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Author Topic: J-38 question  (Read 411 times)

KG4BIB

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J-38 question
« on: July 24, 2022, 12:09:19 PM »

I have read that the Navy during World War II sometimes used a larger key button. Is there a reason?  Did the Navy only use the larger key?  Just curious to what the reason . besides user preference ... Thanks working on two J-38 now and learning more everyday 
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WA9AFM

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2022, 01:18:18 PM »

They used a larger button, and sometimes a knob, due to movement of the ship.
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K6JH

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2022, 07:18:31 PM »

W6DDB, An old Elmer of mine that was a commercial radio operator, would unscrew the navy knob skirt and throw it out. He claimed it negatively impacted one’s sending ability.

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73
Jim K6JH

K8AXW

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2022, 05:17:19 PM »

That J-38 knob skirt was to prevent the potential (!) of electric shock on cathode keyed transmitters.  My first contact attempt was with a cathode keyed Heathkit AT-1 transmitter. 

When my sweaty fingers slipped of the un-skirted J-38 knob and went across the contacts it felt like someone smashed my arm with a mallet! 

That ended attempt #1.
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A Pessimist is Never Disappointed!

W1VT

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2022, 05:21:08 PM »

When I had a Heathkit DX-20 I only keyed it with a straight key.  I never attempted to modify my electronic keyer to handle the cathode keying.
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N4MJG

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2022, 08:59:54 AM »

I HAVE THE J-38 i brought it ar our hamfest and paid 20.00 for it and works great i love this key i use it every now and then !easy to to learn code
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JACKIE GREEN

AE0Q

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Re: J-38 question
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2022, 10:43:21 AM »

I have read that the Navy during World War II sometimes used a larger key button. Is there a reason?  Did the Navy only use the larger key?  Just curious to what the reason.

Supposedly some ops liked the large disc under the knob and would use the big button from a Navy peacoat under the standard knob.  Obviously an operator preference.  Many of the stock Navy keys in the photos on this page did not come with the disc under the knob (some did), that seems to support the provenance of the "Navy knob" originally being added by operators.  It was long before WW2, though.

https://www.navy-radio.com/xmtr-key.htm

Glenn AE0Q
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