Stainless Steel Unbranded Morse Code Paddle
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- I call this paddle the "Stainless Steel Unbranded" for short. It has no official name or brand. It will show up on most shopping sites as the "stainless steel cw morse key telegraph key paddle key with magnetic base". This is a decent option for somebody looking for an affordable, relatively durable CW paddle.
This paddle on Amazon: amzn.to/3L1KEqx
This paddle on AliExpress: es.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
This paddle on EBay: www.ebay.com/itm/-/353762265820
CW Hotline: hamradio.solutions/cwhotline/
Anker Power Supply: amzn.to/3gu1NLv
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#MNHR #HamRadio #SOTA #CW #MorseCode #PortableRadio - Zábava
Purchasing a metal block sold to craft stampers as a base really made this key an outstanding CW paddle. The magnets are strong and really don't want to let go. Best CW key for the price, imho.
Sounds like a nice way to lock it down in the shack. Agreed these are very affordable and a good price for what you get.
I'm not familiar with that block, can you explain where I might find one?
@@NGinuity Hobby Lobby sells them as a "steel bench block" or "steel stamping block." Amazon has them too, some with a rubber non-skid cover on the bottom.
@@NGinuity Hobby Lobby sells them as a "steel bench block" or "steel stamping block." Amazon sells them as well.
I bought mine in September 2022 from Amazon. It included a cable, a hex key, and a wrench. I have used it for POTA every couple of weekends. I really like it! The magnet is super strong. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Nice it hear that, David. It's so inexpensive you almost can't go wrong. Have fun with it!
Another fine review Charlie, I'm really enjoying this series. Keep'm coming 73
Thanks Jose, will do!
Thanks for another great review Charlie. I was thinking about recommending this paddle for some folks new to CW, but didn't have a point of reference, so your timing is perfect! And for those new to CW, the translated code = "This is a gud (good) first paddle 72 (QRP op sign off / secret handshake)"
Haha thanks for the the translation and I'm happy about the timing! Good deal!
Thanks for the review! Matches my experience perfectly- I bought one of these from Amazon and have really enjoyed it. I am just getting into CW and didn’t want to spend a lot on a key until I knew I was going to be doing a lot of CW, and for that it has been perfect. No issues, and have found it to be quite sturdy. I actually like the machined steel esthetic, so I give it at least an A- for beauty… :-)
I can see your point of view on the beauty and I'm happy to hear our experiences match. It really is a good one for the cost. It proves you don't always get what you pay for. Sometime you get more!
G;day Sir - well i was real happy to see this paddle show up - i picked one up from amazon when i thot about trying sota and pota after meeting Jesse -- im an ole straight keyer but wanted sumthing small and not too expensive to pack --- once i kind of got used to the paddle part - i got no complaints at all - i love the look and lines -- easy to hold or secure - and once i figured out how to adjust it -- i was off to the races - i worry a mite about the lil plastic housing the cable goes into but all in all happy as a tick with it -- thanks for reviewing it for us 73
That is good feedback. It sounds like you have about the same experience and opinion as I. Glad it's working for you.
Fantastic review ♡ thank you!😎👍
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your reviews. We bought one for doing Sota - for the price it didn't matter if we lost it! We feel it works very well and actually found we really like it! So its our backpacking key. Right, the magnets are very strong - it wont slide around while you are trying to send. Ours came in a plastic case with a cord and a wrench to adjust the paddles. We feel its a great little key.
Great! I know a lot of people have been pleased with it.
I like that morse paddle! 😎
Me too! It performed well in my field tests.
Thanks for cluing me in. I will just keep using my ugly (beautiful to me) homebrew paddle. Love watching a Lefty...I run my dits and dahs backwards but that is how I learned and I am stuck with sending that way.
Nothing wrong with homebrew at all. I love mine! It's hard to change the way you learn isn't? I've tried. ugh
Paid 35 with free shipping. Got it it in two weeks. Just like yours but i got an Allen wrench. Magnet is extremely strong. Put a metal plate on to a one inch dowel and stuck the paddle to it. I am tempted to buy another one. The price has increased though to 45 dollars. Inflation. Well worth it! Glad to see you have it on your channel. 73
Glad to here the positive experience. It's a great buy for sure.
Nice review, thanks! I have been thinking about building a setup for SOTA/POTA/portable with something like a clipboard with the radio lashed down, a pace of the notebook, and the paddle. With this, I could just stick on one of those steel squares you put on the back of your cell phone for the car magnet. Then the magnet on this would do the rest. Interesting.
Sounds like a really good plan. I think it will work out great the way you intend to put your station together. Good luck! Hope that key works out for you.
I paid about $45 for mine and it took damn near a month to get to me. Other than that, I love it. I'm new to CW and especially to Iambic Keys, so this one is super nice to learn with. Some year I'll have a Bencher, but until then, this one works just fine.
Yup. It is a very popular paddle. Great price and solid function.
Пользуюсь таким уже... Уже, наверное больше года. Точнее, где то года полтора. Очень понравился. Лёгкий, хорошо крепится на металлический корпус трансивера или на стальную площадку. Манипуляция чёткая. "Отскок" резкий. По мне, так очень удачное изделие, для работы в полевых условиях.
Единственно, что я бы предложил для усовершенствования, это покрыть слоем вспененной резины ручки - что бы было комфортнее работать при отрицательных температурах.
73/72!
Вспененная резина - отличная идея. Да, я согласен, что это очень хороший весло по цене. Есть так много недорогих весла, которые не стоят того, чтобы их покупать, даже если они очень недорогие. С другой стороны, это очень хорошая цена. Это отличное весло для выступлений. ГЛ эс 72
thank you
Thanks for watching Mike
Just bought one, adjusted it, and gave it a bash on the bands, price,construction and operational first class.
Hi Lynda - very nice! Yes, it's exceptional for the price. Thanks for your comment.
The 3.5mm jack board popped right off the first key I'd purchased. It's a weak solder pad type connection. I'd be surprised if the replacement doesn't fail similarly since that point is under strain when a cable is connected. For that alone I'd downrate durability. I'd give the mounting an A since the magnets are very strong and hold well to a steel plate. The plastic box it comes in is nicely protective and portable. For about $44 it's a puzzling nice mix of robust and fragile, but I'd bring a backup.
Fair enough. I love your last sentence. It hits the nail on the head.
Great review. I nearly bought one a short while ago, but couldn't get over how fugly it is. And with those slots cut in the paddles it doesn't look like it's nice to use. Ended up spending a bit more and getting the BaMaKey TP-III; 100% a good decision! 73 de M3KXZ
Totally agree about investing more if you can. TP-III is my top choice above all other paddles! Good decision.
Thanks for the review. I think it looks great, and maybe if they add a carry handle you could use it to carry your rig! :D
Definitely! Kinda like those magnet cranes that lift junk cars up 😂. Thanks Dennis!
Did you notice that the paddle handles (the part you touch) are actually part of the circuit? The handles are floating and connected to the Tip and Ring circuits. Likely not an issue for most people, but if you happened to have a 1950-60s era vacuum tube electronic keyer with hundred of volts on the Dit and Dah circuits (LOL), then you'd get a shock. Also, if the keyer inputs were particularly high impedance and the operator were particularly sweaty and grounded, their fingers might complete the circuit. Just a point to notice.
Haha I didn't that the paddle handles were part of the circuit but somebody else pointed it out to me a while back. The vacuum tube electronic key sounds like it could ruin your day. Good thing most people don't have that gear anymore, or at least, those that do understand the risks. Thanks!
Another thought on paddle change, might be to dip them in the liquid plastic material used to refurbish old pliers and put a rubber like grip on them. Plasti-Dip, I believe it is called, and a bit pricey, so may want to already have some around already before going to that trouble. Guessing it best to remove and dip each paddle individually.
Hmm. Interesting thought 🤔
I bought one from Amazon; use it for POTA. I found if I press on the top of it, it tends to stick and won't send dits and dahs properly. Maybe mine just needs adjustment. Also, trying to hold it in my hand causes random dits and dahs. Usually a good key otherwise.
This is some interesting feedback. I've actually had this same problem with other keys on occasion too. And yes, I had the same experience with random dits and dahs but it may have been for different reasons. Sounds like you are figuring it out.
I just got one from amazon. I guess I paid more, but it did come with a cord (woo hoo, lol). This is my first paddle, I have been using a straight key. its a little hard to get used to, but I do like the uniform sending you get with a paddle.
That's cool you got a cord! That IS one nice thing about the paddle, the uniform sending. Hope you enjoy this paddle.
@@RedSummitRF
Like playing the piano, "spot practice." Pin down a particular problem that you keep messing up on. Then slow down the speed until it's slow enough for you to send cleanly. Then keep increasing the speed a little at a time until you can send it cleanly at your desired speed.
On a tangent, use "de" before your callsign, and spacing between words to help you be understood.
I really think you should review the N3ZN keys. I personally have one and it’s so nice in my opinion. I personally own the ZN-9A paddle which is currently out of stock, but the ZN-9+ is available at the moment. They are costly, but I put them in the gold standard category. Beautiful paddles.
Hi Paul - I agree his paddles are really well made. I'd love to review one but haven't been able to locate one he makes that is portable. Maybe a new series at some point is in order that doesn't focus solely on portable paddles?
@@RedSummitRF yeah I realized that the one I mentioned is somewhere around 3.5lbs which is definitely not in the “portable” category haha. Yeah I’d love to see them one day on the channel. They are exceptionally made, and mine is from another ham. They hold up really well!
I think this is more of a POTA key. Using the polarity switch I can flip it upside down and it fits perfectly under my FT-991A. I used it for a while as my primary to get the feel. I use 2 layers of manila folder and the magnets are not too strong. For $100 less than a lot of the keys out there, it does just fine at the normal 20WPM SOTA/POTA speeds. Holding it while sending is not good. If the bands are dead, you can always do some magnet fishing on the way home. Thanks for reviewing it. KL7QT
Good points! Thanks for sharing. And that's pretty funny about the magnet fishing LOL! Thanks for dropping the note!
I tried this per your suggestion (putting it under my FT-991A) and felt a burning on my fingers when calling CQ!!!
Have you ever experienced this?
nice review! i would like to buy a cheap paddle to start. Do you recommend this stainless steel model or the Chinese model uni-730a? Thank you!
I guess it depends on whether this paddle will be one for portable ops or for your shack. All of the paddles I've reviewed are made for portable ops. For that case I think the stainless steel model is a good first paddle. If you are operating from the shack with it then I'd go with the uni-730a over this one. For POTA ops or anything close to a car I think the argument could go either way. Thanks for the inquiry.
@@RedSummitRF thanks for the answer!73
Got mine aliexpress $30 with good cable. I'm a beginner, practising& learning and can't afford the big names..yet!!..
I've spaced paddles to about paper thickness..is spacing a personal preference or what would you recommend..cheers 73...
Hi there and thanks for the note. Glad to hear you are starting your journey. I wish you all the success in getting on the air. Spacing is a personal preference. And I think that preference changes over time. It is not as important at slower speeds, but as you start sending faster you tend to want the spacing a little tighter. If you are comfortable with that spacing you have, carry on! If you are having trouble, back it off just a bit.
Putikeeg, they seem to be good paddles. A little noisy but they seem to be pretty ok, and inexpensive.
They have become quite popular, I think because they are inexpensive, durable and compact. You're spot on. Thanks
The magnets hold it solid to the base of my FT-991 and works great EXCEPT it feels like I'm getting RF burns or something on my finger when I'm calling CQ!! I really didn't expect that.
Has anyone else ever done this and experience the burning sensation on their fingers?
I think I saw a few other comments in this video with similar reports. Crazy! Somehow the RF isn't going to ground on some radios.
@@RedSummitRF I haven’t experienced it since. I tnink it was poor grounding and a lot of reverse current from a high SWR on 160m
The jack pcb looks like the weak link. Maybe cut a piece of plastic and put small bolts and washers for wire connections
Yes - I think that would be a good solution. Good idea. Thank you for posting here for others to see. Maybe somebody will try it.
Looks very nice, but cant tell if its hard to hold without sending inadvertent dits and dahs,
Well, I have a video I just released showing me activating a summit, holding these paddles the whole time. See czcams.com/video/5JAwg26IngU/video.html at about 15:30. I think holding them works great. You do have to be careful not to pin the paddles closed but not difficult to avoid that.
Thanks Charlie,
I’ve just had some challenges with my American Morse keys, and this one looks tight at first glance. I did see you using the key during the activation video, just know you are much much better at CW than I, lol. For the price, this one does look pretty cool, and I’m betting one could probably change out the non metallic pieces.
Sorry to hear about the AM Keys. Hope it's something that can be resolved. Good price for these, yes! And yes, those hex standoffs probably could be replaced if they break or wear out, but not with metal replacements. They need to be plastic/nylon or some other insulated material or there will be a constant short of the paddles.
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Nick1 second ago
Hi Charlie, new to Amateur Radio and learning CW. Yes, bought 1 off ebay. Mine has all steel hex pillars... I was able to adjust the tension on the paddles by carefully removing one hex pillar at a time and gently pushing paddle outwards to stiffen it up.. then repeated on other side. Fiddly yes but it works. We'd all love high end paddles but one can go crazy on tge wallet. For the money I think their well worth it before splashing out more. I bought a 2nd one which I intend to dustproof and use as a project for parts. It is possible to hold it in one hand and operate it but care needs to be taken not to short it to the point that you send errorneous dits and dahs... For those that like to experiment these would also be a good project platform to cannibalise.
Appreciated the video.
Hi Nick - thank you for the information. It's helpful and I hope others remember to read the comments as I have suggested in later videos. There have have been some great comments like yours that others would benefit from. Thanks again.
Hello love your youtube channel .
What did you set ur paddle spacing at .
I just purchased one like that would like to use it on my 1st pota outing thanks .
Ki6pxv rod.
Hi Rod and thank you so much for your support. I usual set the spacing fairly tight. I received a metal strip from Begali and us it as my spacing guide. I know some people use a piece of paper or card stock. This "short" of mine on the topic might be worth a look: czcams.com/users/shortsTxWtPN8aO5c?si=se3PHQxsHgX46Amc
Thanks again and GL!
Nice evaluation Charlie!. I think you were forth right with your opinions and ratings.At first I thought the two white posts were nylon insulated posts? as was the plastic board? in any event it looks like a nice little paddle for the money. Thanks for sharing. 72 de Ellis WA1RKS
Glad you enjoyed it Ellis and thanks for your comments!
TeamReplay for the win!
beep beep beep beep beep beep
Hi Hi beep beep beep 😂
Is there a recommended orientation for which side does dits and dahs?
The default is dahs on the right. I think people just do what is most comfortable but the majority keep the dah on the right. I decided to learn with the paddles set to the default too, even though I'm left handed.
@@RedSummitRF thanks for the explanation, sir. Have a great day!
👍👍
Thanks
Where to buy the sound box from?
If you are referring to the CW Hotline box I left a link in the video description.
CW Hotline: hamradio.solutions/cwhotline/
This is a cheap copy of the N0SA design,one of the best set of paddles ever made.Larry occasionally makes them in very limited in production.
Larry's paddles are great! I have two N0SA paddles. Thanks for you comment.
@@RedSummitRF I have the portable version that you own,and a desk version Larry made.Unfortunately,I’ve put my Begali and N3ZN paddles aside,and work primarily with the N0SA paddles nowadays.They have an action,or feel to them,like no other I’ve used.I will give some Scheunemann Morestasten paddles a try in the future,though,to be absolutely certain.
@@redman840 Now that is saying something there! I have a Bergsiek-Mortenson but haven't been able to use it yet because it was sent without screws to attach the acrylic paddles. I need to pull out the N0SA again, now that I've ran through a bunch of others and decide for myself. Cool that you like them so much.
Wonder if they come in gold 🤣
haha actually that would look pretty cool, fake gold plated. Equivalent to a gold front tooth! gangsta grill cw 🤘.
@@RedSummitRF absolutely. Spinning magnets. Nickname it the the ol 6 fo
LOL...doesn't Bengali keys come in the same plastic container? That thing is huge and looks like it was carved out a solid hunk of steel.
Kyle, you're right it kinda does but I like the industrial/utilitarian look of it personally. I also like the strength of the magnets and Charlie's FT-817 demo. If my Radio Adventures paddle breaks again this could possibly be it's replacement.
LOL! Never purchased a Begali but that's a bit presumptuous of the manufacturer if they copied them! It IS a bit chucky.
I got one coming because I saw it on eBay and liked it. Hope it’s not a POS
Haha. I think it's pretty good for the price. Not a POS in my opinion.
I got one from eBay. I found that the left paddle (dit) was about 1/8 of an inch lower than the other one, and it was badly mounted. It showed up-down play and rotated slightly when pressed. I disassembled the unit and found that one of the plastic ball bearings was broken and the balls were missing. I found that the ball bearings are flimsy. The bearing shafts are rectangular and are pressed into the hole of the bearing using a small plastic tube to make up for the gap. This design is amateurish. I will ramp up my mini lathe and turn the shafts closer to round. I will replace the flimsy plastic ball bearings with Delrin inserts with zero gaps and I hope that I can finally use this otherwise quite impressing dual paddle key.
Yes, it certainly is an amateurish design. Still, it was worth the cost when I purchased it for a field paddle. The improvements you mention sound promising. I'd like to know the results. Thanks.
Vy intresting channel ! i suscribe ! 73s de IK1LBL
Thank you so much, Mario! I looked at your QRZ page and also found a couple blogs you used to manage. You were a DXer (or still are)?
@@RedSummitRF Hello, Charlie ! Yes I'm still on the business :-) but too busy to keep running blogs or whatever online.
I like very much the CW and is my main operating mode, just these days with springtime coming I consider buying a new QRP rig to do some outdoor activities, surfing CZcams I find your video, so I have already ordered the little Chinese paddle hi I don't want to use outdoor one of my main paddle.
So! Best 73s dude, cuagn Mario IK1LBL
Very smart to keep you elegant paddles in your home. I think you will like this one. I don't see you in my log so far . . . maybe some day!
@@RedSummitRF Yep ! i hope pretty soon ! Band condx are the more and more favorable, the new solar cycle can give to us a lot of fun ! And now i wait for more videos from you :-) ciao from Italian Riviera