eHam
eHam Forums => CW => Topic started by: W4OEQ on August 18, 2022, 12:49:28 PM
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Seeking a code practice oscillator for use with a Bencher paddle. My web searches reveal only oscillators for straight keys. Anyone have a suggestion? W4OEQ
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A paddle requires a keyer. Lots of choices there depending on what features you'd want. I'd recommend a K1EL but it seems he's out of the standalone keyer business. Since most HF rigs made in the last 25 years come with one built in, if you decide you want a station keyer get something with some feature set to it, e.g. memories, serial numbering, etc. Very basic keyer kits often don't allow selection of timing/mode so they're of limited benefit, other than better than nothing. For a bit of trouble on your part, you can load a ~$6 Arduino clone with free code off the web (K3NG, et al) and have a very well featured station keyer.
Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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MFJ makes several models of keyer/paddle combos. Just go to MFJEnterprises.com and type "Paddle" into their search bar. I have one and it's great for practice but can be hooked up to a rig for live use as well.
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If you're OK with building a simple kit, this will work. It'll even send random characters for code practice.
https://qrpguys.com/qrpguys-code-trainer
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I have this one and use it with my iambic paddles. https://www.ebay.com/itm/155079173874?hash=item241b7066f2:g:aCsAAOSwM5di0twA
A couple of things I don't like however.
The sidetone cannot be adjusted.
You have to adjust the speed everytime you power it on.
Case is birch plywood. Lightweight but delicate.
Power cable not supplied. (2.1mm plug)
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I have this MFJ sounder/keyer for iambic Bencher paddles & love it for practice https://tinyurl.com/368xc3f6
It can be found on ebay by using words "MFJ Pacesetter"
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A paddle requires a keyer. Lots of choices there depending on what features you'd want. I'd recommend a K1EL but it seems he's out of the standalone keyer business. Since most HF rigs made in the last 25 years come with one built in, if you decide you want a station keyer get something with some feature set to it, e.g. memories, serial numbering, etc. Very basic keyer kits often don't allow selection of timing/mode so they're of limited benefit, other than better than nothing. For a bit of trouble on your part, you can load a ~$6 Arduino clone with free code off the web (K3NG, et al) and have a very well featured station keyer.
I agree with Mark ! I had amco with streight key at one time !
73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005
NAQCC 5233
OMISS 11548
Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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When I started out, I used a bicycle horn with rags stuffed inside to quiet it down. I am sure you can find a buzzer of some type.
However, as an alternative, you might just get a transceiver optioned for CW and a dummy load. When you finish "practicing" you can replace the dummy load with an antenna and make some contacts!
-Mike.
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When I started out, I used a bicycle horn with rags stuffed inside to quiet it down. I am sure you can find a buzzer of some type.
However, as an alternative, you might just get a transceiver optioned for CW and a dummy load. When you finish "practicing" you can replace the dummy load with an antenna and make some contacts!
-Mike.
thats one of the ways.
If you want a cheap but very usable set of paddles that you can adjust the speed on.
I suggest the cric-key from 4sqrp group.
You build the kit, adjust the paddle movement to suit you comfort, and adjust the keying speed.
This unit works with any straight key radio or radio that you can set to straight key
Its surprisingly effective.
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Do you have a radio with a built-in keyer?
Just put the radio in CW mode and break in mode off. It will produce a side tone but won't transmit.
easy-peasy...
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I found the uSDX+ transceiver works very well. It fits in a pants pocket and can decode my own sending. I discovered that I was leaving too much space between letters using it. Bought it used for less than the current price of a MFJ-557 which I also had but have sold.
https://www.eham.net/community/smf/index.php/topic,137404.msg1284907.html#msg1284907
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Solder up a RockMite II and you'll have both a keyer for your paddle and a QRP transciever,
You can just transmit into a dummy load and listen to your keying with headphones.
73
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If you have a spare USB to Serial Port Converter cable, you might want to look at EhoCW (https://www.f8eho.net/content/about-ehocw). EhoCW can be used with dual paddles and is a fully functional keyer that can be used on or off the air. The web page indicates that the software will work up to Windows 7, but it works fine on my Windows 11 laptop. Prolific cables should work on Windows 10 or older, but a FTDI converter cable should be used on a Windows 11 system. If you have an older computer, like a XP system with a real serial port, the software will work fine.
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http://www.hamgadgets.com/ULTRA-PICOKEYER
You can get this one built or as a kit. It will also work as an external keyer for radios that don't have one built in.
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I can also recommend the Ultra-Pico Keyer. It's an inexpensive, easy to build kit or can be purchased wired. It runs on a watch battery. It's full-featured and programmable with memory and many functions.
Phil N3ZP