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Reviews For: G0NVT PB213LTSLC

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : G0NVT PB213LTSLC
Reviews: 18MSRP: 200
Description:
Ingenious spring loaded contact long arm morse key, based on the Marconi PS213. Designed and built by Phil Boyle, G0NVT
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.g0nvtclassickeys.weebly.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00185
ZL1BBW Rating: 2022-05-06
Just like a real GKA key. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As an ex GKA operator I have sought one of the keys from the station, but they are virtually impossible to find, and when you do they are astronomically costly.

I had heard of these keys and had contemplated ordering one, well eventually I did.

I contacted Phil and went on the QRY list, about three months, got a msg it was ready so sent the payment off, all remarkably easy.

The key arrived well packed and secure.

The feel of it is very very similar to the "proper" keys as I recall it, a nice easy action, the softness control at the back of the key I keep adjusted to the more solid position.

It is just nice enough that it is a piece of equipment that you feel proud to own, without a bejewelled glittering thing sat on the desk.

Its really nice to operate with, and within a few minutes I was feeling really at home using it.

The knob is quite high off the desk so will have to make a lower stick out shelf to get it in the right position for me.

To sum it up, its an absolute cracker.
NN0TE Rating: 2021-12-27
The best straight key I've ever operated Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If your looking for a straight key that's a pleasure to operate, adjust and look at - then this key is for you.

I've had many straight keys over the years but none come close to one.

Do yourself a favor, contact Phil today and get one while he is still making them.
AC9WM Rating: 2021-10-09
Amazing Keyer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Another individual said it perfectly when he wrote "This key is a functional work of art. Unbelievably smooth and quiet." If you are looking for a key this one is amazing!

He was very responsive in communication and easy to work with.
G4LNA Rating: 2020-11-07
Lovely key to use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this key for 18 months. I have a variety of other straight keys including a German Junker which is good, but the PB213LTSLC key is outstanding, I can send all day long on it and I don't get tired. It is a real arm off the table key, so it might not suit everyone.
N3GSB Rating: 2019-07-08
Elegant as a supercharged Cord Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This key is a functional work of art. Unbelievably smooth and quiet. The added base weight keeps the key firmly on the desk
The mechanics and machining are superb. I hope all you novice and experienced straight key operators have an opportunity to try one. Factoring in the quality of design, workmanship and materials this key is outstanding.

NQ5T Rating: 2018-12-02
A superb key!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Phil builds a great looking key, obviously as a labor of love. I have #158. And it is essentially a flawless working key. If there is a superlative in all of the other reviews, I agree with it. It may not be the last 213 type I purchase, but from a working standpoint, I don't see how it could be materially improved at any price. I consider the black base a plus, since you will have fewer fingerprints to worry about, and won't feel the need to buy a bag of white cotton gloves to use when handling it. It's a "CW operators key', not just something to be kept in a state of perfection under a plastic cover.

I'm going to have a bunch of other hand keys for sale at some point :-)
HL1ZIX Rating: 2018-09-10
Amazingly adjustable Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A short note on this key, followed by a link to my blog review. This key is a wonderful bargain, and I doubt the maker will be able to keep up selling these at around $200. Really, they should go for at least $300. I am very much a CW novice, but already own 3 keys. This key is a work of art. As I mentioned in my review, if this key has a slight fault, it's that it is dressed-up like a showpiece, but you'll have a difficult time not using it as your daily driver and possibly mucking-up the beautiful look of it. I have decided I am not going to care, and just enjoy using it constantly!

Highly suggest you buy one of these before the price goes up. He builds them in batches. I was 1 of 3 available, and he sold out of the other 2 immediately after I got mine (possibly due to my reviews online at QRZ and Facebook, but I'll never know). I think that Phil must just enjoy making these as a labor of love, and hasn't begun charging what they are worth.
KA0OBI Rating: 2018-08-26
Customizable straight key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As a CW operator, I am always searching for the perfect key to match my sending style. I have been using a Begali Blade and a GHD 501A mainly because I prefer the European style with the elbow off the desk.

Many of the great straight key designs have ended up in static collections and museums as operators choose a paddle for sending nowadays. I prefer the moderate speed and nostalgia of using a straight key.

The Marconi PS213 is recognized as an outstanding key design. Phil Boyle has taken that design and added significant weight to the base. He also recognized that an operator can fatigue from the abrupt stop each time the contact is reached. His solution was to substitute a spring steel tongue for the original steel one and add an adjustable spring mechanism that allows the operator to customize the key for his style of hard or soft sending. The rest of the key is true to the original design.

The PB213 is a real pleasure to use. Adjusting it was very easy. Since receiving #159 three weeks ago my ragchews seem to be getting longer and certainly more enjoyable.



KQ4MM Rating: 2017-10-12
Functional work of art Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just made the first QSO's with my PB213. The previous reviews are spot on. Its really hard to add anything but I will say it is one of the smoothest straight keys I have ever had the pleasure to operate. Once adjusted properly as stated in one review the key almost sends itself. This key is fast becoming my favorite of all my collection so far.

Signed

Very satisfied customer

Brian - KQ4MM
NH6MA Rating: 2017-08-30
great key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Best key for the price.
Need to check availability.
Worth the wait!
Not naming names, but compared against similar priced keys, this key wins. Spend a little more and you will not be sorry.
Great action makes it easy to send. Not choppy or strained.
If you like the 26003 Navy Flameproof, you'll like this key! Similar, but smoother.
Very forgiving, compared with similar priced key that needed to find 'sweet spot.'
The only problem: hard to keep the chrome clean cause I keep touching it!
thanks Phil!