I've found, after using a Bencher for years, that they an OK paddle, but
are not very precise. That might not be a big deal if you learned on a
bug and slap your paddles around a lot (I had a bit of that tendency).
However, once I switched to a "better" paddle (it was a GHD mechanical
for me) I really appreciated the precision feel and it helped me to be
more consistent in my sending. I tried a Schurr Profi 2, but, as pretty
as it was, it had a contact issues, and I eventually ended up with a
Begali Simplex which to my touch runs circles around the Schurr. And it
was half the cost! I highly recommend them to people who are looking for
a precision feel in a paddle. www.i2rtf.com is Piero's web page.
73, Duane
On Tue, 27 Apr 2004 08:03:55 -0700 "Dave ke7gi" <ke7gi@ke7gi.com> writes:
> A couple of you said that you don't like the Bencher Paddle. I have
> one but
> am not very good at cw so may not know the difference.
> Question--just
> curious--why don't you like the Bencher?
> Dave ke7gi
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of tentec-request@contesting.com
> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 7:45 PM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
>
> Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
> tentec@contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> tentec-request@contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> tentec-owner@contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of TenTec digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (Jim Larsen - AL7FS)
> 2. banana boat swing (W9GE)
> 3. RE: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (NJ0IP)
> 4. Re: banana boat song (Ben K8DIT)
> 5. (OT) CW List - Whoops! (Richard Hemingway)
> 6. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (Mike Hyder --N4NT--)
> 7. Re: [Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle]
> (Michael Goins)
> 8. Re: TenTec keyers what are they? (Steve Ellington)
> 9. (OT) CW List (Richard Hemingway)
> 10. Re: Iambic, Iwasbic, Iwillbebic someday (Ben K8DIT)
> 11. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (jack)
> 12. Studio 1 Mic Paint Job!! (Jim Reid)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 11:58:06 -0800
> From: Jim Larsen - AL7FS <JimLarsen2002@alaska.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <408D69CE.6000003@alaska.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
>
> Ack!! Not clear, Jim...Not clear. My statement assumes you are NOT
> using
> iambic. I do not use iambic as it makes me crazy. I use both type
> paddles
> for NON iambic keying.
>
> There! That's better. :-)
>
> 73, Jim
>
> Jim Larsen - AL7FS wrote:
>
> > This is sorta like reading how to build a watch to find out the
> time.
> >
> > Bottom line. Keyer sets the mode. Paddle can be single or double
>
> > depending on personal preferences. I use both.
> >
> > That's what time it is.
> >
> > 73, Jim
> > Jim Larsen, AL7FS
> > Anchorage, Alaska
> > http://www.qsl.net/al7fs
> > Anchorage Amateur Radio Club:
> > http://www.KL7AA.org
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:26:15 -0400
> From: "W9GE" <finger@goeaston.net>
> Subject: [TenTec] banana boat swing
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <001401c42bcc$bb72c440$0200a8c0@shack>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Ah yes. The long gone days of the bug and swing fists. In those
> days you
> could recognize your friends by their fist before they signed their
> calls.
> A good bug fist is rarely heard these days on the bands, and a true
> joy when
> it is encountered. Of course the really good ones sound just like
> keyers,
> so maybe.....and my xyl does not miss the model 15 clanking away in
> the
> basement either. Big difference compared to the quiet clicking of a
> pc
> keyboard.
>
> An aside. While teaching general classes the other night, a fairly
> recent
> ham (general for 2-3 years anyway) was amazed when I showed a vacuum
> tube
> and described the filament or heater. He did not know you had to
> warm em up
> to make em work. He thought heat was just a by-product. On the
> other hand
> he probably knows more about psk than I ever will.
>
> Thanks for the trips down memory lane. Whoever started this cw
> thread gets
> an attaboy, or attagirl as appropriate. Anyone know of a good 160
> meter AM
> transmitter available for purchase? 73 bob de w9ge
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 23:08:36 -0700
> From: "NJ0IP" <Rick@dj0ip.de>
> Subject: RE: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <NIBBJJPNILNPGHFHFIJJOEOICFAA.Rick@dj0ip.de>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Man, this one's more interesting than that "Mic" thread.... :-)
>
> I have had one of those Autronic paddles since 1968 when I built a
> keyer
> using RTL logic. It is indeed my favorite, but in the meantime the
> Autronic
> is relavated to the mobile (RV) because it's heavy and stays put.
>
> I mostly use a Vibraplex, when I'm not using my Shurr, my ETM, or
> my
> "Twinkey" (which is 1"x2" and both paddles go up and down - so that
> it
> doesn't slide back and forth due to its low weight). And for the
> handkey
> contests I alternate between my old (1962) Bug (NoName, but it has
> a
> Bakelite base and clear plastic cover) and my Bencher "RJ" staight
> key,
> because my original J38 (with Navy Knob and leg strap) which I used
> in the
> Army (1971-74) seems to have shrunk and doesn't fit my leg anymore.
>
> To be honest, it really doesn't matter much to me which one I use
> because
> they're all good. I don't like the Bencher paddles at all. Hate
> using
> them. I can when I must, but it's almost as bad (to me) as running
> a
> Kenwood.
>
> I only use the keyboard when contesting. It's not very fun but it
> is
> convenient.
>
> I don't have any problem switching back to the old semi-automatic
> bug
> (exclusively for the handkey contests, nothing else) because I never
> learned
> (properly) to squeeze. If I squeeze, I go slower, not faster.
>
> Clearly the most difficult to use is the Twinkey. But it has its
> undisputable advantages.
>
> Now if you have problems with RF in the shack, there are certainly
> huge
> differences in these keys.
> By far the best is the old Bug (no metal anywhere to be touched).
> The ETMs
> are pretty safe. The Shurr isn't bad if you hold it high. The
> Vibraplex
> will bite you once or twice per word ;-)
>
> 73
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of W9GE
> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 10:36 AM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>
>
> Some of you make me drool with envy. I used to have what I thought
> was a
> decent fist, but then I switched to squeeze keying. That was 25
> years ago
> and my fist has never been as good since. It happened when I
> discovered
> squeeze paddles and iambic keyers.
>
> Wish I could switch back and unlearn 25 years worth. Maybe I could
> have a
> fist to be proud of again. Cannot tell you how many times I have
> tried, and
> that includes using the "other" hand, without success to switch back
> to non
> squeeze keying. Is there a secret I have missed along the way? And
> no, it
> is not because of A vs B curtis chips. I am a B user, cause I
> cannot make
> the letter C consistently with A keying.
>
> I went the total route; pump to bug to the original TO keyer ( I
> built one)
> to the Original Curtis chip Lil Bugger to an Accu-Memory Keyer ( I
> built
> one) to the K3 and Orion internal today. All are/were excellent and
> equally
> better than I was. By the way my straight key must have a navy knob
> on it.
> I have several Benchers and one Shurr Proffi paddle. Both are fine
> instruments.
>
> I look longingly at a chrome Vibroplex Original made the same year I
> was and
> a blue racer that is a bit younger than I am. I cannot use either.
> Nor can
> I use the Lionel bug my dad was issued while in Burma during WWII
> and
> subsequently used to work 300+ countries and who knows how many
> radiograms
> while not on duty again during Korean action. If that one could
> talk, the
> stories it would tell.
>
> My alltime favorite is a beautiful Autronic non squeeze paddle.
> Weighs
> enuff to stay put and has a feel that I have not seen duplicated.
> But, I
> never had an original FYO. I do have a March on order.
>
> This thread has convinced me to hook up the Autronic and try it
> again. I am
> with the crowd that believes iambic keying has been a bane to
> sending good
> cw. For some of us who may be anal retentive going back seems
> impossible,
> and as I age my timing ain't sharp enuff to send good cw at 35+ by
> squeezing, even if I only do it on some of the characters. I teach
> cw to
> new hams and force myself to use a keyboard so at least they can
> hear
> perfect cw while learning. But, keyboard cw is not the same when on
> the air
> to me. Just not fun.
>
> I chase dx and contest mostly with the keyboard now. Sometimes I
> use the
> paddles, but do not do it well. I would love to un-learn squeeze
> keying so
> I can comfortably rag chew again.
>
> My hat is off to those of you who can switch back and forth and do
> it well.
> 73 bob de w9ge
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 14:09:49 -0700
> From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] banana boat song
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <00c301c42bd2$d0aad680$168727d8@net>
>
> .... daylight come and I wan' go home.
>
> Let us simplify. All automatic keyers can be swung as though they
> were not
> iambic.
> All you have to do is ignore the fact that it is iambic. If you want
> to try
> 'the iambic' way then you are squeezing your letters. You dont have
> to do
> this unless you want to. The remaining cw is auto.
>
> The dot/dash memory of type A keying can throw some people, so use
> type B to
> escape it. Whether you use a single or double lever paddle makes no
> difference.
>
> This keying thing is made way to much of, as it's not all that
> complicated.
>
> Alot of hams go buy the cheapest thing that's made and get used to
> it.
> Others buy after investigating and networking the info. If it is
> confusing
> its because it can be unclear, even having read the manual. The
> manuals on
> keyers are abominable.
>
> A good paddle, a Ten Tec and a wire antenna are sublime. Day O)(O
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:10:23 -0500
> From: Richard Hemingway <rheming1@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List - Whoops!
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <p06020403bcb32add3d98@[68.94.61.38]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
>
> Whoops!!! I got a confirmation e-mail right after I got the one
> rejecting one. I think what happened was that the rejection was of
> a
> former try and not the one from the home page. Sorry.
>
> Dick N5XRD
>
> I earlier wrote:
> I have repeatedly tried to subscribe to the cw reflector and have
> had
> the e-mail rejected. The last time I went to the QTH.net home page
>
> and tried to subscribe from it - it was again rejected. Any of you
>
> who are CW list members - why??
>
> Dick, N5XRD
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:07:55 -0400
> From: "Mike Hyder --N4NT--" <mike.hyder.n4nt@charter.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Cc: designer@quickdata.com
> Message-ID: <003701c42bd2$b47e7750$657ba8c0@radiodesktop>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Hi, Paul--
>
> Count me as another one who believes iambic keying is the work of
> the Devil
> ! The more I practiced with it the worse I got -- regardless of the
> speed.
>
> I've used an old single-lever W8FYO key since about 1962 and
> wouldn't trade
> it for your house. The Bencher single-lever key is the closest key
> to mine.
> I don't like the fingerpieces on that Bencher but you might.
>
> Hi, Perry!
>
> 73, Mike N4NT
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "designer" <designer@quickdata.com>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 12:30 AM
> Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>
>
> > My last key was a J-38, so many decades ago. Now I feel the cw
> itch
> > again but the world has changed. From reading these posts about a
> > week ago, and my experience with demos at ham stores, I think I'd
> > adopt to a single paddle faster than iambic. That is, I
> understand
> > index finger/thumb pressure, but squeeze trips me up.
> >
> > However, there are few Bencher ST-1/2 or Vibroplex Keyer models
> for
> > sale. Almost everything I see in classifieds is iambic. Can the
> > iambic be "adjusted" so it ignores the squeeze? I'll be using
> this
> > with and Argo V and/or a Paragon with an outboard keyer.
> >
> > I picked up an MFJ 407B but hear they are touchy over 20 wpm. Is
> the
> > MFJ 408 any better?
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Paul
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:25:45 -0500
> From: Michael Goins <mgoins@usa.net>
> Subject: Re: [Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle]
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <953iDZVZt0288S07.1083014745@uwdvg007.cms.usa.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> I agree about the Bencher - can't find a W8FYO (or one I can
> afford). I do
> use
> the single paddle Bencher and it works very well. Also use a dual
> paddle
> Long
> Island Mercury, but find myself using the Bencher a lot as I like
> the feel
> and
> single paddle.
>
>
>
> 72,
> mike
> K5WMG
> ============================================================
> HQRP MosQRPitos, FISTS #10403, QRP-L #2130, QRP-ARCI #3922 (former
> managing
> editor, QRP Quarterly), TDXS #69, SOC #54, Flying Pigs #447, ARS
> #810,
> Alaska
> QRP #514, Iowa QRP #163, QCWA #30857, RSGB #19119, originally
> licensed as
> WB5YJX -One watt, all the time - SSB, CW, PSK, fixed or mobile
> ============================================================
> Ten Tec Scout - SWL-30 - RM-40 - RM-20 - WM-20 - Ten Tec Argosy II
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 21:50:25 -0000
> From: "Steve Ellington" <N4LQ@igLou.com>
> Subject: [TenTec] Re: TenTec keyers what are they?
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <006901c42bd8$7bd7ff60$a3ecffcc@f1v7g7>
>
> I bought a TenTec KR40 back in 1975 or so. It was my first real
> keyer and it
> cost $89. I learnt...KY. for learned, how to send "keyer cw" on it.
> Since
> then, I've tried other keyers using mode A curtis, Hallicrafters TO
> keyers,
> Accukeyers and even the highly rated K3 and I do poorly on them all
> but turn
> me loose on a curtis Mode B and I'm fine. I use an old MFJ 407 which
> has the
> curtis chip set for mode B. Yes, the K3 is supposed to emulate a
> curtis but
> looking at the menu, I do not see mode B listed.
> I did poorly on the Omni VI internal keyer but do fine on any
> Kenwood or
> Icom keyer. I assume they use mode B also. Now my conclusion is that
> TenTec
> used Mode B Curtis in their design of their Iambic series keyers but
> didn't
> in the Omni VI. Back in 1975, Mode B was cutting edge! Also I've
> concluded
> that if you learn on mode B, you are stuck for life. Interestingly,
> I can
> switch between the keyer and a bug and not miss a beat. Many of the
> mode A
> crowd can't do that. Wonder why?
> Steve
> N4LQ
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 9:09 PM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] banana boat song
>
>
> > .... daylight come and I wan' go home.
> >
> > Let us simplify. All automatic keyers can be swung as though they
> were not
> > iambic.
> > All you have to do is ignore the fact that it is iambic. If you
> want to
> try
> > 'the iambic' way then you are squeezing your letters. You dont
> have to do
> > this unless you want to. The remaining cw is auto.
> >
> > The dot/dash memory of type A keying can throw some people, so use
> type B
> to
> > escape it. Whether you use a single or double lever paddle makes
> no
> > difference.
> >
> > This keying thing is made way to much of, as it's not all that
> complicated.
> >
> > Alot of hams go buy the cheapest thing that's made and get used to
> it.
> > Others buy after investigating and networking the info. If it is
> confusing
> > its because it can be unclear, even having read the manual. The
> manuals on
> > keyers are abominable.
> >
> > A good paddle, a Ten Tec and a wire antenna are sublime. Day
> O)(O
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:06:19 -0500
> From: Richard Hemingway <rheming1@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <p06020400bcb329eb04fc@[68.94.57.17]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
>
> I have repeatedly tried to subscribe to the cw reflector and have
> had
> the e-mail rejected. The last time I went to the QTH.net home page
>
> and tried to subscribe from it - it was again rejected. Any of you
>
> who are CW list members - why??
>
> Dick, N5XRD
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:30:10 -0700
> From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Iambic, Iwasbic, Iwillbebic someday
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <013901c42be6$6c68daa0$168727d8@net>
>
> I eat twinkies seldomly. Twin keys usually have two keys on them.
> One is a
> pump and the other is a single lever paddle. If you have a single
> lever
> paddle of any kind, it will be impossible to ever send iambic.
>
> Mode A is a tool of the devil and should be cast hence. If you can do
> Mode
> A, keep it to yourself.
>
> Mode B is what its all about. Single or twin lever (some call them
> iambic
> paddles) you cant go wrong. Dont confuse iambic keying with iambic
> paddles.
>
> Paddles are paddles. Its the electronic keying that vary from maker
> to
> maker. Some are easier to do than others. Try as many as you can lay
> hands
> on to find the one that's most enjoyable.
>
> Many rigs now have the A/B choice. Some dont like their rig's keyer
> so they
> use outboard keyers.
> There are memory keyers and there are keyers that just key.
>
> Memory keyers have the additional capability of storing messages in
> them for
> use by pressing a button to insert the memorized cw wherever you
> determine
> you want it. You must first organize these according to taste.
>
> Over the years makers of keyers used first tubes, then ttl, and
> finally cmos
> logic with which to make our music. There may be others but these
> were the
> vast majority.
>
> The straight key and the bug are both non electronic and hence are
> the
> subject of most fond recollections. Iambic was used as a buzz word
> to imply
> better, easier, faster and new. Many bought what they thought was
> iambic
> only to be dissappointed and have long since abandoned all hope of
> automatic
> keying. Many hams persisted until the makers of the electronics got
> what
> most people wanted out there and it was Mode B.
>
> CW lovers must forge ahead and purchase whichever instruments suit
> them and
> spread the gospel of cookie cutter qso dom. Ragchewing is the goal.
> Copying
> in your head, by hand, by typing, by computer, by golly. Its not
> just CW,
> its basic radio communication. The very first oldie but goodie, the
> predecessor to rock and roll.
> The dit and dah. Railroad jazz. For the youngsters amongst us just
> remember
> this:
> It cant be broken if its already broke. But you can fix it so it
> cant be
> fixed.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:30:38 -0600
> From: "jack" <jfriend31@comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <003301c42be6$7d8754b0$1568a643@jackcvsfykhw1a>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> kent builds a fine single paddle key that works great in iambic
> keyers ... i
> have one, jack ak7o
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "designer" <designer@quickdata.com>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:30 PM
> Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>
>
> > My last key was a J-38, so many decades ago. Now I feel the cw
> itch
> > again but the world has changed. From reading these posts about a
> > week ago, and my experience with demos at ham stores, I think I'd
> > adopt to a single paddle faster than iambic. That is, I
> understand
> > index finger/thumb pressure, but squeeze trips me up.
> >
> > However, there are few Bencher ST-1/2 or Vibroplex Keyer models
> for
> > sale. Almost everything I see in classifieds is iambic. Can the
> > iambic be "adjusted" so it ignores the squeeze? I'll be using
> this
> > with and Argo V and/or a Paragon with an outboard keyer.
> >
> > I picked up an MFJ 407B but hear they are touchy over 20 wpm. Is
> the
> > MFJ 408 any better?
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Paul
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:45:03 -1000
> From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid@verizon.net>
> Subject: [TenTec] Studio 1 Mic Paint Job!!
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <000701c42c01$a6ee21b0$c93b4104@jim>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Hi,
>
> My Orion, with its' Ten Tec/Heil Studio One mike, is less
> than one year old. And the paint on the mike body is
> coming loose! I have had it in the Heil mike boom for some
> time, but the rubber bands have withered and broken, so
> have hand held the mike the last few weeks.
>
> I am shocked at what is happening to the paint: it now has
> blisters, if a finger nail happens to nick it, off the paint
> chips,
> etc.
>
> Must be very cheap paint! Sort of disappointed.
>
> And this one can't be fixed via a firmware update, hi.
>
> 73, Jim KH7M
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
> End of TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
> **************************************
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
Duane Calvin, AC5AA
Austin, Texas
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|