Telegraph Paddle Keys
Telegraph paddles first appeared in the 1960s when the electronic circuitry for iambic keying become practical. Paddles use a horizontal 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 of the Morse Code when a lever is pushed. Most modern Amateur Radio transceivers have built in keyers.
Paddles usually have two levers, although there are still some single lever paddles. They allow code operators to send characters legibly and quickly. Compared to a straight (hand) key that uses vertical motion, there is considerably less arm and hand fatigue when using a paddle. When using a dual lever paddle, pushing the left lever generates consecutive dits and pushing the right lever generates consecutive dahs, if you are right handed. Paddle operation is reversed for left handed operators. 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. You can click on any of these images to enlarge them.
Paddles usually have two levers, although there are still some single lever paddles. They allow code operators to send characters legibly and quickly. Compared to a straight (hand) key that uses vertical motion, there is considerably less arm and hand fatigue when using a paddle. When using a dual lever paddle, pushing the left lever generates consecutive dits and pushing the right lever generates consecutive dahs, if you are right handed. Paddle operation is reversed for left handed operators. 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. You can click on any of these images to enlarge them.
Begali Simplex Gold Paddle:
The Simplex is a iambic key with a heavy gold plated base and gold plated components, using long springs for the return force. Like other Begali keys it is manufactured using NC machinery for absolute precision. Micro-threaded screws are used for all adjustments. The arms are held by 4 ball bearings that are imbedded in the base, and they are made of a light-weight alloy that provides very low moving mass - this allows excellent responsiveness at high speeds even when set for a very light touch. The contacts are 925/000 silver. I use this paddle in my station. [133]
The Simplex is a iambic key with a heavy gold plated base and gold plated components, using long springs for the return force. Like other Begali keys it is manufactured using NC machinery for absolute precision. Micro-threaded screws are used for all adjustments. The arms are held by 4 ball bearings that are imbedded in the base, and they are made of a light-weight alloy that provides very low moving mass - this allows excellent responsiveness at high speeds even when set for a very light touch. The contacts are 925/000 silver. I use this paddle in my station. [133]
Bencher BY-1 Iambic Paddle:
I have used this paddle for more than 20 years in my 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." [073]
I have used this paddle for more than 20 years in my 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." [073]
Vibroplex RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) Centenary Key Serial Number 006
To celebrate the RSGB's 100th Anniversary, this Centenary Key was limited to 250 individually numbered keys. It has a polished chrome mechanism with blue paddles, mounted on a heavy, special gold finish, base. This is complemented by a blue & gold plaque that has the Centenary logo, the production number and the owner’s callsign. This is paddle serial number 006. [137]
To celebrate the RSGB's 100th Anniversary, this Centenary Key was limited to 250 individually numbered keys. It has a polished chrome mechanism with blue paddles, mounted on a heavy, special gold finish, base. This is complemented by a blue & gold plaque that has the Centenary logo, the production number and the owner’s callsign. This is paddle serial number 006. [137]
American Morse Equipment DCP Paddle:
This is the DCP (Dirt Cheap Paddle) from American Morse Equipment in San Luis Obispo, CA. The paddle comes in a kit. I bought this paddle from Doug Hauff, W6AME, the owner of AME at the Dayton Hamfest in 2008.Photo courtesy of American Morse Equipment. [085]
This is the DCP (Dirt Cheap Paddle) from American Morse Equipment in San Luis Obispo, CA. The paddle comes in a kit. I bought this paddle from Doug Hauff, W6AME, the owner of AME at the Dayton Hamfest in 2008.Photo courtesy of American Morse Equipment. [085]
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]
American Morse Equipment Mini-B Single Lever Paddle
From AME: "The Mini-B was designed with small size and round corners to be truly pocketable. With its tiny footprint, the Mini-B has a little less range but maintains the feel & adjustabilty of the Bushwhacker. Fully enclosed for protection, the Mini-B nonetheless allows instant adjustment without removing the top cover. The pocket machined into the Mini-B's underside protects cable and connections." Photo courtesy of American Morse Equipment. [99]
From AME: "The Mini-B was designed with small size and round corners to be truly pocketable. With its tiny footprint, the Mini-B has a little less range but maintains the feel & adjustabilty of the Bushwhacker. Fully enclosed for protection, the Mini-B nonetheless allows instant adjustment without removing the top cover. The pocket machined into the Mini-B's underside protects cable and connections." Photo courtesy of American Morse Equipment. [99]
Vibroplex ARRL Centennial Key
Vibroplex partnered with the ARRL in 2014 to produce this commemorative iambic paddle to mark the occasion of the ARRL’s Centennial Year. [148]
Vibroplex partnered with the ARRL in 2014 to produce this commemorative iambic paddle to mark the occasion of the ARRL’s Centennial Year. [148]
KL9LU Customized Model BD-5 Bulldog Iambic Paddle:
From K9LU: Besides personalized call letters and serial number, this handsome key features brass/gold accents and a ½” thick solid oak base with 4 suction cups. This Bulldog BD5 makes a great base station key, yet is small and rugged enough to take along on portable outings. It has adjustable spacing and tension and a smooth action that rivals or surpasses the feel of most full size keys. K9LU Web Site. [049]
From K9LU: Besides personalized call letters and serial number, this handsome key features brass/gold accents and a ½” thick solid oak base with 4 suction cups. This Bulldog BD5 makes a great base station key, yet is small and rugged enough to take along on portable outings. It has adjustable spacing and tension and a smooth action that rivals or surpasses the feel of most full size keys. K9LU Web Site. [049]
K5OPB Paddle
A home built, single lever paddle. It has a painted black wooden base with two ARRL decals. The bolts on the rear are the electrical connectors. All of the metal components are "off the shelf" hardware. The paddle buttons are actually rubber feet that are also used on the bottom of the base. This paddle was made by Stan Sommers, K5OPB of Arlington Texas. Also listed with Unusual Keys. [153]
A home built, single lever paddle. It has a painted black wooden base with two ARRL decals. The bolts on the rear are the electrical connectors. All of the metal components are "off the shelf" hardware. The paddle buttons are actually rubber feet that are also used on the bottom of the base. This paddle was made by Stan Sommers, K5OPB of Arlington Texas. Also listed with Unusual Keys. [153]