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| Reviews Summary for Vizkey Cootie Key |
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Reviews: 10
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $$100.00 postpaid to continental
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Description: The "Viz Cootie Key" like all other Vizkeys is all brass construction. Base is made of 1/2" brass, 2" X 3-1/2". Center insulator is Micarta insulating board, Silver contacts, clear rubber feet, black plastic finger pieces, and an actual hack-saw blade spring like the old time original cooties were made from. Supplied with a 3 foot shielded cable with your choice of 1/8" or 1/4" plug
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More info: http://www.vizkey.com
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write your own review of the Vizkey Cootie Key.
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KK0I
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 13, 2009 09:40
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Having a Blast!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I was pleasantly surprised after only a few days taking delivery and now after about 50 or so QSOs I'm ready to give my review of this fine looking little morse code sending instrument.
Again, this is another excellent piece of workmanship. Tom, my hat is off to you for your design; simple, beautiful and very functional. The pride in your work certainly shows.
Well packaged...and after unpacking, the COOTIE key was definitely smaller than I had imagined. Again, like the right angle VIZKEY I have, it is solid and stays put. It certainly doesn't take up much space.
I liked the fact, it was pre-wired...a nice value added feature.
My skepticisim quickly diminished after just a few minutes of practice and putting it on the air that same evening with another COOTIE key ham. My confidence built after just a dozen or so QSOs. It's certainly not second nature yet, but must admit, it's easier than I ever thought. The SKCC Weekend Sprint was the upcoming weekend, just perfect for trying out the COOTIE key.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from Tom, asking for some feedback. It had only been a couple days since I received the key, so I told him I would need a few more QSOs to form an opinion, but so far...so good.
Well, after about 50 or so contacts, the majority of them were SKCC contacts, I must admit, I'm impressed! The learning curve for me was very short.
I know now this COOTIE key will be a part of my CW sending arsenal.
As always, Tom, thanks for doing what you do...BEST!
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K0IDT
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 30, 2009 22:04
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Cool Cootie
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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One chunk of brass, one hacksaw blade.....doesn't get any simpler and it sure looks good
at the operating position. Tom does wonderful work and after the sale service is simply
outstanding. The cootie only needed a little tweaking out of the box and I did have to
raise it up about half an inch to bring the fingerpieces in line with my large hands. I
could change the fingerpieces but prior experience with another key taught me to keep the
lever and fingers in line, no twist to the key arm that way and no scratchy dits.
If you like cooties or just want to try one this is a good way to go. The bugs are
really nice too, right angle one on the bench and the vertical one soon.
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K3BQT
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 9, 2009 17:35
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Quality key at a fair price.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My VIZ "Cootie Key" arrived quite quickly and well packaged. The key looks every bit as pretty in person as it does in the picture on Ton's web site and I am well pleased with my purchase.
I was pleasantly surprised that Tom gave me a land line and thanked me for the order just hours after the order was placed on the internet. That level of concern for the customer is almost forgotten in this day and age.
Being a CW operator for more than 50 years I have used numerous bugs, straight keys, and keyers but this is my first adventure into the world of sideswipery. This evening I just began to play with my new toy and there may be a bit of a learning curve, but not as steep as I thought it might be.
Tom, K4VIZ is a true craftsman and gentleman who will provide you with a quality product a a fair price. I am please enough with the design and workmanship that went into the manufacture of his "Cootie Key" that I am considering the purchase of a VIZ Vertical as soon as personal finances permit. No, I don't need another key to add to my collection but when I look at the VIZ Vertical I start to drool all over my operating desk.
Tom, many thanks for the quality key and I am looking forward to doing additional business with you in the future.
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TGILLAN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 10, 2009 10:51
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Simply Superb
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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A classic design superbly crafted and finished. It has been said that American craftsmanship and ethics are on the decline. In many facets that may be true, however TOM (K4VIZ)does not suffer from either of those maladies.
I am a newly licensed operator plugging away at learning the code. Having a bit of trouble with my wrist and the straight/camelback key, I have been searching for a manual key that would 'fit'. After looking at many of the high priced and mass produced devices I found the K4VIZ COOTIE. Boy am I glad I did!
Realizing a craftsman may be a bit busy, I emailed Tom a heads-up that I would be ordering the COOTIE KEY. The following day I received a call from Tom and we chatted for quite a while about various topics and specifically his products. That was a Thursday. Friday morning I mailed a personal check, and Monday noon the key arrived by Postal Service undamged. About 2 hours later I received a call from Tom checking on his artwork. He had not yet received my check, but shipped the order anyway. Who said trust was dead?
The COOTIE: The care and skill exercised in the creation of this little device is immediately evident. There is not a tool mark to be found on the brushed brass...not even on the screw heads. I really like the brushed brass finish in that it doesn't blind me; just lets me work.
What really amazed me is how the COOTIE fits my fist..or rather my fingers. The hacksaw blade is just the correct legnth to place the fingerpieces right where they need to be. This little gem has helped me to solve some character formation and timing trouble. And it is so much fun to use. I have just finished reading a few articles about the cootie being difficult to use, but so far I haven't had any difficulty-not to say I won't. I seem to think that the dimensions K4VIZ selected for the COOTIE may be a factor; time will tell.
In Summary: An excellent design, superbly crafted by a true craftsman and gentleman. DO NOT THINK TWICE..BUY ONE.
73,
Tom, K4GIV
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W0SJS
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 15, 2009 13:24
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Update of a Cootie Classic
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Vizkey Cootie Key by Tom K4VIZ
I recently took the plunge and purchased a manufactured cootie from Tom, K4VIZ, his Vizkey Cootie and have had it on the air for a few days now. I am sure that as time goes on I will enjoy it more and more but it did not take long to discover the qualities of Tom's work in this key. First, Tom was very personable and attentive to my order, even sending an unsolicited email to confirm the order and ask a question. The turn-around time between my order and the arrival of the key was only a few days, and the key arrived packed carefully and in perfect condition.
Physically, the key is a very appropriate size in my estimation, not so big that the base overwhelms the mechanism but of a size so that the base, mechanism and weight complement each other. From front to back the base measures 3.5 inches (8.8 cm) and is 2.0 inches (5 cm) wide. The height to the center of the paddle from desktop is 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm). By contrast, the base depth is exactly the same as my Brown Brothers CTL-A and the height to the center of the paddle of the CTL-A is 1 ½ inches (4 cm), or about the same as the Vizkey. The weight of the Vizkey is a bit less than the Brown Brothers but similar enough that you know the key will sit well on the table. The finish and workmanship is flawless and esthetically pleasing, which is also important to me. The working surfaces, the contacts, are standard silver contacts that you would find on any high quality key and the placement has been carefully calculated so that when the contacts close on either side they fit perfectly, flat surface to flat surface. This enhances the operation of the key and gives the feeling that it is very “sure-footed”.
Although I am relatively new to the art of Side-Swipery (TU Jerry, KDØCA for the terminology) I found that the keys movement and tension to be just right for me – firm and precise and with just enough flex in the swiper that you easily fall into a good rhythm. In contrast, I find that when I use my retro-fit VibroCootie the stiffness of the arm and lack of flex makes for a more jerky feel, and although it may sound pretty much the same on the receive end the pleasure on the sending end is not as nice as with the Vizkey. The feel of the movement of the Vizkey and the MK-32 are similar and if I were to rate the “enjoyment” factor between using the Vizkey, VibroCootie and MK-32 I would have to say that the Vizkey is #1, no contest here, and that the VibroCootie is nice but for me ranks #3. For pictures of these three cooties and my other keys and gear please visit my website.
I am the type of person that enjoys making or creating things myself so the satisfaction of renovating and converting my old Vibroplex Vibro Keyer to a cootie was great. But, I also appreciate the craftsmanship of others and Tom's Vizkey is definitely classy and, to me, worth the price based on the workmanship, operation and years of pleasure it will continue to bring. Also, Tom tells me that all of his keys are warranted 100% for as long as he has his shop, and to me that says something about his pride in his craft.
So, if your looking for a cootie that will satisfy your Side-Swipery needs I would definitely recommend the Vizkey Cootie!
- Steve, WØSJS
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W0SJS
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 14, 2009 11:21
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Smooth and Perfect!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Have been using different cootie keys for a time now including some home-brews. I also read a lot of reviews too. Ordered a Viskey Cootie and have had it on the air for a short time and its the best I have ever used .. well made, rugged but stylish, smooth as silk and fun to operate.
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K4KB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 8, 2008 14:08
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Great & Lots of Fun!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Today, I received my new "Vizkey Cootie Key".
Being a 99% CW operator for the past 40 years, I believe that I've used most CW sending contraptions, ranging from homebrewed to the more sophisticated Frattini, Begali, Schurr as well as the commercial models.
My "Cootie" is in the same category as far as finish and quality (solid brass base) and simplicity, its flexible hack saw lever.
The "Cootie", though, is in a category of its own; well made, cute, great key action, among many attributes.
I'm having a ball with it!!!!
Tom is a great craftsman, a fine man and a pleasure to do business with.
73,
Jorge, K4KB
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KC2NRQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 8, 2008 19:27
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great workmanship, excellent classic key
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I received my Viz Cootie earlier in the week & have been playing with it ever since. The key is well made with solid brass base & classic hack saw lever. I'm having a ball with it and with a little patience and persistence plan on having alot of fun QSO's with it real soon. It's like learning to use a key all over again, and for anyone wanting to try something different, I recommend it. My compliments to Tom, k4viz on a well made classic. I give it a great rating because its a great little key, "cuter than a little bug".
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K4VIZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 17, 2008 19:25
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It is a gem
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Sincere compliments to K4VIZ on the new Cootie key. It is a gem--just like the original Cootie with its flexible lever and simple elegance...a beautiful reflection of a slowly fading era. The K4VIZ Cootie is even better than originals, however, because it has a solid brass base that polishes up to the lustre of a gold ingot. Key action very good too. It's a fun item. Every CW op needs one! I have problems using a Cootie, so I used clear fingernail polish to insulate contact posts and rewired cable to make a single lever paddle. Added custom fingerpieces from WB8LZG and it's a winner! Da Cooties are coming back, friends, and they are a gas! 73, Dave, K4TWJ"
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K9TB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 9, 2008 19:56
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Excellent simple cootie
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Tom's latest design, the "Viz Cootie" is a true work of simplicity. A solid brass base 1/2 inch thick and rubber feet keep the key steady on the bench. The lever is an actual hack-saw blade just like they made them from years ago. Tom set out to make a simple inexpensive cootie key and he sure has accomplished his goal. With only two adjusting screws, the two silver contacts, it just doesn't get any better then this. The blade has a perfect amount of tension to it for side to side movement and does not in any way require springs to complicate it. A very good addition to a fine line of keys.
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