My favorite key is a UR5CDX CT755 single lever paddle in cootie configuration. My favorite use to be the Czech SK. I just got the Putikeeg SK, as a back up portable key, after viewing your video. It is a very nice solid SK. I find my arm gets very tired while using the magnetic Putikeeg ST, much more so than using the Putikeeg dual paddle key, in cootie style, portable for POTA. It is my favorite Portable key with my QMX mid range transceiver and my Yaesu FT 857d. Thanks for the great videos. Gary, KG4SFB.
@@kg4sfb The magnetic aspect can definitely be adjusted very strong. So far I keep the magnetic part very very light. Mike adjusted it once and I didn't realize it. He likes it strong and I felt like I could barely press the key down 🤣🤣 I look forward to trying more of a side motion straight key! 73, Becky es Mike
Becky, I loved your review and great explanation of the key setup. I love my Putikeeg key! My favorite operating position is ROTA, or Recliners On the Air 😊. Works great with a lap desk!
Thank you! I (Becky) have always preferred the straight key and good catch on the reverse of Putikeeg. We were aware of it but wondered if anyone would comment about it. Pretty clever 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
Awww thanks for the kind words! We really love the CW community and it's definitely a labor of love, but we really do enjoy sharing the fun! 73, Becky es Mike
My favourite ...my next key! The J38 awesome....Hi-mounds are awesome too ....8 amp keys....I like the old school keys 73. I even made from bits I found at the hardware store!
That's a great answer and so far has been true for me as well. My new favorite will probably be whatever I get next! I am definitely interested in getting or trying a J-38 and some type of single paddle / cootie / or bug. Just more fun ways to push a button😊 73, Becky es Mike
Great video, Becky! I love it that you've decided to stick with the straight key. I, too, have a CW Morse camelback key and it was my first key. I love it for the reasons you mentioned. For me, it is the only straight key I need partially because I love using and now have all four kinds of keys (straight, cootie, bug, and paddle) in my shack. To answer your question, my favorite key used to be the cootie. Now that I use all four keys, rather than have a favorite, they all play a role and that depends on where I am operating and with whom. My paddle is for POTA and my code buddy QSOs with Caryn. My bug, straight key, and cootie are for my other code buddy QSOs as well as SKCC QSOs or just calling CQ. So many options, so little time, right? I love your challenge to Begali - hope they send you something fun to review for the rest of us.
Thanks Teri! I've tried out both a cootie and bug key but with very limited time at hamfest so I wasn't really able to get a feel for them. And I agree about having a favorite ... I think it's whatever one I'm on is my favorite at the time😊 Let me know if you have any inside connections with Begali 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
My first straight key was from CW Morse. Looks similar to yours. I had to get a different knob because the edges of the one it comes with was irritating my fingers and I developed callus on one of my fingers. It was no longer comfortable. I’m sure I was not holding it correctly but I was sent a navy knob for it and it made such a huge difference. My sending was enhanced. Now I enjoy a Begali Spark (used but in pristine conditions). Merry Xmas 🎄
Hey Lidi!! Very good point on how changing the knob can really make a big difference based on feel and preference. I need connections with someone at Begali HiHi !! Happy Holidays to you and your family as well 🎄 73, Becky es Mike
Great video Becky. As you probably know, I bought the Putikeeg paddle at Mike's suggestion, and it's the one I use most of the time now. Keep the video's coming. Merry Christmas to you and your family. John
Thank you John and Happy Holidays to you and your family as well. Mike's good experience with his paddle is what made me consider their version of a straight key to try out. We both really like them! 73, Becky es Mike
🤣Yep, purple is definitely our favorite color. Too bad Putikeeg didn't put out a purple key or that would have been my choice for sure! And credit to JoeBrett (@K5YVY) for the purple ICOM rails!! 73, Becky es Mike
Great video, thanks for keeping CW alive with traditional straight keys. There are many keys I hope you can explore in the future, The action will differ as well as annoying clicks, All keys are not equal in this regard, I love near silent keying and it makes it much more enjoyable, The CW Morse keys are excellent in this regard, Putikeeg keys are well-made but I find the click a little loud to my liking, I guess it is a personal preference, the same goes for sidetone volume as well as pitch, yes gap is important as well and a super close gap is not always the best for a smooth SK Rythm you have to find your sweet spot as well as the tension like you mentioned. , I see way to many utube videos with blaring sidetone levels and pitches sky high, the brain and ears can quickly be over loaded . I would also mention CW morse Inc. has the same cable inputs as the Putikeeg now and no longer makes the split cable option. I would also recommend you check out using side keying with a bug or heavy paddle by just keying in one direction using the dah side, you can set the tension on a bug on the dah side to feather lite even if it is a spring, same goes for the gap. super easy to adjust to your preference. You will find it is a game changer, and you can qso for hours and never get tired, I rarely do up and down keying these days unless out in the field, Yes you can use a bug as a straight key easily and go back and forth from bug mode to straight key mode on the fly. Side swiping or true Cootie keying is different in the aspect you will have to train your brain for that and will take some practice for most hams, but a great keying style if you can get it down. The CW morse new cable input is universal so you can use a mono or stereo cable or plug now on all his keys works well with both older rigs as well as modern menu rigs, I hope you will also explore more QSOs, POTA is great and even some contests, especially the SKCC group that send CQ SKCC daily as well as the weekend Sprints they often run , you will hear CQ WES, they are the same group. Easy to join and download and print out your assigned SKCC number for life, also no charge or fees to be a member, There is also a lot of conversational slower code in the old Novice segment on 40 meters, hope you will join in, 7.110 to about 7.125, great place to go if the band is crowded especially during contests, Of course 30 meters is also great as well. Thanks again for your videos 73 Jim
Jim, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lot of great information. It looks like only the CW Morse Camelback still uses the bare wire attachments, but you're right that the others have the jack like the Putikeeg. I am definitely interested in trying out different keys including the single paddle, cootie and bugs and I'm sure they will take some getting used to, but it would be a fun challenge. Both Mike and I are SKCC members and will exchange our numbers if on a SKCC call or if ever asked, but we haven't really starting logging with the SKCC group or done any of the contests or sprints from them. I will definitely look (listen) into the 40m segments you mentioned for more conversational QSO's which we really enjoy. Thank you again for the insightful information! 73, Becky es Mike
Hey STU! I now alternate between the CW Morse and Putikeeg and it's a lot of fun! We will never forget our mic button QSO's with you by the camper as well! Hope you enjoyed the story. 73, Becky es Mike
LOL POTA cat... you're really good with your straight keys. Your timing is excellent. I'm too lazy for the straight key, I prefer the bug for SKCC contacts.
Thanks for the compliment Scott and I really do enjoy the straight key but look foward to trying a bug or cootie key as well. And yes, cats love to be right in the middle of everything 🐈⬛ 73, Becky es Mike
Have either of you used the paddle by Putikeeg? A friend recommended one to me and I am about to buy one for my truck. I plan to see his at our next club breakfast. Most likely I will get one if it is as good as their straight key is!
We only have the knock-off version that looks exactly the same, but not Putikeeg brand (it was before we discovered Putikeeg). Regarding the function, Mike loves it! You can make the spacing very tight and the magnetic tension is not adjustable but perfect for us. We like it more than any others for a desk key. That being said, there is no strain relief on the cable jack. We had to re-solder ours once and recently it broke again. It could be due to being the knock off version. We've seen some take apart videos and I think that even the clones are close to identical. For the price though, it's still great and we'd get it again (and will if our we fail to solder repair it this time). amzn.to/40utICB 73 Mike N4FFF es Becky N4BKY
@@HamRadioDuo that looks good. I will need something steel for the key. I frequently operate from the drivers side in my truck and have to balance holding the key on a clipboard or the console and logging on the iPad. Having a good base is a must for good sending.
@@dandypoint Totally agree! We use the same base in our Truck. We first tried mounting it somewhere and thought we were temporarily using the base in the truck until we came up with something. It ended up working great and we stopped trying to mount it.
Great review and excellent video. I am hopeless at straight keying that is my challenge for 2025 to master the straight key. I have 16 old straight keys in my collection! The one I practiced with for my 12 words send and receive exam in 1985 to get onto HF was ex army WWII Bakelite Type D Morse Key the examiner passed me but said you need to practice more with sending! I made mistakes on air lost confidence hence the 32 year lapse but now loving CW and enjoying your fun filled videos. Given me a real boost to love CW 73 Both Phil G0BVD
Wow! That is quite a collection and happy to hear you got back into CW. I think mistakes are part of the fun, everyone makes them and the CW community is so great and patient. Hearing someone struggle a little just makes me happy to know they're out there on the air and not afraid to go for it. I love thinking it might be their first time on the air and remember when I was in their shoes. Morse code isn't very forgiving for nervous shaking hands ... HiHi 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
Great video! I recommend trying a single paddle-it was a game-changer for me as I transitioned from a straight key to a paddle. I found the dual paddle a bit challenging, but the single paddle was perfect for my style. Of course, when using a paddle, your speed tends to increase a bit for both sending and receiving. My single paddle is the CT 755 (from Ukraine). DE NN2X / Tom / FYI I do watch your videos! Great POTA videos
Thanks for the recommendation. I tried a single paddle at HamFest in Huntsville but not long enough to really get a feel for it. I can use a paddle but still seem to migrate back to a straight key pretty quickly 🤣 I'm excited about adding another key at some point! 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo I’ll see you on the bands! Just FYI, I also use a keyboard for CW (don’t laugh!). You might wonder why. Well, I passed my Extra Class license back in 1980, which required me to pass the 20 wpm code test. The problem is, I didn’t use CW regularly until about 2.5 years ago, and now it’s all I use. As for the keyboard to CW, when I first started calling CQ, my sending was rusty, and I didn’t get many CW operators responding. By using the keyboard, though, I received a lot more replies from fellow hams, which gave me more practice. That benefit has started to diminish, though, as I’ve found that sending CW with a straight key or any other method helps me learn and improve more quickly. I still use the keyboard for long rag chews, but I really enjoy using my single paddle. I can rag chew at 18wpm,...Can do 20 wpm for the usual formatted QSO...But ragchew..18 wpm Catch you on the bands! DE NN2X, Tom
There doesn't appear to be anybody currently making the "Swedish Pump" style keys, which is a great shame, because they are an absolute joy to send with. The Hi Mound 802 is quite nice, and so is the NATO Navy key (if you can find one!). I wouldn't put either one in my backpack for SOTA, since they are so big, but for fixed station use - glorious.
Thanks for your thoughts on different keys. We have not heard of the pump style keys and will have to look it up. I'm definitely looking forward to adding to my straight key collection! 73, Becky es Mike
A pump action key simply has the contact at the rear, behind the fulcrum. This way the contact is on the upgoing part of the arm, and usually there is a piece of specially selected material embedded in the arm (spring steel?) to provide a bit of flex for a soft landing when you make contact. The Begali (note the spelling, it isn't Bengali :)) Blade is a pump style key. Phil Boyle G0NVT also makes a pump style key that is a replica of the Marconi key used in British maritime stations. There are others However, these keys are in a different price range to the Putikeeg and 3D printed keys. And Becky, I think your fist is excellent. I heard it on one of your other videos and my first reaction was that you were using paddles and a keyer, and then I saw the straight key.
@@fredlodden1538 Thank you for the information about the pump style keys. We definitely have a lot to learn and are excited to try different style keys and see how they feel. And appreciate the compliment, I really enjoy the straight key! 73, Becky es Mike
I’m going to be “that guy” and say it is Begali and not Bengali. The former is a maker of precision instruments (they make more than keys) and the latter is a tiger. ;) I hope you can tell that my tone is light here and not condescending. I don’t have a Begali straight key, but can say their paddles are very well made and have a really nice touch. Tony Baleno, N3ZN, is another great maker of keys here in the States and his work is very precise. My favorite two keys are a Begali Traveller and a Baleno QRP. Both have excellent action and are used a lot in the field (POTA/SOTA). 73 de AG7TX and great video!
🤣 Thanks for the correction! When editing I thought .....hmmm I think I totally said that wrong, and now I'll just say it's because I don't have one yet 🤣 We tried a few of the N3ZN keys at Hamfest this year and they definitely had a really good feel. 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo There's another maker, Laurence N0SA, who used to regularly offer his handmade keys and they are also top notch. I have one of his on my desk (too heavy for the field). The realm of hand-made precision keys is a pricey one to enter. It's also (ahem) easy to become a "key snob." ;) (Don't ask how I know!) I love well-made things and there are some well-made keys out there. Have fun! 73 de AG7TX
We have one of the N0SA portable paddles and it is a great little field paddle and like you said, very well made! We are trying to go slow on the key collection process 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo Mine is a surplus from WWII that my dad picked up when he was first licensed. Got to keep it in the family since I now have his call (K8YZK)
We have the sample portion of the book on our kindle and most likely will purchase. We've heard good things, and now am more intrigued knowing he's a fan of straight keys 😊 Might add it to our Christmas wish list! 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo His writing style is a little unusual, and I haven't really yet absorbed his ideas, but he is very enthusiastic. Definitely worth the $9 on Kindle.
Argh! Becky, you're making me spend money...lol. I'm looking seriously at the Putikeeg for field operating, Right now I mostly use paddles or a bug, so my straight key fist is...not great. Going to do more SK in the future to bring my skills up. You and Michael have a very Merry Christmas, 73 de John K2ZA
Haha John 💸! It is a small precise little key but I really do like it and the amount of adjustability in the tension is great! Go straight keys !! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas as well. 73, Becky es Mike
Yes, the "CW Straight Key Morse Mini" uses springs and their "Straight Key Morse" uses the magnetics. I changed the wording in the description to better reflect the Putikeeg website. The Amazon wording uses "mini" in the key I reviewed which could be definitely be confusing 😊 73, Becky es Mike
The Putikeeg key's mechanical action is outstanding, but its knob is too small IMHO. So, I modified mine by drilling and tapping the knob's screw hole for 8-32 thread, and replaced the original knob with a traditional style Navy knob like used on the J-48a key.
It really is a smooth little key and I can definitely appreciate how some may not like the smaller knob. It works great for me but good tip for a modification. 73, Becky es Mike
Excellent. I wish I had bought more keys years ago when they were not so expensive and more readily available! The same goes for paddles. I recently traded two old vintage microphones for keys. One microphone got me a J-38 and a J-38 knockoff. I also got a Bencher BY-1 by trading another old microphone. I think I got the best part of those trades! I just finished working over 500 CW QSOs this weekend in the ARRL 160 meter contest. Don’t forget the ARRL 10 meter contest this coming weekend. Should be lots of CW. I usually try and pick a good frequency and “ run em” as long as I can. Should be the best conditions in a long time. Can’t depend on next year still being good, but you never know about sunspots.
Wow! That's some nice trading and great idea to recycle the mics that just end up in a drawer HiHi 🤣 I'm looking forward to my next key addition whenever or whatever it might be! And congrats on the contest QSO's. We might have to listen for the 10m one! 73, Becky es Mike
What is your favorite key?
British WT-8AMP modified for traditional Navy knob used to be my favorite; but now Putikeeg modified for traditional Navy knob is my favorite.
My favorite key is a UR5CDX CT755 single lever paddle in cootie configuration. My favorite use to be the Czech SK. I just got the Putikeeg SK, as a back up portable key, after viewing your video. It is a very nice solid SK. I find my arm gets very tired while using the magnetic Putikeeg ST, much more so than using the Putikeeg dual paddle key, in cootie style, portable for POTA. It is my favorite Portable key with my QMX mid range transceiver and my Yaesu FT 857d. Thanks for the great videos. Gary, KG4SFB.
@@kg4sfb The magnetic aspect can definitely be adjusted very strong. So far I keep the magnetic part very very light. Mike adjusted it once and I didn't realize it. He likes it strong and I felt like I could barely press the key down 🤣🤣 I look forward to trying more of a side motion straight key! 73, Becky es Mike
Becky, I loved your review and great explanation of the key setup. I love my Putikeeg key! My favorite operating position is ROTA, or Recliners On the Air 😊. Works great with a lap desk!
HiHi on the ROTA!!! 🤣 I like the Putikeeg even more as I use it. 73 Becky es Mike
Great video! Now I want to try a straight key again :D Fun fact: Putikeeg is "geek it up" in reverse.
Thank you! I (Becky) have always preferred the straight key and good catch on the reverse of Putikeeg. We were aware of it but wondered if anyone would comment about it. Pretty clever 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
They are nice real quality feel.
Thanks for filming and sharing this. You guys are just great.
Awww thanks for the kind words! We really love the CW community and it's definitely a labor of love, but we really do enjoy sharing the fun! 73, Becky es Mike
J-38, Junker, Navy Flameproof. I that order. Very good straight key.
Nice selection. I’m looking forward to trying new keys!! 73 Becky
My favourite ...my next key! The J38 awesome....Hi-mounds are awesome too ....8 amp keys....I like the old school keys 73. I even made from bits I found at the hardware store!
That's a great answer and so far has been true for me as well. My new favorite will probably be whatever I get next! I am definitely interested in getting or trying a J-38 and some type of single paddle / cootie / or bug. Just more fun ways to push a button😊 73, Becky es Mike
Aaahh the Key to HAM success.
Thank for nice video ... I am a HAM errr CW ... !!! ok ... I am super new to this.
Magnetic Key .... never thought that.
Thank you! The magnetic tension is definitely different but I like it 😊. 73 Becky es Mike
Great video, Becky! I love it that you've decided to stick with the straight key. I, too, have a CW Morse camelback key and it was my first key. I love it for the reasons you mentioned. For me, it is the only straight key I need partially because I love using and now have all four kinds of keys (straight, cootie, bug, and paddle) in my shack. To answer your question, my favorite key used to be the cootie. Now that I use all four keys, rather than have a favorite, they all play a role and that depends on where I am operating and with whom. My paddle is for POTA and my code buddy QSOs with Caryn. My bug, straight key, and cootie are for my other code buddy QSOs as well as SKCC QSOs or just calling CQ. So many options, so little time, right? I love your challenge to Begali - hope they send you something fun to review for the rest of us.
Thanks Teri! I've tried out both a cootie and bug key but with very limited time at hamfest so I wasn't really able to get a feel for them. And I agree about having a favorite ... I think it's whatever one I'm on is my favorite at the time😊 Let me know if you have any inside connections with Begali 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
My first straight key was from CW Morse. Looks similar to yours. I had to get a different knob because the edges of the one it comes with was irritating my fingers and I developed callus on one of my fingers. It was no longer comfortable. I’m sure I was not holding it correctly but I was sent a navy knob for it and it made such a huge difference. My sending was enhanced. Now I enjoy a Begali Spark (used but in pristine conditions). Merry Xmas 🎄
Hey Lidi!! Very good point on how changing the knob can really make a big difference based on feel and preference. I need connections with someone at Begali HiHi !! Happy Holidays to you and your family as well 🎄 73, Becky es Mike
Great video Becky. As you probably know, I bought the Putikeeg paddle at Mike's suggestion, and it's the one I use most of the time now. Keep the video's coming. Merry Christmas to you and your family. John
Thank you John and Happy Holidays to you and your family as well. Mike's good experience with his paddle is what made me consider their version of a straight key to try out. We both really like them! 73, Becky es Mike
I dig the purple rails on the radio in the background & the purple CW Morse key. All hail the Purple! 73!
🤣Yep, purple is definitely our favorite color. Too bad Putikeeg didn't put out a purple key or that would have been my choice for sure! And credit to JoeBrett (@K5YVY) for the purple ICOM rails!! 73, Becky es Mike
Excellent video!!
Thanks JoeBrett 😊
Great video, thanks for keeping CW alive with traditional straight keys. There are many keys I hope you can explore in the future, The action will differ as well as annoying clicks, All keys are not equal in this regard, I love near silent keying and it makes it much more enjoyable, The CW Morse keys are excellent in this regard, Putikeeg keys are well-made but I find the click a little loud to my liking, I guess it is a personal preference, the same goes for sidetone volume as well as pitch, yes gap is important as well and a super close gap is not always the best for a smooth SK Rythm you have to find your sweet spot as well as the tension like you mentioned. , I see way to many utube videos with blaring sidetone levels and pitches sky high, the brain and ears can quickly be over loaded . I would also mention CW morse Inc. has the same cable inputs as the Putikeeg now and no longer makes the split cable option. I would also recommend you check out using side keying with a bug or heavy paddle by just keying in one direction using the dah side, you can set the tension on a bug on the dah side to feather lite even if it is a spring, same goes for the gap. super easy to adjust to your preference. You will find it is a game changer, and you can qso for hours and never get tired, I rarely do up and down keying these days unless out in the field, Yes you can use a bug as a straight key easily and go back and forth from bug mode to straight key mode on the fly. Side swiping or true Cootie keying is different in the aspect you will have to train your brain for that and will take some practice for most hams, but a great keying style if you can get it down. The CW morse new cable input is universal so you can use a mono or stereo cable or plug now on all his keys works well with both older rigs as well as modern menu rigs, I hope you will also explore more QSOs, POTA is great and even some contests, especially the SKCC group that send CQ SKCC daily as well as the weekend Sprints they often run , you will hear CQ WES, they are the same group. Easy to join and download and print out your assigned SKCC number for life, also no charge or fees to be a member, There is also a lot of conversational slower code in the old Novice segment on 40 meters, hope you will join in, 7.110 to about 7.125, great place to go if the band is crowded especially during contests, Of course 30 meters is also great as well. Thanks again for your videos 73 Jim
Jim, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lot of great information. It looks like only the CW Morse Camelback still uses the bare wire attachments, but you're right that the others have the jack like the Putikeeg.
I am definitely interested in trying out different keys including the single paddle, cootie and bugs and I'm sure they will take some getting used to, but it would be a fun challenge. Both Mike and I are SKCC members and will exchange our numbers if on a SKCC call or if ever asked, but we haven't really starting logging with the SKCC group or done any of the contests or sprints from them. I will definitely look (listen) into the 40m segments you mentioned for more conversational QSO's which we really enjoy.
Thank you again for the insightful information! 73, Becky es Mike
I love my CW Morse. My first key ever and still use it everyday. 73, KM3STU 😊
Hey STU! I now alternate between the CW Morse and Putikeeg and it's a lot of fun! We will never forget our mic button QSO's with you by the camper as well! Hope you enjoyed the story. 73, Becky es Mike
LOL POTA cat... you're really good with your straight keys. Your timing is excellent. I'm too lazy for the straight key, I prefer the bug for SKCC contacts.
Thanks for the compliment Scott and I really do enjoy the straight key but look foward to trying a bug or cootie key as well. And yes, cats love to be right in the middle of everything 🐈⬛ 73, Becky es Mike
Great info, tkxxx!
The background music disturbs a bit, sorry to mention, just an opinion. Tkx again for the great videos!
Thank you for the feedback. 73, Becky es Mike.
Have either of you used the paddle by Putikeeg? A friend recommended one to me and I am about to buy one for my truck. I plan to see his at our next club breakfast. Most likely I will get one if it is as good as their straight key is!
We only have the knock-off version that looks exactly the same, but not Putikeeg brand (it was before we discovered Putikeeg). Regarding the function, Mike loves it! You can make the spacing very tight and the magnetic tension is not adjustable but perfect for us. We like it more than any others for a desk key.
That being said, there is no strain relief on the cable jack. We had to re-solder ours once and recently it broke again. It could be due to being the knock off version. We've seen some take apart videos and I think that even the clones are close to identical. For the price though, it's still great and we'd get it again (and will if our we fail to solder repair it this time).
amzn.to/40utICB
73 Mike N4FFF es Becky N4BKY
If you get one, we also use a jeweler's base. It holds it remarkably well in place.
amzn.to/3A2Y58U
@@HamRadioDuo that looks good. I will need something steel for the key. I frequently operate from the drivers side in my truck and have to balance holding the key on a clipboard or the console and logging on the iPad. Having a good base is a must for good sending.
@@dandypoint Totally agree! We use the same base in our Truck. We first tried mounting it somewhere and thought we were temporarily using the base in the truck until we came up with something. It ended up working great and we stopped trying to mount it.
Great review and excellent video. I am hopeless at straight keying that is my challenge for 2025 to master the straight key. I have 16 old straight keys in my collection! The one I practiced with for my 12 words send and receive exam in 1985 to get onto HF was ex army WWII Bakelite Type D Morse Key the examiner passed me but said you need to practice more with sending! I made mistakes on air lost confidence hence the 32 year lapse but now loving CW and enjoying your fun filled videos. Given me a real boost to love CW 73 Both Phil G0BVD
Wow! That is quite a collection and happy to hear you got back into CW. I think mistakes are part of the fun, everyone makes them and the CW community is so great and patient. Hearing someone struggle a little just makes me happy to know they're out there on the air and not afraid to go for it. I love thinking it might be their first time on the air and remember when I was in their shoes. Morse code isn't very forgiving for nervous shaking hands ... HiHi 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
Great video! I recommend trying a single paddle-it was a game-changer for me as I transitioned from a straight key to a paddle. I found the dual paddle a bit challenging, but the single paddle was perfect for my style. Of course, when using a paddle, your speed tends to increase a bit for both sending and receiving. My single paddle is the CT 755 (from Ukraine). DE NN2X / Tom / FYI I do watch your videos! Great POTA videos
Thanks for the recommendation. I tried a single paddle at HamFest in Huntsville but not long enough to really get a feel for it. I can use a paddle but still seem to migrate back to a straight key pretty quickly 🤣 I'm excited about adding another key at some point! 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo I’ll see you on the bands! Just FYI, I also use a keyboard for CW (don’t laugh!). You might wonder why. Well, I passed my Extra Class license back in 1980, which required me to pass the 20 wpm code test. The problem is, I didn’t use CW regularly until about 2.5 years ago, and now it’s all I use.
As for the keyboard to CW, when I first started calling CQ, my sending was rusty, and I didn’t get many CW operators responding. By using the keyboard, though, I received a lot more replies from fellow hams, which gave me more practice. That benefit has started to diminish, though, as I’ve found that sending CW with a straight key or any other method helps me learn and improve more quickly. I still use the keyboard for long rag chews, but I really enjoy using my single paddle. I can rag chew at 18wpm,...Can do 20 wpm for the usual formatted QSO...But ragchew..18 wpm
Catch you on the bands!
DE NN2X, Tom
There doesn't appear to be anybody currently making the "Swedish Pump" style keys, which is a great shame, because they are an absolute joy to send with. The Hi Mound 802 is quite nice, and so is the NATO Navy key (if you can find one!). I wouldn't put either one in my backpack for SOTA, since they are so big, but for fixed station use - glorious.
Thanks for your thoughts on different keys. We have not heard of the pump style keys and will have to look it up. I'm definitely looking forward to adding to my straight key collection! 73, Becky es Mike
A pump action key simply has the contact at the rear, behind the fulcrum. This way the contact is on the upgoing part of the arm, and usually there is a piece of specially selected material embedded in the arm (spring steel?) to provide a bit of flex for a soft landing when you make contact. The Begali (note the spelling, it isn't Bengali :)) Blade is a pump style key.
Phil Boyle G0NVT also makes a pump style key that is a replica of the Marconi key used in British maritime stations.
There are others
However, these keys are in a different price range to the Putikeeg and 3D printed keys.
And Becky, I think your fist is excellent. I heard it on one of your other videos and my first reaction was that you were using paddles and a keyer, and then I saw the straight key.
@@fredlodden1538 Thank you for the information about the pump style keys. We definitely have a lot to learn and are excited to try different style keys and see how they feel. And appreciate the compliment, I really enjoy the straight key! 73, Becky es Mike
I’m going to be “that guy” and say it is Begali and not Bengali. The former is a maker of precision instruments (they make more than keys) and the latter is a tiger. ;) I hope you can tell that my tone is light here and not condescending.
I don’t have a Begali straight key, but can say their paddles are very well made and have a really nice touch. Tony Baleno, N3ZN, is another great maker of keys here in the States and his work is very precise. My favorite two keys are a Begali Traveller and a Baleno QRP. Both have excellent action and are used a lot in the field (POTA/SOTA).
73 de AG7TX and great video!
🤣 Thanks for the correction! When editing I thought .....hmmm I think I totally said that wrong, and now I'll just say it's because I don't have one yet 🤣 We tried a few of the N3ZN keys at Hamfest this year and they definitely had a really good feel. 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo There's another maker, Laurence N0SA, who used to regularly offer his handmade keys and they are also top notch. I have one of his on my desk (too heavy for the field).
The realm of hand-made precision keys is a pricey one to enter. It's also (ahem) easy to become a "key snob." ;) (Don't ask how I know!) I love well-made things and there are some well-made keys out there.
Have fun! 73 de AG7TX
We have one of the N0SA portable paddles and it is a great little field paddle and like you said, very well made! We are trying to go slow on the key collection process 🤣 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo Ahahahahahahaha! Good luck with that!
J-38
I definitely look forward to trying a J-38 sometime! 73 Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo Mine is a surplus from WWII that my dad picked up when he was first licensed. Got to keep it in the family since I now have his call (K8YZK)
Wow that's a great thing to cherish and be able to use! 73, Becky es Mike
Have you seen the book “The CW Way of Life” by Chris Rutkowski? He seems to be a big fan of straight keys.
We have the sample portion of the book on our kindle and most likely will purchase. We've heard good things, and now am more intrigued knowing he's a fan of straight keys 😊 Might add it to our Christmas wish list! 73, Becky es Mike
@@HamRadioDuo His writing style is a little unusual, and I haven't really yet absorbed his ideas, but he is very enthusiastic. Definitely worth the $9 on Kindle.
Argh! Becky, you're making me spend money...lol. I'm looking seriously at the Putikeeg for field operating, Right now I mostly use paddles or a bug, so my straight key fist is...not great. Going to do more SK in the future to bring my skills up. You and Michael have a very Merry Christmas, 73 de John K2ZA
Haha John 💸! It is a small precise little key but I really do like it and the amount of adjustability in the tension is great! Go straight keys !! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas as well. 73, Becky es Mike
Putikeeg may have substituded a spring for magnetics.
The Putikeeg Mini uses a spring, but the Putikeeg Classic (the one in the video) uses magnetics.
Yes, the "CW Straight Key Morse Mini" uses springs and their "Straight Key Morse" uses the magnetics. I changed the wording in the description to better reflect the Putikeeg website. The Amazon wording uses "mini" in the key I reviewed which could be definitely be confusing 😊 73, Becky es Mike
I didn't notice until today. Putikeeg spelled backwards is geek it up.
We realized it when researching different keys 🤣 73 Becky es Mike
The Putikeeg key's mechanical action is outstanding, but its knob is too small IMHO. So, I modified mine by drilling and tapping the knob's screw hole for 8-32 thread, and replaced the original knob with a traditional style Navy knob like used on the J-48a key.
It really is a smooth little key and I can definitely appreciate how some may not like the smaller knob. It works great for me but good tip for a modification. 73, Becky es Mike
Excellent. I wish I had bought more keys years ago when they were not so expensive and more readily available! The same goes for paddles. I recently traded two old vintage microphones for keys. One microphone got me a J-38 and a J-38 knockoff. I also got a Bencher BY-1 by trading another old microphone. I think I got the best part of those trades! I just finished working over 500 CW QSOs this weekend in the ARRL 160 meter contest. Don’t forget the ARRL 10 meter contest this coming weekend. Should be lots of CW. I usually try and pick a good frequency and “ run em” as long as I can. Should be the best conditions in a long time. Can’t depend on next year still being good, but you never know about sunspots.
Wow! That's some nice trading and great idea to recycle the mics that just end up in a drawer HiHi 🤣 I'm looking forward to my next key addition whenever or whatever it might be! And congrats on the contest QSO's. We might have to listen for the 10m one! 73, Becky es Mike
Is that Bec-Key? 😅
🤣 Good One 🤣