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Reviews For: KN4YB SL191RA Single Lever, Right Angled Bug Key

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : KN4YB SL191RA Single Lever, Right Angled Bug Key
Reviews: 1MSRP: $190.00
Description:
These keys have been designed and built by a dedicated CW enthusiast, Thomas Devoe KN4YB. With a Manufacturing/Machining background spanning 35 years, I brought these skills into Amateur Radio, producing a new range of Morse Keys. My design philosophy is not to make anything to elaborate, but to keep it simple. The Keys are all Thomas's work, the fabrication of the base, and all the parts on top, including finger pieces, I only have to buy-in the bearings and springs. This Bug Key is revolutionary and features a straight 'dit' contact and much simpler adjustments. It has a 1/2 inch thick base made from cold rolled steel, painted with black wrinkle paint, the top parts of the key are Nickel Plated. All thumb adjusters feature an attractive diamond knurled pattern which I produce. The bearings are pairs of F688 ball bearings which are silky smooth and don't need adjustment. My Bug Keys are compatible with all speeds used on the air. Slow speed starts at 10-13 wpm and can go to 30 wpm+ by removing the extension and running straight weights, no 'dit' adjustment is required. The Key comes with a 3 inch extension which incorporates a weight, so in effect you receive three weights with each Key. I supply all my Bug Keys with 3 Hex keys and a 76cm (2ft 6in) hard wired cable. The Keys can be built right or left handed before painting. The base can be painted in different colors including; blue, purple, red and gray. Finger Pieces are interchangeable and made from high quality Lucite, I do a range of colors including; black, red, clear, sapphire blue, ruby red and translucent green.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.kn4yb.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
GW4BVJ Rating: 2022-04-11
This Key is a Beauty Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased my SL191RA from Thomas in March 2022 and it only took 6 days from Florida to Wales. I set it up as per Thomas's instructions on YouTube and like he says it works from 10 wpm to 30 wpm+ and you don't need to adjust it.

I just marvel at the design of this key, it's has far less adjustments than my Vibroplex Blue Racer, for example, but it works. Thomas uses thumb screws and thumb wheels, secured by tightening nuts on top of the stanchions to very good effect. The extension again is clever with it extending beyond the key and he includes generous weight options.

Everything that is unique about this key makes it an absolute pleasure to use. I can see myself getting a few of his other keys before too long!

73 Rich GW4BVJ/MW6M