As always, very nice video Stan. I always enjoy your videos. That looks like a really nice instrument. Back in the day, I used a bug, but I've never really tried to use a sideswiper. This paddle/key looks like a nice combo.....might just have to try one out! Best 73, George K2WO
I've also been a bug user since my earliest days in the 60s --- and I still prefer my DL-150 over the paddle simply because I like to "do things myself' whether it's building something, figuring out a solution to a problem or sending and receiving Morse. I hope you enjoy the paddle as much as I do. BTW, I like fairly wide spacing on my paddle because it's more in line with my bug setup. However, just for for the heck of it, I moved the tension adjustment down toward max tension and then adjusted the spacing on the SL-85 to as close as I could and tried it out. It was actually quite enjoyable to just barely touch the paddles and have it send good paddle code. Then I put it back because I just like wide spacing and at least for me, wide spacing makes it easier to transition among, cootie or paddle modes. Just a thought. YMMV. 73, Stan
I like the dual paddles on the mono arm design. My Begali Adventure Mono has become my favorite paddle. I see this base moves around a bit. I have become a huge fan of magnetic bases. I wonder if there is a way to convert this to a mag base. The price looks great. I’d prefer the cable route to the rear, from the first part of your video, it almost looked like the cable routed to the front of the base.
Yeah, the key moved a touch but I tend toward violent keying so that might have been a factor (former Navy radioman HI). Regarding the base, it's actually made of cold rolled 1018 steel so it would be adaptable to a magnet setup up. I know I mis-spoke in the video and said that it was "all brass." Sorry about that! I had a Begali single lever Adventure and I, too, was impressed with the magnetic force. Regarding the cable routing, yes, it comes out the right BUT an owner could always re-route it easily enough. That's what I especially like about this little key (along with the price, of course) -- it's all there in plain view and the owner can adjust, maintain, re-finish, repair -- or modify -- as desired. Heck, even the bearings can be purchased at your local hardware store such as True Value. 73, Stan
Steve, it's at the end of this video in green after "Further Information." Tom's email address is devoe810@aol.com and his ordering website is www.kn4yb.com -- 73
Does it look like the lever arm be reversed? I am a lefty and tend to rest my free right hand on the base of my keyer. Here, the SL85 has a lot of area to the left. If I could reverse I could also steady the base a little from sliding around, with the right hand.
Tom KN4YB builds his keys for right- or left- handedness for the same price. You might want to email him to discuss your specific needs. On the phone, he's very agreeable and a pleasure to talk to. His phone number is either on his QRZ page or on his website -- I've seen it somewhere lately.
Love your videos Stan!!!!
As always, very nice video Stan. I always enjoy your videos. That looks like a really nice instrument. Back in the day, I used a bug, but I've never really tried to use a sideswiper. This paddle/key looks like a nice combo.....might just have to try one out! Best 73, George K2WO
Just ordered one from Tom, 73, George K2WO
I've also been a bug user since my earliest days in the 60s --- and I still prefer my DL-150 over the paddle simply because I like to "do things myself' whether it's building something, figuring out a solution to a problem or sending and receiving Morse. I hope you enjoy the paddle as much as I do. BTW, I like fairly wide spacing on my paddle because it's more in line with my bug setup. However, just for for the heck of it, I moved the tension adjustment down toward max tension and then adjusted the spacing on the SL-85 to as close as I could and tried it out. It was actually quite enjoyable to just barely touch the paddles and have it send good paddle code. Then I put it back because I just like wide spacing and at least for me, wide spacing makes it easier to transition among, cootie or paddle modes. Just a thought. YMMV. 73, Stan
I like the dual paddles on the mono arm design. My Begali Adventure Mono has become my favorite paddle. I see this base moves around a bit. I have become a huge fan of magnetic bases. I wonder if there is a way to convert this to a mag base. The price looks great. I’d prefer the cable route to the rear, from the first part of your video, it almost looked like the cable routed to the front of the base.
Yeah, the key moved a touch but I tend toward violent keying so that might have been a factor (former Navy radioman HI). Regarding the base, it's actually made of cold rolled 1018 steel so it would be adaptable to a magnet setup up. I know I mis-spoke in the video and said that it was "all brass." Sorry about that! I had a Begali single lever Adventure and I, too, was impressed with the magnetic force. Regarding the cable routing, yes, it comes out the right BUT an owner could always re-route it easily enough. That's what I especially like about this little key (along with the price, of course) -- it's all there in plain view and the owner can adjust, maintain, re-finish, repair -- or modify -- as desired. Heck, even the bearings can be purchased at your local hardware store such as True Value. 73, Stan
It sure would be nice to have a link for ordering one.
Steve, it's at the end of this video in green after "Further Information." Tom's email address is devoe810@aol.com and his ordering website is www.kn4yb.com -- 73
Need link in description
Does it look like the lever arm be reversed? I am a lefty and tend to rest my free right hand on the base of my keyer. Here, the SL85 has a lot of area to the left. If I could reverse I could also steady the base a little from sliding around, with the right hand.
Tom KN4YB builds his keys for right- or left- handedness for the same price. You might want to email him to discuss your specific needs. On the phone, he's very agreeable and a pleasure to talk to. His phone number is either on his QRZ page or on his website -- I've seen it somewhere lately.
Yes it can be easily reversed I explain this in my intro video de KN4YB
Stan, is this a kit?
No. Tom KN4YB builds them in his basement workshop.
base not heavy enough!
Don't they still make the kk1
Yes. It's called the KK1-B and you can go to americanmorse dot com
I ordered one thats why I ask i am just now learning the code