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Reviews For: HAM KEY HK5A

Category: Keyers & CW Keyboards

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Review Summary For : HAM KEY HK5A
Reviews: 7MSRP:
Description:
Solid state electronic keyer
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0074.1
K8WRS Rating: 2019-03-08
A Versatile Keyer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
To clarify any misconception the HK5A has the ability to be used as either an Iambic or a non- Iambic Keyer. It may also be used with the older Grid Block radios or the newer type radios as there are two outputs on the unit.
This unit has been around for some time and MFJ makes a similar unit which either copied this unit or it is made for them. Check out the catalog. MFJs' price is at todays price which is considerable. But even the look is the same.
This Keyer doesn't miss a beat and lasts a virtual lifetime.
So don't let anyone belittle it. If you can find one get it. It will be at a bargain price and built to last as well and probably better than a new "other" brand. I see people asking for them on the most popular Ham Site. I didn't know if I could mention the name of the site here?
N6BIZ Rating: 2015-04-22
GREAT Time Owned: more than 12 months.
GREAT KEYER
VE6TL Rating: 2009-02-10
Very Versatile Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had mine for over 25 years, including sitting in a box in storage for at least 10 years. Even after 10 years the batteries still worked when I got back into the hobby. The main features I like about this keyer is that I can use it with older rigs that are cathode or grid block keyed, as well as modern rigs (2 separate jacks). For some reason, I have trouble with many modern rigs using their built-in keyer as I seem to end up with extra dots here and there. This never happens on the HK5A. The only thing I don't like is that the tune setting involves a rotary switch, which usually requires two hands to move (holding the box down with one hand). So I installed a little push button switch on the top right of the case that allows me to tune the transmitter while depressing it.
N3WXW Rating: 2008-07-09
I bought it used Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hello I bought mine used at a ham fest for $10.00. I like it much more than my MFJ Keyer.
K8ND Rating: 2004-12-16
Good basic keyer, with sidetone! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this keyer as a backup almost 30 years ago, and it continues to sit on the shelf ready for action! It made a few DX trips, travelled to several different contest stations, and mostly just sat ready to use. This is a very basic keyer, with none of the bells-and-whistles of the current crop of computerized keyers. I still use it on occasion when testing and adjusting new paddles. Today, I'd choose an Idiom Press CMOS-4 keyer for it's far superior features and smaller size, but in it's day, the HK-5A was a fine basic keyer!
K7NA Rating: 2004-06-27
Fine Basic Electronic Keyer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used this keyer for over 20 years and am presently using it with a new Icom 706mkIIg because, unlike the rig, the HK5 offer Type A (no dot insertion) keying. Not being an iambic squeeze key enthusiast, I prefer the traditional electronic keying method and this unit provides it. I've never experienced a problem with RFI or other issues with this keyer. The batteries last for years and I've often forgotten for days or weeks to turn off the unit when I'm not using it. I'd prefer the ability to attach an external power source but that is not available as a consideration on the HK5. This is a good basic electronic keyer for those who prefer Type A keying.
KX2S Rating: 2003-01-14
Vintage keyer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had the HK5A for 25 years. Only had to replace the C cell batteries every 5 years. Works pretty well. I have had problems with RF getting into it and causing it to key by its self. The problem seems to be that the case is plastic. There would be better RFI profing it the case was metal. Basic unit with no memory.