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eHam Forums => CW => Topic started by: N4MJG on December 17, 2022, 07:53:11 AM

Title: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: N4MJG on December 17, 2022, 07:53:11 AM
HI fellow ham friends,

i'm relearning lamic key from mfj keyer since i had stroke back 2019 since my left hand is not good as i do on my right hand my problem is i can't hold down the mini key as i use to but i'm trying to use my left hand to hold dow.I know ya are think to use my heavy key without holding it down ,but i wanted to try to use my mini key and try to hold it down without messing me up ! The stroke sucks as ya know. had to deal with it !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005
NAQCC 5233
PRFER EQSL
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: W1VT on December 17, 2022, 08:03:17 AM
Does that key have screw holes for attaching to a heavy surface?
Using the attachment screw holes may be your best option.
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: N4MJG on December 17, 2022, 09:02:05 AM
NO IT DON'T

Does that key have screw holes for attaching to a heavy surface?
Using the attachment screw holes may be your best option.
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: N4MJG on December 17, 2022, 09:07:33 AM
The  MFJ KEY  IS A 561/561K   MINI KEY

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005
NAQCC 5233
PREFER EQSL
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: W6SWO on December 17, 2022, 11:16:21 AM
I bought one of these super-sticky pads from DX Engineering, and even after a couple of years, it's still sticky and holds my keys and paddles VERY securely on my desktop.  The pads are also nice and large.

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-paddlepad-s

If you're trying to put the key in your lap or something because of your range of motion limitations, you could put these pads on a book or a lap desk or something and I think it would work for you.

Good luck my friend.
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: K0RS on December 17, 2022, 11:27:43 AM
I bought some pads at WalMart called Cuisinart Flexible Silicone Stretch Lids.  There's four to a pack, two different sizes.  They're about $4.  They don't stick over leftover containers as advertised, but they make great key pads.  The definitely don't slide around on the desk and do hold your key in place.

Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: N4MJG on December 18, 2022, 09:06:52 AM
i manage to hold down my 561/561f down without any problem i did very well with my left hand, i cut power way down so it get out or use dummy load to practice my code.it so small hard to work with but as i said i manage down tight when i send my call sign on my ft 847 radio i did very well with my left hand that what i'll do next time just hold it down tight ! because it so small ! thank who try to help me but i do it my own way

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005
NAQCC 5233
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: KC3TEC on December 29, 2022, 07:36:39 PM
Good for you!
That's one of the things people don't understand about a stroke and just how it affects each person.
In a debilitating stroke you literally have to relearn  many basic things, and sometimes different ways to accomplish things.
Jackie I applaud your efforts because you are overcoming a large adversity.
Title: Re: WORKING ON MINI MFJ KEY
Post by: KF4ZGZ on January 18, 2023, 03:12:33 AM
Try neodymium magnets and stick it too a heavier piece of metal.