Something old, something new … something British, something reviewed

December 20, 2013 admin bugs, CW keys, ebay Comments Off on Something old, something new … something British, something reviewed
kentiambic
My new-to-me Kent TP-1 iambic paddle. Replacement “paddles” work, but I prefer the originals. Click to enlarge.

Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 — I’ll start this entry with a quick review of the “something new” — the Kent Iambic TP-1 key.

The key arrived a couple of days ago with cable, so giving ‘er a try was no problem. The cable, ironically, was previously used as an audio cable with some computer speakers or other audio accessory; the end of the cable is color coded as a computer audio cable.

mac-key-1938b
I picked up this 1938B McElroy Mac-Key DeLuxe off eBay in June 2013 from Tom French, W1IMQ. McElroy’s early marbleite finishes were uneven, and on this key the marble-like effect is hard to see. Click to enlarge.

The key looks a little odd because the original paddles are missing, replaced by something sort of rubbery covers that slide over the brass key arms. The key is usable in its current configuration, but I don’t especially like the feel of the the rubbery thingies. I’ve already ordered replacement paddles from Kent, and also a Kent label to replace the missing one. The key required some adjustment (one lever had way too much gap), but that took less than a minute. Its a great playing paddle, and for those who complain about the fragility of the Bencher BY series, a key that’s not going to fall apart.

mackey_label
The large nameplate was standard on the 1938 keys. I had to doublecheck the nameplate to be sure it noted the key was a deluxe model. Click to enlarge.

AND NOW, SOMETHING OLD.  This key was tagged “something old” for more reasons than the fact that as a 1938B McElroy Mac-Key it is 75 years old. This is a key I acquired from noted collector Tom French, W1IMQ, in June this year.

leverdetail
Close-up of the large dot stabilizer that came with the key. Click to enlarge.

The key is an early 1938B, serial no. 420. As noted by W1IMQ’s website, the marbelite finish was a new feature in 1938, and some of the early keys have finishes that aren’t as distinctive and pretty as later ones. On this particularly key, you really have to look closely to see the “marble” finish. The key finish is fairly worn anyway, but from an arm’s length the key looks black.

contactdamper
The large dot stabilizer off the key. The wire stabilizing arm looks bent to me, I have to doublecheck its normal orientation. I think this is the first large dot stabilizer in my collection, and I thought it a little unusual because it places the “u” vertical rather than its usual horizontal orientation. Click to enlarge.

As noted in Tom’s Mac-Key serial number list, this one lacks a circuit closer and terminal screws. It has a vintage cable that is “hard wired” to the base and keying lever. The holes are there for the terminal screws, but there’s no hardware. The keying lever has a bend, and I’ll probably try to straighten that in the future.

Just for kicks, I decided to hook the key up and give it a try. I had to add a couple of weights and do find tune the adjustments, but in the end it played very, very nicely — much better than I would have expected.

Oh, the something old? Well, the other reason for the moniker is the fact the key has been in my vehicle since it arrived from W1IMQ. I cleaned up the car today and realized there was a USPS Priority Mail box in the back. I had actually opened the box months ago, but left it in back of my SUV. I kept telling myself I would bring it in the house when I had time to play with the key, but never found that “round tuit” — until now.

I have some other keys like that — either still boxed or boxed and unplayed. I’ll have time for that this holiday season. Merry Christmas too me!