, you may have to wait a lot between lessons for sending supervision.
Then I purchased a Begali paddle, and got great service and an excellent product. On the web site ( http://www.i2rtf.com/ ) I noticed a "CW Machine". You can download the manuals. I read them and couldn't find objection to purchasing one. Hoping it did as much as it claims. I'm planning on getting serious about Morse Code and this sounded like the helper I needed.
Since acquiring the CW Machine over two months ago, I use it every day. Right now I'm itching to use it but have to share my enthusiasm. I does everything, and more. It does it well. Both receiving and sending. You want to make up a specific lesson of difficult letters, got it! Any combination, by groups yes, your own text yes, save for later, yes etc. I feel in control of my learning. I had some expert supervision sending (avoid getting a glass arm), so when I send with the Machine, my code sounds great right off the bat, just by using the flashcard mode and repeating the letters heard.
I had some questions and Ulrich responded promptly, and is most helpful. I have great confidence in the product and Ulrich as well as Bruna and the Begali team. I'm not an expert, far from, but I feel Morse Code is the beginning of a great experience, and that the CW Machine will grow with me an allow me to keep up my skills. I plan on Operating Remote, and have an Omni vii for that purpose and this Machine will fit right in with that goal. And if I need to remap some keyboard letters, the Machine will do it. And more.
By the way I'm a mac user, and the CW Machine software interface is nicely intuitive. It runs smoothly and fast on Snow Leopard running Parallels, running Windows XP.
As others have said, there is so much more. Definitely worth the price, I have no regrets. 5/5
73, de ve3okk
|
|
W4IJY
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 28, 2009 06:10
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great Product
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
The CW Machine exceeds all expectations! It is of superior design, construction and software which have no competitors.
At Dayton, I spent some time with Ulrich(N2DE) who encouraged me at 75 to get into CW. I bought the CW Machine and the Begali Sculpture key by Piero(I2RTF). As a result , I have renewed my interest in CW after being on SSB for 49 years. The CWM has set my interest on fire! Still a bit rusty, but slowly progressing. After three months, I can copy 14 wpm. Learning Iambic keying is easy and the CWM makes sure you are sending correctly, a plus.
Ulrich's support is unbelievable. He reponds almost immediately and points to the documentation to confirm his solutions. This guy cannot be stumped which is rare among software writers.
The combination of Begali keys and the CW Machine cannot be beat by anyone. Try them and you, too, will become believers.
Thanks for great products and software, Ulrich and Piero.
I would be reimiss if I failed to mention Bruna-Piero's loely daughter-who provides excellent service. Bruna is working on getting her license and I can't wait to work her on the air!
|
|
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
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
