It's been a couple of months or more in the making, but I finally returned to my MFJ keyer/Bencher paddle combo device that's been languishing beneath my operating desk.
The keyer works fine. I had to make some repairs (replace a pushbutton switch), and replace the wiring harness that attached to the Bencher paddle. But what it did not have was permanent CMOS memory. The keyer is all-in-one key that includes 4 memories for what-have-you. The keyer incluces contest serial numbering and other features. The keyer is still sold and isn't cheap.
MFJ also sells a version of this keyer that uses one of their cheaper Iambic keys. The Bencher still kicks butt!
The problem I had was the keyer memories becoming scrambled between uses. The 4 memories where supposed to retain whatever programming was in each position. I confirmed they work, but you have to replace the large, flat lithium-ion battery.
To get to this battery, you have to take the blasted key all apart. That was ok, I had plenty of time.
Tonight, while listening to the KSN (and having checked in), I began work to replace the battery. I was interrupted by having to take traffic on the CW net — a bit of a surprise, as I had taken two messages during the KEN phone net two hours earlier.
But once the net was done, I completed the battery removal and put the thing back togetherr. Tedious work, but not impossible.
The keyer works perfectly now, even with the power removed. The memories stay just as they should, since they are backed-up by the battery.
I only changed it out so it would work correctly since I'm eyeing lots of my stuff for possible listing on eBay. I have another Bencher/MFJ combo besides this one; the other one has no keyer memories or other fancy bells and whistles. I'm not using that one much lately either.
In fact, when I checked into the KSN, I did so with my 1936 McElroy Mac Key standard. Right now its the key of choice, but I have several others next to it. Fickle me, eh?
Off the key and off to bed … g'nite!