eHam
eHam Forums => CW => Topic started by: WB1ANA on February 28, 2023, 10:33:42 AM
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I presently use my Vibroplex straight key deluxe for most of my CW time, but I'd like to build my own straight key as well. I'm looking for plans if anyone has some they'd be willing to share. I saw this one recently and love the look and simplicity of it, but can find no details. I understand that 10 of them were made and sold to various hams. If anyone reading this has one or has any additional details besides this one picture, I've love to be enlightened. I have a couple machinist friends who could make one for me.
Thanks.
Tom/WB1ANA
(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/089wtpzhmaiarcu/Straight%20Key.jpg)
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Ok, remember that today many of the available keys are jewelry.
A key is simply a momentary contact switch. The key I learned on was a 6x10 inch pine board with a chunk of tin can and a carpet tack... you file off the bluing so the tack will take solder. No need for details.
But your picture does remind me that you don't have to have a jewelled movement, and you will want a method to vary tension, and that both brass and bronze are considered "self lubricating"... a good feature.
Knowing a machinist, I am sure anything that is "presentable" will work fine.
So start the building!
-Mike.
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There are many new keys priced very reasonably made in China. One such, which is similar to the one mentioned by the OP, is made by Putikeeg and is available from Amazon for just under $70.
I can't imagine any key custom made by a machinist in the U.S. that would cost less than $70.
There are, of course, the very cheap 3D printed plastic keys made here and some made of metal by American Morse. Vizkey also makes some nice straight keys of brass.
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There are many new keys priced very reasonably made in China. One such, which is similar to the one mentioned by the OP, is made by Putikeeg and is available from Amazon for just under $70.
I can't imagine any key custom made by a machinist in the U.S. that would cost less than $70.
There are, of course, the very cheap 3D printed plastic keys made here and some made of metal by American Morse. Vizkey also makes some nice straight keys of brass.
Thanks for the info regarding the Putikeeg key. It looks like a good one and the reviews back it up. I will probably snap one up since the price is right.
Sometimes it's also nice to be able to make something yourself - not to save money, but to be creative, be able to say it's home made, and to put it to good use. I have a couple of machinist friends that I exchange work with, so the cost isn't an issue if it is custom made. I may build my own at some point, but the Amazon key is a winner IMO. Thanks again.
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Just Google "homebrew cw key" and you will find any variation from machined stuff to all parts bought from a home improvment shop.
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There are many new keys priced very reasonably made in China. One such, which is similar to the one mentioned by the OP, is made by Putikeeg and is available from Amazon for just under $70.
Mine arrived today. It has a nice feel to it and seems to be well made. My only complaint is that the supplied cord is a foot too short. My FT710 and FTdx10 have the key jacks on the back, so the cords on my keys need to be a bit longer. No biggie - I can make one up that will do the job.
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An update: I've been using my new Putikeeg key for the last couple of hours and have to say that it has a great feel to it. It actually rivals my Vibroplex straight key deluxe! Even thought it's quite small, the size is just right and it's very solid. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a good SK without breaking the bank. After using this, I would not spend the extra money for an older Navy flameproof key or any of the equivalents. There's no need. Kudos to W6MK for recommending this - thanks!
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That key was made by a friend of mine, Jim, WB8VMW.
I think he made plans up before building it.
You can find his info and another picture of the key on his QRZ.com page.
Tell him Rick, N8TGQ said HI!
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That key was made by a friend of mine, Jim, WB8VMW.
I think he made plans up before building it.
You can find his info and another picture of the key on his QRZ.com page.
Tell him Rick, N8TGQ said HI!
I had a nice QSO with Jim and that's how I found out about the key. Unfortunately, he has only a few pics now and no info regarding specs, dimensions, etc. I'd have to have one in hand to figure out exactly what he did. But what a nice guy!
Thanks.