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Reviews For: Begali CW Machine

Category: Keyers & CW Keyboards

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Review Summary For : Begali CW Machine
Reviews: 58MSRP: 295
Description:
The CW Machine is a unique software-defined keying device which combines the functions of an advanced iambic memory keyer and a keyboard keyer with the functions normally performed by a logging program. The CW Machine will collect the information for a log record from the signal that you are sending out and store up to 12,000 log records. The firmware in the device can be updated with a few mouse clicks in a Windows program to let you stay up-to-date as enhancements are provided. This update capability also lets you load the optional CW Trainer, a combination of Windows software and firmware that runs on the CW Machine device. It lets you improve your copying skills, no matter what level you are currently at, with a great variety of techniques, and the CW- over-IP function even lets you connect to another CW Trainer over the Internet to practice QSOs off the air.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.i2rtf.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
12584.9
SM5HUA Rating: 2010-08-11
Excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got my CW Machine a few weeks back and really like the way it is built and all different options. Had initially some timing problems because I am used to the Logikey K5 and also have slow finger movements not releasing the paddles like the rest of the crew. After some 10-15 different firmware versions from Ulrich, its now behaving perfect even for a odd-ball like me :)

Must say Ulrich's customer support is extremely good! I know I have made him loose some hair because of my timing problems, but the result is now a keyer that just anyone can master. Tons different options and lots to learn and fiddle with.


Thanks Ulrich for all help!

73s de Peter SM5HUA
W7LRY Rating: 2010-05-27
Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Begali CW Machine is a wonderful tool for improving your Morse Code and having fun doing it. It teaches you proper timing for sending and helps in many ways for improving your copy ability. It does a lot of things I haven't yet had time to try. I am very pleased with it and the Support from Ulrich is the best I have ever experienced. Like all great inventions I am sure we will always see improvements. Ulrich sends out updates often. What a great machine for those wanting to improve skills using the wonderful language of Morse Code.
IK0YGJ Rating: 2010-02-11
Right: everything else is just a keyer Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The CW Machine is a unique device, it is a keyer, a keyboard keyer, handles logging capabilities and a learning device.
The CW Manager software allows you to use and configure your keyer in so many different ways that it is impossible to describe here. I am really amazed.
You can define macros for generating QSO, you can interrupt the keyer whenever you want and, pressing a key on the attached numeric keyboard, continue from where you stopped the message. You can type on the PC keyboard, you can even not use a PC !
With the CW Trainer you learn CW, improve your TX /RX skills, using the method best suited to you (Farnsworth, Koch or whatever). You can monitor your transmission with a straight, paddle or bug both on the LCD and in the PC monitor.

The Begali CW Machine and CW Trainer are extremely flexible learning tools that can be adapted to all kind of learning processes. All this is simply outstanding.
W2BFE Rating: 2009-12-17
Simply The Best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
In the 1960s I bought a Ten-Tec KR-20, my first and only paddle-keyer. Over the years I also acquired various straight-keys and recently up-graded my small straight-key collection with the addition of the Begali BLADE. That step gave new pleasure to CW operation, my only mode. And then, eventually, came a paddle and the Begali CW Machine. The reviews all contain some common threads. They concern the superb engineering, design and thought which have gone into this device; its versatility; the unexcelled customer support from Bruna Begali and the software designer Ulrich Steinberg, and the fact that this device, along with a high-quality paddle (mine is a Begali PEARL) opens a new dimension to CW fans. One feature, which boatanchor types will appreciate--I still sometimes use my 1950 Collins 32V-2--, is that the CWM can, with a small modification, also be used with negative (grid-block) keying. The manuals spell out in detail the myriad functions and possibilities of which the CWM.is capable. The short version is that it is hard to imagine a keyer with greater versatility. One should really look at the CWM manuals. Bruna and Ulrich will quickly answer questions, should you need specific information not covered. When I received the CWM, I had some initial difficulty understanding certain operational characteristics. This is due to my own unfamiliarity with some computer and engineering terminology. But Ulrich effortlessly and swiftly guided me through the process. Dealing with the Begali firm and with Mr. Steinberg has been an eye-opening experience and one which I am glad I did not miss. It is nice to experience the joining of aesthetic excellence and superb engineering and craftsmanship. Anyone who thinks that CW is old and boring will be shocked at how incorrect that opinion is if he/she gives the CWM a chance to show its stuff. It represents the use of an admittedly old technology with a sophisticated, technologically modern control mechanism. If one wants to try it out, the Begali team will be at Dayton and will offer that possibility. Who seeks, finds, and I am glad that I remembered that.
VE2JA Rating: 2009-11-07
Exceed all expectations Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The CW Machine exceed all expectations. Using the machine for 1 month now, I named it the
“ Dream Machine” . Nice presentation of the unit. Built like a tank but will do what we need in normal operation or training. At start, had a small problem and sent e-mail to Ulrich and he answered me within the next 10 minutes. That is what I am calling an exceptionnal support.
Amazing really. We (including me) have up-dates praticly every week . Not to correct bugs but to give us more features. I never saw a product with the software programmer sitted aside me. At the same time I ordered a Begali key (Pearl) and that was the cherry on the pie. The CW Machine and the Begali key make the best twins for ham.

Excuse my English, it is not my native language

73. Michel, VE2JA
K7EE Rating: 2009-09-17
In a class of its own Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Every once in awhile a Ham radio product comes along that is similar to others in its use, but its combination of style and technology set it apart from the mundane. For instance, I have from eight to ten black boxes on my operating desk at any given time, this unit stands out like a baby blue Cadillac amongst a gaggle of black Fords. Its software defined, it can be upgraded on line, Ulrich, the developer, must take e-mail to bed with him, everything about it makes it a class act. It has brought a little joy into my black box world and that makes it worth the price for me.
VE3OKK Rating: 2009-09-04
Definitely worth the price, I have no regrets. 5/5 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm learning morse code. I tried the learning programs available on the web, and couldn't find one that is really complete or hasn't major limitations as far a helping to learn. For instance, selecting the letters you're having trouble with and making a tape to improve your weaknesses, is a time consuming task. Also I found that small 1wpm speed increments lead to much faster and easier learning than some with larger steps, i.e. 3 even 2 wpm jumps. I was thinking of making my own program. That's not a simple task. I was wondering how come no one had mastered complete a morse code teaching program. There are some excellent exercises available, but the combination is onerous to use on your own. Also depending on the availability of a teacher to supervise your sending, you may have to wait a lot between lessons for sending supervision.

Then I purchased a Begali paddle, and got great service and an excellent product. On the web site ( http://www.i2rtf.com/ ) I noticed a "CW Machine". You can download the manuals. I read them and couldn't find objection to purchasing one. Hoping it did as much as it claims. I'm planning on getting serious about Morse Code and this sounded like the helper I needed.

Since acquiring the CW Machine over two months ago, I use it every day. Right now I'm itching to use it but have to share my enthusiasm. I does everything, and more. It does it well. Both receiving and sending. You want to make up a specific lesson of difficult letters, got it! Any combination, by groups yes, your own text yes, save for later, yes etc. I feel in control of my learning. I had some expert supervision sending (avoid getting a glass arm), so when I send with the Machine, my code sounds great right off the bat, just by using the flashcard mode and repeating the letters heard.

I had some questions and Ulrich responded promptly, and is most helpful. I have great confidence in the product and Ulrich as well as Bruna and the Begali team. I'm not an expert, far from, but I feel Morse Code is the beginning of a great experience, and that the CW Machine will grow with me an allow me to keep up my skills. I plan on Operating Remote, and have an Omni vii for that purpose and this Machine will fit right in with that goal. And if I need to remap some keyboard letters, the Machine will do it. And more.

By the way I'm a mac user, and the CW Machine software interface is nicely intuitive. It runs smoothly and fast on Snow Leopard running Parallels, running Windows XP.

As others have said, there is so much more. Definitely worth the price, I have no regrets. 5/5

73, de ve3okk
W4IJY Rating: 2009-08-28
Great Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The CW Machine exceeds all expectations! It is of superior design, construction and software which have no competitors.
At Dayton, I spent some time with Ulrich(N2DE) who encouraged me at 75 to get into CW. I bought the CW Machine and the Begali Sculpture key by Piero(I2RTF). As a result , I have renewed my interest in CW after being on SSB for 49 years. The CWM has set my interest on fire! Still a bit rusty, but slowly progressing. After three months, I can copy 14 wpm. Learning Iambic keying is easy and the CWM makes sure you are sending correctly, a plus.
Ulrich's support is unbelievable. He reponds almost immediately and points to the documentation to confirm his solutions. This guy cannot be stumped which is rare among software writers.
The combination of Begali keys and the CW Machine cannot be beat by anyone. Try them and you, too, will become believers.
Thanks for great products and software, Ulrich and Piero.
I would be reimiss if I failed to mention Bruna-Piero's loely daughter-who provides excellent service. Bruna is working on getting her license and I can't wait to work her on the air!
N8BS Rating: 2009-06-20
CW Machine software on a Mac Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used my CW Machine for over a year now and love it!

If I had one request for Ulrich, it would have been to write CW Machine software for the Macintosh computer. Here's a solution. On an iMac running OS 10.5.7 with a Boot Camp partition, I installed VMWare Fusion and Windows XP. My CW Machine software now runs flawlessly on my Mac.

Thanks again Ulrich for a great product!
DH3RB Rating: 2008-12-16
SUPERB! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've been using the CW Machine for increasing my Morse Code speed for roughly a year now after having tried several other options. This,
however, is the ultimate gadget, because it is the perfect combination of hardware, software, your transceiver and your PC. The range of
software possibilities is constantly enlarged by the inventor Ulrich, DJ8GO/N2DE and very well documented in PDF-files. But the CW Machine is
not only a Morse CW-training-equipment and a perfect keyer. It also serves as a CW-logger and can even be used for remote transceiver peration. All functions are carefully described at www.i2rtf.com. Due to its versatility I can strongly recommend this awesome product to every serious CW-operator and don't hesitate to give it 5 points.
Ruediger, DH3RB