Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-QRP

Category: Keys & Paddles

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-QRP
Reviews: 24MSRP: see website for prices
Description:
This is the qrp version of the ZN series paddles. It offers the same quality components in a small package. The base measures 2" x 2".
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.n3znkeys.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00245
K6EH Rating: 2020-09-06
I personaly prefer this key over my $550.00 Begali Sculpture Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased this key from N3ZN while he was selling from his tailgate at the Dayton Ohio Hamfest many years back. I tried all the keys he was offering at the time, and this one had me at the 1st 'DIT' 'DAH'. I feel as if N3ZN hit it out of the park with this key. I absolutely love this key, and feel extremely fortunate to have not walked by N3ZN's tailgate without trying trying it. This one is a keeper.
VE3EGA Rating: 2019-09-26
Mine has Namplate "K4TWJ" Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was lucky enough to pu s/n 006 (Jan 08) made exclusivly by Tony with nameplate for K4TWJ (sk) of "CQ Magazine - QRP Column fame) - A pleasure to use but probably needs to return home to USA in the near future as I don't get on CW too much these Day!

I concur with others: Very Heavy Base and would probably "knock out a Bear at a Campsite" should the need arise!
KG7WGX Rating: 2018-10-29
Fantastic little key! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been looking for a reasonably small set of paddles for QRP portable operations.

I tried some aluminum things and was unhappy with variable contact resistance which actually resulted in skipped character elements.

I tried a "matchbox style" set of paddles, which had small conductors on each lever to convey the contact closure, but it turned out to have poor quality control. The small ring terminals had loose rivets and no way to tighten them.

Then I read a review of the ZN-QRP. It is quite small, compared to a typical desktop set of paddles, but it is extremely well made.

I have been using it for a couple of days now and I am very impressed. I am not a "slapper", but I imagine that style of operating would not work well. These paddles weigh just over a pound and require a lighter touch. Fortunately, that works for me just fine.

You will need to come up with a little case or box to protect this key during transport - it is not a Begali Traveler. I think that is a small inconvenience for a key with such performance.
VE3HG Rating: 2017-08-24
Great QRP Paddles Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
N3ZN donated the ZN-QRP paddles that I won at the Four Days In May QRP dinner in Dayton this year and I've waited until now to do my review. Rock solid, heavyweight but with delightfully light touch the ZN-QRP paddles are an excellent addition to my shack. I've got paddles from all the big names and here's how you tell if you got your money's worth. Hook your paddles up to a CW reader and start sending from your normal speed to as fast as you can go and check which set of paddles made the fewest errors. IMHO you'll find the N3ZN ZN-QRP paddles on a par with the big boys. This is a huge accomplishment and means better CW from you at your normal speed. Highly recommended and many thanks to N3ZN for his generous support of the QRP and CW communities.
VR2YAL Rating: 2017-07-28
Fantastic key with build quality second to none Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received this key in the mail. Upon opening, I was delighted at just how well packed the key is - absolutely no chance of shipping damage. Shipping to my QTH in Hong Kong was fast too!

Taking the key out of the box, I could feel and sense just how well it's made. Like a finely machined piece of industrial art. Like others have said before me, you just don't even want to take it out of the box to use it! Although small, it's got some heft to it so no chance of it moving on the desk. The screws for adjusting magnetic resistance and contact points are not loose and retain their tension well.

Thanks so much Tony for making this lovely key and I look forward to many enjoyable years of making contacts on it.
KJ5XF Rating: 2017-04-05
REALLY like it!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my 2nd N3ZN paddle. My first one is 10 years old (ZN-5A) and I decided that I wanted a small paddle which I could use with my QRP xcvrs when I decide to go portable. I have had this paddle for a couple of days and so far I am very impressed with the precision provided for both the contact and magnet tension. What also surprised me is that even though it is a small paddle, it is heavy enough that it stays put.

It was a seemless purchase and Tony keeps you informed along the way. If you have been on the fence, go for it! It's a nice key!!
WB2LQF Rating: 2016-08-11
Fabulous Looks, Effortless Sending Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I previously owned a ZN-SLR and adored it. As my shack matured I found need for a smaller and lighter paddle but one that still possessed that "authority" I've come to associate with Tony's products. I asked for a 1" OTO and a bright yellow base and Tony built me a masterpiece. It's now my primary key for both portable and fixed station operations. The quality and workmanship are superb. As a bug operator, the one inch OTO feels just right and I have no problem at all using the paddle in non-iambic fashion.
AA4OO Rating: 2016-03-06
Beautiful and Functional Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
What a wonderful paddle. It's size belies the fantastic feel of this key. It is tiny yet has the solidity of a much larger key. The T6 aluminum levers combined with the carbon fiber finger pieces provide for an extremely light touch. Adjustments are set and forget and don't require fiddling with a locking screw.

Tony's paint job on this little gem is fantastic as well. He used a metallic flake paint for the base, top plate and verticals that is subtle and rich.

You can get your station callsign engraved for no extra fee.

I'm super pleased.

My full review with lots of detailed photos is available at:

http://www.hamradioqrp.com/2016/03/the-n3zn-iambic-cw-paddle.html

Rich AA4OO (previously KI4PBQ)
K4YND Rating: 2015-01-14
Stunning workmanship Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my 2nd N3ZN keyer. Decided to go with the QRP model to go with the K1 on camping/ field ops.
Bad news: this is a work of art and I doubt it will ever leave the shack. Good news: the base has not moved once since I have been operating. Customers service is the best.

I'm very pleased

73
Don


WA9PWP Rating: 2015-01-04
Precision workmanship Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Ordered online, picked up from Tony himself at 2013 Dayton Hamvention. Super precision workmanship and adjustments. Operates and looks great with my lil QRP rigs!

72,
Paul WA9PWP