Straight Key vs Iambic CW Shoot out | J37 vs Vibroplex Code Warrior Junior
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 11. 04. 2018
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J37 CW Paddle Key vs the CODE WARRIOR JR CW Morse paddle is a small iambic paddle perfect for home station or portable use.
During WWII, the Korean War, and even into the Vietnam era the U. S. Signal Corps designated many of their telegraph (Morse code) keys with a "J-" and a number. The real workhorse key during those years was the J-37. There are many more glamorous wartime keys around, but the keys that carried the bulk of the action were the J-37 keys. The J-37 key is unusual because, with the addition of different bases and connections, it became part of other more special purpose keys. All the keys shown below are based on the J-37.
Measuring only 2.5 x 3 inches at the base, this small paddle is ready to use home or away - weighs in at only 1.5 pounds for easy traveling. Magnetic return action, sleeve bearings inside each lever arm.
Vibroplex Code Warrior Juniors are the production versions of the NORCAL K8FF keys. For the first time in history, Vibroplex is offering light-weight "QRP" keys. The Code Warrior Junior keys are uniquely serial numbered and dated. With a base measuring only 2 1/2 in. by 3 in., these small iambic models are perfect additions to any QRP or home station. These keys feature magnetic paddle return and are hand-adjustable. A cord is not included.
Brand:Vibroplex
Manufacturer's Part Number:CODEWARR-JR
Part Type:Code Keys and Keyer Paddles
Product Line:Vibroplex Code Warrior Juniors
DXE Part Number:VIB-CODEWARR-JR
Code Key/Keyer Type: Iambic paddle
Jeweled Movements: No
Left Handed: No
Right Handed: No
Code Key/Keyer Lever Tensioning Type: Magnetic
Code Key/Keyer Base Shape: Retangular
Code Key/Keyer Base Finish: Black
Code Key/Keyer Hardware Finish: Brass
Code Keyer Paddle Color: Clear
Code Key/Keyer Base Width: 3.000 in.
Code Key/Keyer Base Depth: 2.500 in.
Code Key/Keyer Weight: 1.50 lbs.
Quantity: Sold individually.
I learned on a straight key in 1987 while serving in the military. Mine is set up as a leg key.
I think you did this exactly right: by starting on an iambic key, you learned what accurate Morse code sounds like, and you almost immediately had a decent fist when you switched to a straight key. I think you could benefit from working a bit on your dits, though - thinking of dits as "as fast as you can go" doesn't sound good. Some of those dits wouldn't be readable at all in a low s/n contact.
My grandfather gave me his J-37, from when he was in the Signal Corps. This was when I was around 13 years old. Wish I'd kept it - those things are fetching ridiculous prices. I've been looking for one on eBay recently, and have had to abandon each one when it went over $40.
But anyway, I remember even as a 13-year-old, appreciating the precision of these keys. The throw, the tension, and even the bearing preload are all adjustable, and they are very satisfyingly solid. There is no hint that it could even possibly move in any way but directly up and down. ` I don't think I could keep my hand one of those MFJ (Ameco) straight keys for five seconds, because my hand would recoil from the feel.
Back to eBay now - I really want one of these.
Hey thanks for the nice comment Jim. Yeah I think it worked out I went from iambic to straight. Having a lot of fun now on straight key.
I grab the top knob with the first two fingers and thumb. I do not just tap down on the knob as you are. That may help.
Understood. I will experiment with different styles. This was pretty much first time.
Love the reference to Ralphy's decoder message in the Christmas movie.
Larry VA3NU a crummy commercial? Son of a
I have had a Vibroplex Code Warrior Jr. for years and it has served me well. I think some of your criticism of the CWJr. were cheap shots. I have never needed a strain relief but it would be easy to add one. A cable strain relief with a little adhesive would attach it to the side of the base just as you have done with the J37. If the CWJ is sliding around, cleaning the feet with some alcahol and making sure the surface it is sitting on is clean. Wiping the surface down with alcahol is a good idea. All of the adjustment screws have lock nuts. If these are secure the adjustments should not change. There is a CZcams modification to the CWJ adding some #8 washers and screws that improve its operation. Iambic and straight keys each have their place. I would like to see what other owners of the Code Warrior Jr. think. 73's.
Neat video. my only thought is the sound of the tapping is distracting, try putting on headphones and turn them up. Did you ever find a solution to the strain relief and the lack of stability?
Go to Wal-Mart and get some "easy liner", and place a 6 inch square piece under the paddle and it won't move around so much. Or look in the kitchen cabinets and you might find some you can "borrow."
Yeah, I think I know what you mean, that stuff in kitchen drawers. Great idea!
I leave the feet on the paddle and it works fine for me. Love your videos.
Your straight key board is not correctly sized. It should extend further in the front of the key -- to resist the downward force which will stop that tipping. Just cut another base!
I rarely use my paddles, being a member of the SKCC. I have several straight keys but almost only use the one I made. See my QRZ page for a pic. WB2SMK. Have fun with your 'new key', Tommy!
I think you are correct sir! Thanks for the tip.
You are correct Mark!
You could also use the same board, just move the key flush with the back instead of centered front to back.
You should mount a straight key on a _big_ piece of wood. It may not look pretty, but you can rest your forearm on it and it won't scoot around.
Agreed.
Those plastic anti-slip mats (for car dashboards) work wonders for dramatically increasing the friction and avoiding the paddle to slip on a flat surface.
Agreed!
I have several straight keys I have accumulated over the years, as well as paddles. My favorite is the Navy Flameproof straight key. I know people have different styles to send on a straight key. I have found that having the smallest gap possible and keeping my hand off the desk works best for me. I sort of just have all of the action on my wrist instead of my fingers. I rarely use any of my paddles or bug that I have. Thanks for sharing the video! Tony - W6VFW
ConjuntoFan thanks for comment I'll try that. Wish these keys weren't so expensive
I've watched training videos and it is all in the wrist/forearm to avoid fatigue. Using a straight key is hard to get the timing correct. I try by listening to correct code and mimicking it character by character.
I've never heard a Morse key described as "ghetto." *lol*
I dont remember aaying that that's odd of me. Oh well lol
@@hamradiocq haha You said it a couple of times, actually.
He meant the way of the base plate and the cable constrainer was made.
If you notice the difference (i would say the problem) in the paddle key is that, it is allow you to do dah-tit without release the first finger, thus in some moment your both fingers are pushing the keys. It is deceitful faster but there is noticeable pitch-change in the sound when you are doing this, which is more - dahtit then, dah - tit. So you have to listen more for pitch changes then real stops in the intervals in the words, which can't be happen with J37. Thus making messaging with J37 more clear. The technic with J37 is not to push with the fingers, but with your wrist. Hold the key, keep your hand relax, then push down with your wrist. Or you will get tired very soon. GLHF.
And btw ye, one more pros. With paddles you can not messaging on the move, but with J37 you can ;)
Thanks for the interesting comment!
Your rite it's all about the sound not the timing
Dylan nalyD yeah I noticed I'm doing an imitation in my head
Funny I have the same paddle. I think a non-slip surface will help some with the movement. I did have the same problems with it becoming misaligned fairly often.
Remember to practice your U's when going through the alphabet with your straight key :). It is a bit hard to hear the code through the 7300's keyer I had to crank up the volume a bit. Now I'm feeling thirsty for some reason.
Pretty good code for such a short time practicing! I hear guys all the time that send dits, dahs and something in between. Or they change the length of their dahs within the same letter. Or they send something that just isn't even a letter.
I know right!
Ah the joys of a young mind, you picked up the straight key pretty darn fast and accurate. There are guys on the air "seasoned" ops that sound like they have two left hands. coining the phrase from dancers with two left feet. ha ha. great learning tool thanks for sharing. ECF
Ha! Thanks Ellis, that just means someday I'll have an old mind. yikes
I think it helps getting the timing right when you drop your wrist on the dah's. Try it. 73 de ON2HF
73 haha had a feeling you'd send that as soon as I heard "Be..."
Sounds like you are off to a great start! I love the idea of learning the alphabet that way! Oh yeah, you keep costing me money and we're gonna have to break up!...lol oh yeah...73!
Ron C my mom said you are a bad influence and we can't play anymore
lol...I'll be on ebay all day now....
Sounds good, Tom. I notice that you have a SKCC number. If you enjoy using that J37, try to get involved in some of their activities-youâll find a great bunch if straight key and bug ops. Weâll have a table set up in Building 4 at the Dayton Hamvention, and Iâll be on duty both Friday and Saturday, from 11 to 1. Stop by and say hi. 73
Do that straight key justice and mount it on a 1/4" brass plate. Bencher paddles have a strain relief and they stay put at almost 3lbs. I made several 1/4" 3x5 brass bases for my speed-x keys that I got on sale from AES before they got swallowed up by HRO! They don't make these Nye-Viking keys any more. First key I got as a kid was a J-38 key for $1.00 at a thrift store! I keep that on the original base. I got the brass from online metals but you'll have to drill and tap them yourself (think 6-32). They are heavy enough to stand up to operation without problems if you put a non slip base on them.
Add a heavy base under your Iambic, and attach the cable tensioner to the side, just like your straight key.
Yep
Too funny! 73
Maybe you could make yourself another block, similar to the one you made for the straight key, and mount the paddle key, complete with strain protection, in the same manner. Just a thought.
Carl Jackson I hear ya.
Mine sits on a small square of rubber kitchen drawer liner. Never moves now.
I have the code warrior paddle and two of the issues can be solved by getting some soft rubber feet for the paddle. This entails drilling and tapping the base from the underside and affixing rubber feet . You could also drill one other hole for a strain relief . This of course will not go all the way through the base . Its unfortunate that you would have to fix a key that you just bought . The feet that it comes with are hard almost a plastic texture which makes for an unpleasant experience. I bought the warrior to work portable and it's ok for that. For my main station I have a bencher by-2 that I bought second hand which is worlds better than the warrior.
Yeah, thanks for the advice and nice comment. Hopefully it will help many people.
I have a bug, straight key, Iambic key side by side. I love them all. VE6CGX (ham since 1960)
Looking at your call sign you must be Extra class? And learning code now? You have to use your arm and wrist on a straight key. Moving fingers only will get you tired quickly. 73.
Yeah you don't know me that well, I learned code long ago, but ham radio is not the only thing I do in my life. it's much richer than that. So, I'm always learning.
I had one career for 40 some years except in the service as a signal man. At present playing with QRP SDR. At 81, I can still send and copy in the head on any type of key/keyer. You are right on that, life is endless learning. Stay healthy and GL, 73.
Great job with those keys om. I will try ovaltine to be as good, yo đ€
Ha! Richard you got it. Thanks for watching.
Wondering why you are apparently using a STEREO plug with a straight key. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but only two terminals need to be connected on a straight key, and so a MONO audio plug can be used. Anybody?????
Thanks!
This video was taken a long time ago, I'm not sure now. Tnx for watching.
You are correct
Now try sending to a morse decoder with the J37 I think you'll find it interesting ; ) Oh I'm a Nestle's Nesquik fan myself HI HI 73
CD S ha ha thanks for comment
Yeah. So much for the people who say that it's easier to send than receive! Always gives me a chuckle.
I set all key bases on Rubbermaid drawer liner. Very tacky and stops sliding.
Nice!
I have CP and have been "cheating " with a keyboard I like CW because well you don't actually hear me (voice) and I was thinking about making the jump to a key and maybe not all the time just to say or know I can do it if I need too useful to know was cruising Ebay and saw a j37 TU fer the info As for your message I too was a quick fan 73 KD2RVW
Hey, Mike. Nah you're not cheating. Use a Keyboard if you choose. I like my J37. Git you one!
Working with straight key is real fun. "be sure to drink your ovaltine hi hi " Love your channel and looking forward new vids. 73 de Dirk PA2C
DirkPA2C hahha thanks that was a reference to Ralphie in Christmas Story
Answered my question if someone could decipher what you're sending on a straight key without it connected to anything. You're 599...quietly. :)
Great Really.
Instead of adding weight to the straight key, why not just screw (glue) it more towards the back? Itâll reduce the lever effect. (But, hey! Iâm really not a specialist!)
worth a try. : )
Hiâ€ïžâ€ïžâ€ïž
Get a wide piece of plastic to loop around wires and screw down with that center screw like it was original made. A tie strap can be split and washer used to holdd it down. Yah you are a beginner.
Kind of rude, but ok.
@@hamradiocq you can look for parts online from manufacturer or stores. Search nylon cable clamp etc.
@@hamradiocq try Bencher since they list parts online in pdf's.
10:15 where is U? ))
I like my keys tight
Your fingers are not positioned well on the straight key which is not helping you. I stopped using a bug key forty years ago and went back to a straight key.
ok
my grandad gave me his skills on morse. you are dancing with a lady. lose rhythem and you will lose her. he came out with nonsense i thought in my young years. too true.
Nice comment.... dancing with a lady. : )