Thanks for the review Charlie. I now have my CH-5030, had to pay over $30CAD but it is way sweet as a cootie/sideswiper (contacts bridged)(the flex is perfect)and super for portable. It makes a great hand key too used in sideways semi mode. The little pieces of stick-on sandpaper work to stop rotation when magnet stuck to a steel base. The paddle blade is a bit delicate and should be protected. 73 Peter
Very cool! Thanks for sharing your ideas and suggestions. I haven't made a serious attempt at sending with a cootie yet. I'll tackle that one day soon. I appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment.
Maybe the single paddle would be better. To use it as a sideswipe maybe turn on BK and turn off KYR in your ft817 quick menu, same setting for a hand key. Regards vk5cz..
Thanks for reviewing this one. I really appreciate the close up test run. It showed me that this one isn't for me. I like a hard stop when the contacts are hit and this one definitely had some flex. My dream single lever paddle is the American Morse Equipment Mini-B paddle with the leg strap. I've used a friends and it is a pleasure to operate.
Interesting - I thought a “real” “sidewinder” key had a single lever and some manner of cushioning as the lever hits the contacts. This key would fit that description as the blade exhibits some bending when it hits a contact. So other popular singles don’t get the sidewinder label (stiff lever; no cushion at contacts). Included would be the Vibrokeyer (single lever) and the Bencher single that from a distance looks like the Bencher iambic with its two-not one-clear plastic “finger blades.” Some folks seem to find the non-cushion single lever machines a bit fatiguing. A a CW beginner, I don’t know which I prefer.
For sure! I noticed that flex as well. I really want to try the Mini-B too. I have their Ultra Porta Paddle and it is pretty nice. I think I might add the Mini-B to my review list. It looks affordable and I forgot that I was indeed looking at that one to review. Thanks!
Hi Charlie. I bought this a few months ago. My experience hasn't been great. I find that if I hold the key in my hand, I can get an RF bite while touching the metal. Also, keying gets a little wonky if I am touching metal and NOT getting an RF bite. Can you think of anything I might do differently to have a better experience? Thanks for all your reviews. Steve, K3SLH
Thanks for posting this issue, Steve. I hope others see this and chime in. Your experience isn't surprising but it is disappointing. I wasn't super pleased with this paddle either, but not for these reasons. If you are like me, and prefer to hold the paddle I don't know if there is much that can be done about the "RF bite". I suppose you might explore insulating the metal with something . . . maybe an epoxy? That won't solve the issue I had with it being "spongy". That single blade is too flexible for me and causes me to send poorly. It's an ok paddle as a bridge while saving for a better paddle or making a better one.
I commend you on the comprehensive review across many categories for something so seemingly simple.
Thanks for visiting and watching, Jeff
I'm not gonna lie Charlie, your fist sounds GREAT on that little thing compared with some of the other keys! Super nice sounding
Interesting, Mike. I think I have to agree with you. Such an inexpensive paddle but it is a performer for me.
Thanks for showing us that, Charlie. See you at Xenia. 73
Hi Bill - I've been using your loaner! See you at Hamvention
Thanks for the review Charlie. I now have my CH-5030, had to pay over $30CAD but it is way sweet as a cootie/sideswiper (contacts bridged)(the flex is perfect)and super for portable. It makes a great hand key too used in sideways semi mode. The little pieces of stick-on sandpaper work to stop rotation when magnet stuck to a steel base. The paddle blade is a bit delicate and should be protected. 73 Peter
Very cool! Thanks for sharing your ideas and suggestions. I haven't made a serious attempt at sending with a cootie yet. I'll tackle that one day soon. I appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment.
Cootie keys aka side swipe keys are my fav 2 keys@RedSummitRF
I’ve always done my best sending on single lever.
Hi Jay - I find this fascinating. I am struggling with whether to get the Begali Sculpture dual or single lever because of this very observation.
@@RedSummitRF that’s a tough one and personal preference I think. Any way you can play with both for awhile ?
Maybe the single paddle would be better. To use it as a sideswipe maybe turn on BK and turn off KYR in your ft817 quick menu, same setting for a hand key. Regards vk5cz..
Hi Ian - definitely worth a try! Thanks mate.
thank you red
Thanks
Thanks Charlie - good one - i like that one - 73
It's a better one than I expected for sure
Thanks for reviewing this one. I really appreciate the close up test run. It showed me that this one isn't for me. I like a hard stop when the contacts are hit and this one definitely had some flex.
My dream single lever paddle is the American Morse Equipment Mini-B paddle with the leg strap. I've used a friends and it is a pleasure to operate.
Interesting - I thought a “real” “sidewinder” key had a single lever and some manner of cushioning as the lever hits the contacts. This key would fit that description as the blade exhibits some bending when it hits a contact. So other popular singles don’t get the sidewinder label (stiff lever; no cushion at contacts). Included would be the Vibrokeyer (single lever) and the Bencher single that from a distance looks like the Bencher iambic with its two-not one-clear plastic “finger blades.”
Some folks seem to find the non-cushion single lever machines a bit fatiguing. A a CW beginner, I don’t know which I prefer.
For sure! I noticed that flex as well. I really want to try the Mini-B too. I have their Ultra Porta Paddle and it is pretty nice. I think I might add the Mini-B to my review list. It looks affordable and I forgot that I was indeed looking at that one to review. Thanks!
Hi Charlie. I bought this a few months ago. My experience hasn't been great. I find that if I hold the key in my hand, I can get an RF bite while touching the metal. Also, keying gets a little wonky if I am touching metal and NOT getting an RF bite. Can you think of anything I might do differently to have a better experience? Thanks for all your reviews. Steve, K3SLH
Thanks for posting this issue, Steve. I hope others see this and chime in. Your experience isn't surprising but it is disappointing. I wasn't super pleased with this paddle either, but not for these reasons. If you are like me, and prefer to hold the paddle I don't know if there is much that can be done about the "RF bite". I suppose you might explore insulating the metal with something . . . maybe an epoxy?
That won't solve the issue I had with it being "spongy". That single blade is too flexible for me and causes me to send poorly. It's an ok paddle as a bridge while saving for a better paddle or making a better one.
@@RedSummitRF Spongy is a good way to describe that which noticed as well. It will be a good back up in a pinch. Thanks for all your great reviews!
have one... i named it 'Spongy,' but it works FB
hahaha that is a perfect name for it
3.5mm cable
Yup, you caught it. I said 2.5mm jack and 3.5mm cable.