Telegraph paddles use horizontal motion to generate Morse code characters using one or two horizontal levers. Paddles require electronic devices, called
keyers, to electronically generate the dits and dahs when a lever is pushed. Most modern Amateur Radio transceivers have built in keyers.
Paddles usually have two levers although there are some one lever paddles. When using a dual lever paddle, pushing the left lever generates the dits and pushing the right lever generates the dahs. An iambic paddle creates alternating dits and dahs when the paddles are squeezed together. Iambic paddles have two separate modes, "A" and "B" that differ slightly. Paddles allow code operators to send characters legibly and quickly. Compared to a straight key, there is less arm and hand fatigue when using a paddle .
Paddles were first appeared in the 1960s when the electronic circuitry for iambic keying become practical. The paddles shown on this page are made by companies still in business today.
 | Bencher BY-1 Iambic Paddle: This is the paddle that I have used for more than 20 years in my own station! From Bencher's Web Site: "The world famous BY series of iambic paddles are the standard that other iambic paddles are measured against. We have sold well over 100,000 of these paddles, surely far and away, the most popular iambic paddle ever." |  | Bencher Hex Iambic Paddle: From Bencher: "This unique design is classic Bencher – attractive to the eye and a perfect match for the fingers of the proficient CW operator. Fully iambic, this innovative design utilizes magnets for tensioning, and unlike some rather expensive European designs, allows separate individual tensioning adjustment for dot and dash contacts. Certainly one of the heaviest paddles available, weighing in at well over three pounds, the components throughout are tough and sturdy, built to last. " |  | Begali Pearl Iambic Paddle: From the Begali Website: The Pearl key combines gracefully rounded shapes and an exquisite finish with a high-performance mechanism. Precision adjustments and perfect weight distribution in the moving parts make sure that the beauty is not only skin deep - this key will not let you down at even the highest speeds. I purchased this beautiful key from my friends Pietro Begali and his daughter Bruna Begali at the Dayton Hamvention in 2009. I also use this paddle for day to day CW. | | | |  | K8RA P-2jr Iambic Paddle: From the K8RA Website:The P2 is the most popular RA Iambic Paddle. The paddle is mounted on a 1/2 solid brass base. The total weight of the paddle is 2.75 lb (1.3 kg). The pivots use precision ball bearings for smooth near friction-free movement. Arm tension and contact spacing are fully adjustable. The contacts are silver for positive contact even at high cw speeds. Made by Jerry Pittenger, K8RA. |  | Vibroplex Vibrokeyer: This is a Vibroplex iambic paddle. This model was their first entry in the iambic paddle market and it is still made today. This paddle was made circa 1964 at 833 Broadway, New York, NY. | | |
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