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Author Topic: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM  (Read 1753 times)

ZL1BBW

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #15 on: December 20, 2020, 04:03:25 PM »

Having been involved in CW now for a very long time, both amateur and professional, the mere thought of spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a key sends shivers down my spine.

Just invested in a touch keyer, the K1EL kit, absolutely no movement or adjustment issues, and its add on base weight of lead cast into an old sardine tin fulfils every need I have in a key.

MX  Gavin
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ex MN Radio Officer, Portishead Radio GKA, BT Radio Amateur Morse Tester.  Licensed as G3YCP ZL1DAB, now taken over my father (sk) call as ZL1BBW.

KL7CW

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #16 on: December 21, 2020, 09:57:17 AM »

I agree with Gavin, it is not at all necessary to spend big money on a key.  In my 66 years as a ham, and some commercial operation, I was happy just using the station key, ham or commercial wherever I operated. I recently bought a "cap key" from W1JSB at www.radiosetgo.com for $35 US.  It is now installed in a temporary box, but may mount it directly on one of my QRP portable transceivers.  Limited experience with it, a little learning curve, but seems to be fine for moderate (20-30 WPM) iambic squeeze keying, not yet sure about high speed. Most of my life, I saved money with inexpensive radios, 20 plus year old cars, a month long 50th anniversary trip in a backpacking tent, and always traveling the cheapest way.  Finally, with encouragement from my wife, I now have several very nice (expensive) paddles.  They really look nice, but doubt that my CW is really much (if any) better. I never had a luxury car or traveled first class, so why not spend a little if you have the funds. I would consider a touch key (K1EL, W1JSB, etc) as an interesting experiment, which may or may not work out as your regular key (paddle).  Go to the W1JSB site, or look at his interesting you tube videos, most with his capacitive touch key.    Rick  KL7CW
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NI0C

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #17 on: December 22, 2020, 05:45:01 AM »

Gavin and Rick,

In a much earlier post in this thread, I mentioned I was considering the N1KW touch key. I purchased one some weeks ago now, and really like it. The paddle is called the "QSKIIC," and is mounted on a nice base with room to rest your wrist on while sending. I'm still practicing with it and comparing it with my ZN-SL and ZN-9B (single lever and iambic paddles by N3ZN). I can't tell much difference in my error rate among any of these choices, but the touch key requires much less effort. I've heard some very fine QRQ CW on the air by some of the guys using touch keys by N1KW and 9A5N.

73 de Chuck NI0C
 
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ZL1BBW

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #18 on: December 22, 2020, 11:17:48 AM »

Gavin and Rick,

In a much earlier post in this thread, I mentioned I was considering the N1KW touch key. I purchased one some weeks ago now, and really like it. The paddle is called the "QSKIIC," and is mounted on a nice base with room to rest your wrist on while sending. I'm still practicing with it and comparing it with my ZN-SL and ZN-9B (single lever and iambic paddles by N3ZN). I can't tell much difference in my error rate among any of these choices, but the touch key requires much less effort. I've heard some very fine QRQ CW on the air by some of the guys using touch keys by N1KW and 9A5N.

73 de Chuck NI0C

The move to a touch paddle will for me require unlearning probably 60 years of heavy handed paddle keying, imn probably ok up to say 20 wpm, but its going to take a lot more practise to get it up to 25/28 which I always regard as fast enough.  Might have to try sandpapering the ends of my fingers to improve the feedback, bit like the old bank robbers :-)    Anyway have a great christmas one n all.  Gavin
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ex MN Radio Officer, Portishead Radio GKA, BT Radio Amateur Morse Tester.  Licensed as G3YCP ZL1DAB, now taken over my father (sk) call as ZL1BBW.

WA6KYR

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #19 on: December 29, 2020, 08:04:04 PM »

I thought this is a fun topic.
I own an N3zn key and  Begali keys.
I purchased a single lever N3zn and I found this key to be   flawless both mechanically and finish wise.    The problem is I did not like a single lever key.   That certainly is not the keys fault. I prefer iambic keys.
I then tried  some other manufacturers and finally found my favorite keys  2 Begali keys.
The  Begali Signature is mechanically terrific.   However my favorite at this time is the Begali Leonessa.    Here is why I like the Leonessa.   Mechanically it is perfect as an iambic key and the design and finish is terrific. The key plugs and unplugs with a standard  1/8 stereo plug so  moving the key is easy. The  finger pieces are close together but not too close. The spacing is adjustable.   Once you set the magnetic  and gap spacing on the key it stays put.  The adjustment have fine easy to adjust metric threads.   The design is amazingly responsive. The electrical  contacts are silver and do not represent a problem.
The key kind of begs you to use it.   The problem is after 58 years I still cannot send very well
but this key is as good as it gets.
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K4EMF

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #20 on: April 05, 2021, 09:54:50 AM »

I received my new N3ZN ZN-SL several days ago.

I REALLY like it.
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KF4HR

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #21 on: April 05, 2021, 11:18:17 AM »

Begali's build quality is first class.  I own two Begali paddles, the Magnetic Classic and Traveler, but my favorite (and quietest) paddle is the Schurr Profi 1. 

KF4HR
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N2RRA

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #22 on: April 05, 2021, 05:29:24 PM »

I’ve owned quite of many keys up to a $300. range so I decided one day to try the Begali Simplex which I still presently own. All I can say is, WOW!

The Simplex model was thee best key out of a variety I’ve tried and couldn’t believe the quality and smooth performance. I’ve been so curious at how much better can a key be at the more expensive range? Could the performance actually get better?

I have my eyes set on a Sculpture model. It’s been a while since I first saw the RA1AOM keys and it definitely is a contender of keys I’d like to own. Now that I’ve got a new fresh review perhaps the RA1AOM is the next key to purchase.

Perhaps I’ll be writing a review soon.
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N4MJG

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #23 on: July 28, 2022, 12:58:26 PM »

Only begali i have now and using them are begali spark and silmplex i love 2 of  them i use spark the most then i do with simplexboth keys are good ! i please with my !

73
Jackie

SKCC 7305
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JACKIE GREEN

KB7TT

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Re: Comparing keys Begali vs. RA1AOM
« Reply #24 on: July 28, 2022, 01:38:25 PM »

 I have owned a Begali Signature for 7 years and now have two RA1aom keys.  One is a single lever the other is his new iambic design.  Hands down the RA1AOM iambic kicks the pants off the Begali.  The Begali is "clunky" compared to the smoothness and quiet of the RA1 key.  THe Russian key is like a knie thru soft butter, no comparison.  I can run the RA1 iambic faster than the Begali and it makes no noise, smooth as silk.

No caomparison in my book, I'm a 52year ham and love the RA1....

Greg
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