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Reviews For: RAF KEY MORSE TYPE D

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : RAF KEY MORSE TYPE D
Reviews: 5MSRP: Ebay 20 - 50 GBP
Description:
British RAF Ex War Department Key, dated Mid 30's History almost unknown should come with a Bakerlite cover (shown without)
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0055
GM0HUU Rating: 2018-10-31
Air Ministry Marconi Type D. A joy to use. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I picked one of these up at a rally recently. It has a black soft replacement top cover rather than bakelite. Although the key was very dirty, it all seemed complete with no signs of misuse and the action seemed fine. At first I thought it was an admiralty key (some of the old navy keys look similar). However, close inspection and some research established it as a Type D.

Trying it out when I got home, I reckon it is the most comfortable key I have ever tried. The large sprung contact at the front seems to give a perfect spring/stiffness balance. I don't think the key is suited to fast sending. However, at up to 20 odd wpm, it thumps away just beautifully. The word that comes to mind is "comfortable". Due to the size and weight, I decided to call it "thumper".

Despite the temptation to give the contacts a quick clean and just use it, I forced myself to dismantle it to allow proper cleaning and a new coat of lacquer.

Interesting things noted so far is the large rectangular sprung front lower Contact. The front contacts area is very large - obviously designed to switch high current and/or voltage. The pivot shafts is tapered and held in place with a small pinch screw. I assume this meant that any lateral play in the arm could easily be adjusted out during operation. I also found that the holes in the contact blocks at the back are perfect for 4mm banana plugs.

The base plate is very good because it has a large area and extends well beyond the front of the key. Combined with the weight of the assembly, the is no need to fix it to the desk.

Definitely an "English" key in that I reckon it was designed to sit at the front edge of a desk/bench and be keyed by operator in upright position with keying arm unsupported. The height of the knob from the desk may not lend itself to the "American" arm resting on desk operating position.

Like this key and, once cleaned up, suspect it will get a lot of use.

Given cost of some vintage straight keys, this seems to be a genuine bargain? If you find one and buy it, I don't think you will be disappointed. Don't worry if it doesn't have the bakelite cover - who would want to cover up such a work of art?
G3LIV Rating: 2013-05-16
Its like an old Friend Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I trained on one of these Keys in my RAF National Service days. LOTS OF HOURS
Lot of water under the bridge since then.
I just picked one of these Ds up for the post cost only..Thank you G3YZZ.
It brings back memories of a Flight Sargent pushing me to learn CW.
I did 6 hours a day 26 weeks
Its nice to use a straight key after all the Bugs and Iambics and the D is as nice as they come.
I designed the CABLETIDY for a lot of Keys.
I am starting to design one for the TYPE D now just for fun.
How many still use a D let me know.
Suggestions on design let me know as well.
de Johnny G3LIV. johnny@melvin.com
2E0NCB Rating: 2011-12-28
WELL WORTH THE MONEY Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I managed to get one and it is in brilliant condition..

You may find the action of the Type D a little "springy" when compared to some other keys, this can be due to the flexing of the bottom keying contact. If this flexing bothers you an old dodge is to put a couple of washers or perhaps a old half penny, and also the cover amplifys the noise of the mechanical noise.

i personally dont mind it and want to keep it complete i collect keys and this is one of the best i have..

try and get you you will be more than happy...
G0RDO Rating: 2011-04-28
Super RAF Key Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have two of these large Marconi designed keys, they are absolutely bargains at the prices recently. Finding one with an un-damaged cover could proove hard though, as the bakelite cover is rather vunerable near the 2 mounting pin guides, and tends to crack.
G3YUH Rating: 2005-02-10
A Classic Time Owned: more than 12 months.
A real classic straight key, no frills and will last forever, but has a wonderful soft feel to it probably due to the massive sprung contacts, you can send all day on this key and never get tired, I've tried hundreds of new and old keys and this is my favourite, usually go on Ebay for less than 50 GBP if you see one buy it! you won't be disapointed...