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Reviews For: Ham Key Iambic paddle

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Ham Key Iambic paddle
Reviews: 11MSRP:
Description:
Ham Radio Center St Louis, MO
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15114.5
W2AFD Rating: 2007-10-21
A fine old paddle... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While contemplating the purchase of a K8RA P2, I was surprised to see that there have been no reviews of this still very popular key made by the Ham Radio Center of St. Louis, Mo. on Eham. These once very popular keys are considered to be a poor man’s version of the famous Brown Bros. keys.

Manufactured for a few years in the 1970’s, the HamKey most often sells for more now than when it was new. Purists may scoff at this fine old paddle, but it remains quite usable even today. Constructed on a more than adequate metal base, the key housing is made of a durable red plastic, with chromed metal parts. Well, maybe not chrome, but polished and shiny. No fancy jeweled bearings for this key, making this a very basic iambic keyer paddle.

For some reason, the adjustments remain true for long periods of time, and although it doesn’t have the smoothest feel, there is a certain “comfortable” feeling I get when using it. It remains a favorite of mine for good reasons. At age 35, my HamKey is still going strong and is sure to be around (and working) long after I’m gone. A very desirable model for some, is the “combo” model of iambic paddle and straight key on a common base.

I have 2 of the iambic models, one purchased for $20 at a hamfest, the other for $40 on Ebay. I have seen the combo model sold for $85. (And more!) The combo model has the iambic paddle, and a straight key on the same metal base.