Now if you've reviewed any of my blog, you're probably aware that I am addicted to semi-automatic Morse code keys — also known as “bugs.” I quit counting them once I passed number 25, and that was last year when I hit that milestone. I've slowed up buying keys and I've become somewhat more selective — unless the price is right. I'll buy any bug if the price is attractive.
That being said, there are a number of non-bug Morse keys I've always wanted to own and try. Among this “wanted” list include the Kent TP-1, the Bencher Hex key, the Begali line of keys, and nearly any of the CT line of keys.
The CT line of keys are manufactured in the Ukraine and sold by Anthony Welch via eBay and in the U.S. by MorseXpress. These keys are unique in design, and I'll tell you, I think they're top-notch in appearance.
If you read the eHam.net reviews however, you'll find that these keys are frequently given low marks for function. The “looks great, works poorly” is too often the common theme among owners.
So I've had some real reservations about plunking down my hard-earned simoleons for a brand new CT key. There a couple of models that I really like — the CT 599 Dual Paddle Iambic, and the CT Ham Iambic (also called the CT 22).
Periodically I've watched auctions for these keys, and the seldom fail to reach near-new prices for these keys. For such poor eHam.net reviews, they continue to sell quite well!
So as luck would have it, I was watching an auction for the CT Ham Iambic key a couple of weeks ago. This was a private auction, not a dealer. And as luck would have it, I sniped it at the last minute for half the price of a new one. Woo hoo! Who doesn't enjoy “a deal???” LOL!
The key arrived this morning, and it's a real honey. It's just as good looking as the photos indicate. Here are my impressions of the key (note that I haven't had a lot of time operating it yet!):
— The fit and finish is very good. This key is 2 years old and the brass parts still look good.
— The paddles were adjusted very, very close out of the box. The tension on the paddles was set extremely high — it was difficult to operate the paddle without a lot of pressure, which helped the paddle scoot around the operating desk.
— I adjusted both springs all the way out (the key has a return spring for each lever, which allows the user to adjust each one individually) but there no difference. Why were the paddles so hard to move??
— The main bearing block where the paddle arms pivot was the key. There's an adjustment in the SIDE of the block that holds the top pivot adjustment screws in place once they are set. Those pivot adjustments on both levers was set very, very tight. After I reset the pivot tensions (a balancing act between making them “loose” without introducing “slop”), the paddle took on a new life.
— I readjusted the contacts and the tension springs. Now the key was starting to sing! Hooked to my Pro3, it had a very good feel to it, and despite its smaller size and lesser weight (than my Bencher), it stays rock-solid on my desk. I have the stay-put pads to keep my bugs from scooting around, but I won't need any of that stuff for this key.
— I enjoy the feel of the Bencher-like paddles, though I wish there was an easy way to close the spacing on the paddles.
I bought this key as a lark — and mostly because I've wanted one for along time. I've not done much CW with a keyer in many months. I may try out my Pro3 on CW with this key. It's an excellent size — smaller than the Bencher but very stable. It doesn't have a cheap feel to it, though. I would gladly trade my chrome-based MFJ Bencher clone for any of the CT lineup of keys.
So what other key would I like to have from CT? The CT 599 looks good, though I've seen lots of problems in reviews with slop in the paddle pivots. I really think the chrome plated CT 599 is quite the cat's meow, and the chrome plated CT Ham Iambic is too.
CT has the CT 73 Dual Iambic paddle, which is essentially an all-brass Ham Iambic, but a single tension spring for both paddles (as in the Brown Bros and Ham Key paddles). The CT 73 comes in the chrome plated version, which sells for $129.95 plus shipping. Not a bad price, though I'm hesitant to plunk down that kinda dough for an unknown. There's not enough difference between the CT 73 and the Ham Iambic to make me want one of each.
CT also makes the CT 777, it's own version of the Bencher-style key. It's a very attractive key on its own, and considerably cheaper than the Bencher BY-2. Interestingly, there are NO reviews of the CT 777 on eHam.net.
I would like to try my new CT Ham Iambic on the air, possibly tonight depending on the level of QRN. We'll see.
I made a cable for my Les Logan Speed-X bug last night, but never put it on the air due to my QSO with a local ham. I might do that tonight too.
I am waiting for two additional bugs to arrive by mail — both Vibroplex Original De Luxe models. The first is the really scummy looking one, and the second is the late model one I lucked into for $50! I'm looking forward to getting both of these and seeing what they look like 'in person'. It's going to be interesting because I want to see if one looks as BAD as the photos, and if the other looks as GOOD as the photos make it look! Exact opposites! Wish me luck, LOL!!
73 es CUL … de KY4Z SK … dit dit ….