Probably the best Ham Radio channel in the world. I always learn a lot by watching Dave's skilfully made episodes. Thank you Dave.
@nr3rful3 жыл бұрын
I have a Vibroplex "speed key" made circa 1961 and one circa 1971 from when I was in the service. Still use them and love them.
@genewoody71873 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed the video David. I am a retired Navy Radioman, retired in1983. in 1962, 63 & 64 a fellow RM had a keyer, he tried using it a couple times but the Communications Technicians, CTs) made him quit using it because they knew who it was sending because the dits and dahs were perfect. I was told by the CTs to dirty up my fist because they knew who was sending. I never could use a "bug" I could only use the old WWII keyers on the USS Providence CLG6.
@opticalman1jeffkeokro7415 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave another great video, I am in the process of learning CW. I always thought if you are going to be a ham your need to try out most if not all modes. I think that CW adds to the over all feel of ham radio.
@jameslewis26612 жыл бұрын
I am coming back to ham radio after 50 years away (got wife and kids now just have tolerant wife of 47 years LOL). I spent a few hours trying to figure out paddles and iambic, what they are, what is best, how do you use. Then discovered this video and ALL IS CLEAR LOL. Also discovered NO I don't need to spend $200 to $300 for a key! That was not a discussion I wanted to have with Susie. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
@bobvandevelde4 жыл бұрын
As a real beginner radio enthousiast I really appreciated this video. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm determined to get to a level where I can enjoy Ham radio up to a high level. Morse is my ultimate goal. I hope to get there some day. Thanks again!
@rickykaiden55983 жыл бұрын
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any help you can give me
@zacharydariel59823 жыл бұрын
@Ricky Kaiden instablaster :)
@leegroce2943 Жыл бұрын
Thank you sir for your excellent explanation of CW timing. I recently bought a Vibroplex Code Warrior Jr., but I have had my Bencher key which is like yours for about 45 years and I do love it. I was not aware of the fellow who makes his keys by printing them. I have been using a key from Electronics USA for at least twenty years and I enjoy it too. I also have a J-38 key that works well. I am very happy that I have found your channel. 73!
@rangersmith46523 жыл бұрын
Those dit-dah patterns are poetic feet called iambs. It becomes iambic pentameter only when it is grouped in sets of five; e.g., "We MET a MAN who LIKED to RIDE a BIKE."
@sundownsigns4 жыл бұрын
David, based on your review I bought one of these keys and I've been very pleased. It was my first experience with an iambic key and it was a good cost effective way to get that experience. Thanks! Plus, thanks for your Extra Class lessons that helped me pass the exam last month. 73...jim, WA7VVV
@stridermt2k3 жыл бұрын
thank you for the review and for giving me a quick education about keys. I just bought a K-4 straight key with the idea of learning CW, but now understand the differences between the paddle keys and what keyers do. 73 de N2NLQ
@nvrumi5 жыл бұрын
I have one of these keys sans heavy base. I'm learning Morse and will use my key for field ops. I think another with the heavy base is on the list for the home station.
@bubbajeph5 жыл бұрын
I am left handed as was my father. He taught me to 'key' with my right hand as I copy in writing with my left. Never having to drop, and have roll off, the pencil. My Bencher looks just like yours and works the same.
@docpearson4 жыл бұрын
That is the best review of The difference between keyers and paddles I have seen. Keep up the good work thank you and God bless you
@barndweller4573 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for another great video. I am in the process of trying to bring back the CW to my brain. I was a novice over 40 years ago and did a year of CW only. never got that fast about 10 words per min. I now know that I had / have some hearing issues. I now have hearing aids that allow me to feed any audio directly to my hearing aids via blue tooth and it corrects the sounds I do not hear very well. I do not know if its just because I am doing it because I want to or what but the code is coming back pretty easily and it seems easier than it did so many years ago. Wish me luck, I will be the guy on the bands going s l o w ! Please keep up the videos as long as you can, they are invaluable. Yes I do some Patron to you.
@FreeStuffGuy9163 жыл бұрын
Bill-N6EF-I bought one of the paddles with the metal base in red and black because of this video and love it. My first set of paddles was 2 brass straight keys from Radio Shack placed back to back which worked very well for many years. I still have them somewhere but use these new paddles now.
@pandorasrevelations98733 жыл бұрын
Taking CW academy now. I need a better paddle!! Thank you for your review!!
@natevanness5 жыл бұрын
Very happy with your stuff, you put a lot of time and effort into your videos and it is very much appreciated.
@frankwc0o2 жыл бұрын
I just noticed. Congrats on 100K. Well done!
@PaulTaylor1 Жыл бұрын
After your review I bought one in black, love it so far!
@fa18mhr5 жыл бұрын
Being new to HF, I really appreciated the history, technology progression, and key terminology included in your review. Straight key I knew, but a Cootie key, not a clue. OBTW - Couldn't you just remove the base from that key to use it man-portable?
@RobMacKendrick5 жыл бұрын
Sidesweepers are very popular to homebrew. Traditionally they were made from a hacksaw blade, though these days there are dozens of designs. Since the action is very simple, you can make it dirt simple or extremely fancy, as you wish.
@jimkelsall93499 ай бұрын
Thank you fine Sir! I have had my amateur radio license for nearly 20 years, originally for offroading, but I am now gaining an interest in HF and CW and looking for a key. This video was informative and helped greatly. Thank you. Now subscribed. VE6BTW.
@doloresazbill60442 жыл бұрын
Dave, you are absolutely awesome. You got me through to my technician and general licenses and now I keep coming back to learn more. You are my go to man! I am looking to buy a keyer and this was the perfect place to learn about the options! Thanks again for all the work you go to, to make HAM radio a delightful experience! KJ7TBN
@mikeemerson85635 жыл бұрын
I bought one several months ago without the base. It works well Mike. KC5BG
@edwardkerns52023 жыл бұрын
Nice clear introduction to CW keying and iambic keyers. Thanks Dave. Ed, N1EK
@JosephAnthonyJosefius3 жыл бұрын
He does make a lighter version, I just made my first QSO with it for testing, it's the pocket version and it's simply awesome. Going to use it with my KX2 when I go out. 73 de KI5JCO
@wildcardxpress5 жыл бұрын
Dave I watch and enjoy all of your videos, I just want to say I really enjoyed this one about the key
@Tommyr3 жыл бұрын
I have one of their straight keys (great key!) and just ordered a pocket paddle from them. Well made keys. Very good prices.
@drlegendre4 жыл бұрын
A terminology correction.. The single 'dit-dahhh' sequence is an iamb. Iambic pentameter is a poetical meter that comprises five iambs per phrase.
@techniq8083 жыл бұрын
Excellent video and was not expecting the keyer history lesson and was pleasantly surprised to get that additional knowledge. I think I'll know where I'll get an iambic keyer from.
@ICPolyman2 жыл бұрын
Dave, you mentioned that the cable might be defective, that when you plugged it in it would give a brief Dah or Dit ... This is due to the stereo 1/8th inch plug that has been chosen. What happens is that the Sleeve of the stereo connector, briefly shorts with the Ring and Tip as you plug it in as if you are pressing the paddles on the keyer.
@davecasler2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the poiknter.
@felinefriday48552 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this review. I needed to know if that brand is any good.
@orlandoestrada223410 күн бұрын
I want to connect a paddle key + a keyer to a straight key jack, how to do ? , thanks
@michaelbalamuth933 жыл бұрын
Nice video. You might have mentioned that for field use you can just take the Key off the steel base... only 4 bolts....
@carlsmith88502 жыл бұрын
What is the QRP rig your using in the video? Great channel!
@KU9L Жыл бұрын
I looked for the keyer but can not find it. I believe I have a straight key made in a similar way I got several years ago, but it did not come with a heavy enough base. I am just coming back from 40 years of being Rip Van Winkle in this hobby, LOL.
@jack002tuber5 жыл бұрын
Nice video, Dave! I like the idea of an iambic keyer. Should be easy on the wrist. Also QRP seems interesting. Good info here.
@MichiganMaker3 жыл бұрын
great little history. Thank you!
@usernamemykel Жыл бұрын
How is it wired (at the plug to the KEY on the rig)? Is it a plain, ordinary, 3 conductor audio stereo arrangement, or what? Many thanks!
@julioparedes49353 жыл бұрын
Excellent quality of manufacture and great smooth feeling on use. There are some similar looking Chinese paddles, very cheap in ebay, but they are terrible. I strongly recommend this CWMorse paddle.
@kendebusk25406 ай бұрын
Right or left for dits? Most seem to use left, but I learned the opposite. Is there a reason for most to do it that way as an established custom or just an arbitrary personal decision?
@r.hooper23555 жыл бұрын
Dave, Thank you for putting an excellent video together. A new general ham since May and having been thinking about maybe getting into Morse Code, though not too soon, but wondering about the different keys. And Poof, there you are answering my questions. Thank you sir!. 73 K4QJS hoop
@kc5lvz5 жыл бұрын
Nice video Dave 73
@charleszimmermann77843 жыл бұрын
My keying days are almost all over, arthritis is so bad I can barely muster a CQ with my call sign. Thanks for the video 73
@mikeklemens89705 жыл бұрын
Nice lambic paddles in custom colors!?!?! Thank you for the review Dave. Mike N6IMY
@RTOHIO2 жыл бұрын
How can a newby ham studying for the exam gain practice using a lambic paddle keyer if newby ham does not yet have a transceiver that creates perfect dits and dahs internally?
@robertshea9841 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the intro.
@frankwc0o2 жыл бұрын
What is that CW radio you demonstrated in the last part of your video?
@johnparsons55525 жыл бұрын
Dave. Good morning from Ohio. I watched your review of this product and just now place an order for it. Thanks for making this product review. 73. KC4KXL John
@rangersmith46523 жыл бұрын
The reference system IC-7300 has a keyer built into the microphone. Not exactly comfortable to use, but could serve in a pinch.
@Lehmann1083 жыл бұрын
They still make these? Wow! My did did this WWII.
@davem0udb3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave, just what I needed to understand
@davidschwartz96364 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video Dave, it answered a few questions I had. Saw the range from CW Morse in the week and was thinking about getting one, after your video I'm definitely going to go ahead and order. Certainly seem well made, really good price and made in the U.S. of A instead of China. Regards David M0XQZ
@sunkenbranchphotography99433 жыл бұрын
Very nice, was looking for an alternate for my QRP rig. I have the Bencher with the bigger plug for my other rig. AG3Z
@danbrownlegalbooks2 жыл бұрын
Dave, I am curious about the QPR rig you are transmitting into. I am an EC (AA0CB) little to no experience but I love the idea of QRP.
@davecasler2 жыл бұрын
QRP labs original QCX.
@philvittetoe53915 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave! keep em coming! /Phil
@atomikrobot3000995 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for reviewing these! I've always wondered about them on eBay!
@okhamradio3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review of this device
@jimmurphy7133 жыл бұрын
A good basic coverage of different Morse keys.
@dgr3756 Жыл бұрын
Dave... Just ordered mine today!!!...Thanks for the FB vid, ..73's Dave,k3dgr
@genebodenberger5 жыл бұрын
Straight key for me.
@johng7rwf4195 жыл бұрын
Very interesting potted history...
@MrJoergenfoged Жыл бұрын
Unusable onboard a Vessel - won't work when the Vessel is rolling / pitching in high seas - my personal experience
@richard-fy2mu2 жыл бұрын
Have you done one electronic iambic keyer? Loved one I had but I forgot name of it.
@davecasler2 жыл бұрын
The "keyer" is built into most modern radios. What looks like the key is actually called "the paddles." You connect them to the rig, turn on the keyer using the menu. The menu controls speed, has memories, etc.
@rjinnh39334 жыл бұрын
Hi Master OGIE Did you forget to mention that this key uses Brass Contacts, Stainless Hardware and 4 Roller Bearings. One top and one bottom of each paddle?
@HaleiwaSam5 жыл бұрын
Aloha and Thanks for the great video. I just happen to have a Nye Viking Paddle on sale on Ebay for Cheap, I like my Bencher a lot more. Hope you don't mind the plug. I watch all of your videos so I can stay current. Aloha and 73!
@mikeZL3XD70295 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@davecasler5 ай бұрын
Thank you for your support!
@gregnewberry48134 жыл бұрын
Nice video. I want a paddle, but the prices... Nice to know about these.
@ajameslee3 жыл бұрын
Sir wonderful video as usual! I started practicing with my Vibroplex iambic keyer and just realized my dits are on the right and dahs are on the left. I’m right handed. Should I switch them or leave it as it is? Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of other than issues with using others equipment?
@FraterAlex2 ай бұрын
At least for me, I do not like a key which I have to hold down so the metal base is a plus, even on a place I have to hike to.
@DonDegidio5 жыл бұрын
Dave, Wonder if the metal base could be removed for backpack use? WB3BJU
@davecasler5 жыл бұрын
The nuts on the screws are nylon and are designed to be difficult to remove. But I'm sure it could be done.
@DonDegidio5 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave, They appear to be just ordinary self-locking nuts. WB3BJU
@DonDegidio5 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave, They appear to be just ordinary self-locking nuts. WB3BJU
@davecasler5 жыл бұрын
Might be easier just to purchase another key from cwmorse.us without the heavy base. He has lots of options.
@gerdgroos88304 ай бұрын
So funny. Whenever David uses this keyer he has to hold it down on the table with his other hand or it would slip. So the key is not heavy enough. Why does he love it, as he says?
@claudem.p.79694 жыл бұрын
Another nice video. I bought one very satisfied. I have the Bencher but straight key. I keep it in the box so beautiful. 73 VA2SOB.
@qrptedmac4 жыл бұрын
I ordered one of these.
@N4EJM4 жыл бұрын
Great video Dave. I'm in the process of learning CW and videos like this are very informative. At first I thought I would like the straight key but after messing around with a key app for my iPhone I think I like the paddles more. 73 de N4EJM
@patrickm99534 жыл бұрын
thanks for showing
@gazalaem8 ай бұрын
What is the company name? How do I buy one?
@jackhengert1543 жыл бұрын
Dave your instructional videos are awesome and extremely helpful to a new ham like myself. Many thanks, 73s. Jack, Kj4hfn
@donarnold82685 жыл бұрын
Thank You!
@1boortzfan3 жыл бұрын
Could you do a video on how to adjust a bug?
@scharkalvin3 жыл бұрын
There was a 'double bug' at one time with two weights and pendulums that could send both dah's and dit's automatically. Probably a pain to adjust right!
@davecasler3 жыл бұрын
It seems an obvious solution, but I've never seen one.
@scharkalvin3 жыл бұрын
@@davecasler There is one in the ARRL museum in Newington Conn. A photo once appeared in QST many years ago.
@K6TJO5 жыл бұрын
Show us the rest of that equipment
@K6TJO5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this review. I am looking for a quick and quality approach to start learning cw and this looks like a good way to go. Do you see any deficiencies with that product for my goals?
@davecasler5 жыл бұрын
There are several software programs and apps out there to learn CW. I like the Koch method best.
@HFMmv3 жыл бұрын
Is there a difference in hand choice? I can send left or right should I perfect just one hang BTW I am left handed...
@davecasler3 жыл бұрын
A lot of lefties reverse the wiring on the paddles. Often the radio itself has a menu option to reverse the paddles. Use what works best for you.
@pipesmokercowboychris5 жыл бұрын
Very cool. I tried paddles once and couldn't get it down. I use a homemade sideswiper that I made myself. I'm still learn cw better. I was a 5wpm General and just barely passed. Now an Extra. 73 KA9WLU
@mikesmithg0rfd3565 жыл бұрын
thank you
@rags37114 жыл бұрын
I purchased a paddle key that you suggested. What else do I need to practice code? What makes the sound and how much does it cost. Help! SOS. That’s how much I know. NOTHING.
@TrystansWorkbench3 жыл бұрын
With a morse paddle, you need a "morse keyer". That converts the two buttons of the paddle into "dits" and "dahs". Then you need to plug the output of that "morse keyer" into a "morse oscillator". That makes the dit and dah sounds from the keyer.
@larspregge64204 жыл бұрын
u are using qcx, great hardware :D
@jimwilliamsiii5 жыл бұрын
Is there a device that would convert text typed into a program and convert it into Morse Code? And vice versa?
@davecasler5 жыл бұрын
There are a number of keyboard keyers. Receiving anything except machine-sent morse is problematic--the code is not designed for that. Hard to beat the gray matter between the ears!
@jimwilliamsiii5 жыл бұрын
@@davecasler Thank you sir!
@jimwilliamsiii5 жыл бұрын
@Franklin Lewis Thank you sir!
@jimwilliamsiii5 жыл бұрын
@@davecasler I am a big fan of Morse Code, I'm just not very good at it.
@RobMacKendrick5 жыл бұрын
@@jimwilliamsiii Easy fix: do it! It comes fast. Be sure to do a lot of live copying before your first QSO. You have to anyway to learn to take code, and it teaches you CW QSO protocol, which is unique. Since the license requirements changed, I work a lot of learners who do passably well with code, but know disturbingly little about how to conduct a QSO. You get that skill from copying ordinary (not contest) traffic. Anyway, that's how you get good at code. You copy a lot of it, and then... you do it! As often as possible. (Not hard, because it's fun and keeps getting funner.)
@yvesbajulaz4 жыл бұрын
Great explanation thx
@carolmartin70425 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Glen, N0QFT
@mabo48483 жыл бұрын
Tnx
@kuyckxandre2683 жыл бұрын
nice greets from Belgium
@roymayo43 жыл бұрын
What radio kit is that please?
@jasony.20014 жыл бұрын
What is that little QRP right you have there? I don't have any QRP and want to get into it.
@davecasler4 жыл бұрын
It's a QCX from QRP Labs
@jasony.20014 жыл бұрын
@@davecasler Thank you! Btw, I got the keyer you review. It should arrive in the mail soon!
@CrittendenIV4 жыл бұрын
Gonna have to get one. What's the radio you used? Thanks again Dave! :)
@TrystansWorkbench3 жыл бұрын
The Radio Dave was using is a QCX from www.qrp-labs.com/ It costs about the same as the morse paddle.
@ronadams95192 жыл бұрын
Can u use straight key with the QCX?
@jeffreygray93172 жыл бұрын
Dave your information on how to use a cootie is wrong. There is no dots on thumb and dash on index fingers. Cooties were developed to reduce glass arm aka carpel tunnel syndrome. The proper technique is to make the alternate finger and thumb making the needed character be it dot or dash. Plus the sideswipper when operated correctly can reach 30 plus speeds easily. The single paddle with a keyer so the dot is on the thumb and dash is on the fingers, ten speeds of 60 are possible. The single paddle key like the Begali HST are the favored key for CW speed contest. The begali HST has a switch to make it work with a keyer or as a cootie.
@BuckTravis3 жыл бұрын
👍
@stevearrowood74305 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave. I don't recognize that QRP radio but it looks interesting. Is that something you bought or a kit you built? 73 KM6VAY
@mxkody7815 жыл бұрын
It's a kit radio. It's the QRP-Labs QCX. It's a monoband, CW only transceiver. They've got a lot of great features and will only set you back $50.