Telegraph Paddle Keys that are Not Currently Manufactured
These are telegraph paddles that are no longer manufactured. Telegraph paddles first appeared in the 1950s when the electronic circuitry for iambic keying become practical. They use a horizontal arm motion to generate Morse code characters using either 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. Additional information on iambic keyers. You can click on any of these images to enlarge them.
Brown Brothers Model BTL Iambic Paddle Black Base
This is a Brown Bros. Model BTL iambic Paddle that was made in St. Louis, Missouri. These keys were hand-made from 1964 to 1979 by Bill Brown who made the die-castings and all the parts himself. I was told that he also designed, painted and labeled each key ever made by the Brown Brothers Machine Company. [078]
This is a Brown Bros. Model BTL iambic Paddle that was made in St. Louis, Missouri. These keys were hand-made from 1964 to 1979 by Bill Brown who made the die-castings and all the parts himself. I was told that he also designed, painted and labeled each key ever made by the Brown Brothers Machine Company. [078]
Kitano Key Company Paddle
This is a miniature paddle with black horizontal plastic paddles. You push down on the paddles to work the key. The solid brass base measures 3" x 1 1/2". The letters "KK" are located in a circle logo on top of the key. Written on the bottom is "Kit Raymond Nov.20, 1995 Serial #219 Kitano Key Company." Only 200 or so were made. I bought this handmade paddle at a Hamfest in Golden, Colorado. [030]
This is a miniature paddle with black horizontal plastic paddles. You push down on the paddles to work the key. The solid brass base measures 3" x 1 1/2". The letters "KK" are located in a circle logo on top of the key. Written on the bottom is "Kit Raymond Nov.20, 1995 Serial #219 Kitano Key Company." Only 200 or so were made. I bought this handmade paddle at a Hamfest in Golden, Colorado. [030]
Vibroplex Brass Racer EK-1
This Vibroplex iambic paddle is called "The Brass Racer." It is serial number 02538. Vibroplex began making these paddles in 1982. This paddle has an electronic keyer with the Curtis 8044 electronic keyer chip in the base. The odd discoloration of the the brass base seems common in the older Brass Racers that I have seen. I obtained this paddle from Don Carlson, KQ6FM (SK), in Reno NV. He obtained it from KB6ONO. [122]
This Vibroplex iambic paddle is called "The Brass Racer." It is serial number 02538. Vibroplex began making these paddles in 1982. This paddle has an electronic keyer with the Curtis 8044 electronic keyer chip in the base. The odd discoloration of the the brass base seems common in the older Brass Racers that I have seen. I obtained this paddle from Don Carlson, KQ6FM (SK), in Reno NV. He obtained it from KB6ONO. [122]