Morse keys

These are some of the morse keys I currently use:

McElroy speed key

This bug key is similar to the Vibroplex but has a more limited range of speeds due to its shorter length. It also has a dot stabiliser which pretensions the reed to improve weighting of the dots. Theodore Roosevelt McElroy was a professional radio operator recorded copying morse code in competition at 77 WPM.
You can find all the info in this article.

This is an old photograph. The key has now been completely rebuilt. This involved a complete strip down and cleaning of all the components. The base has been refinished in black hammer tone paint and the chrome has all been polished. Unfortunately the makers plate was rusted beyond recognistion, so it had to be discarded. The rubber feet were very brittle and gave no real grip so they have been replaced.

The weight provided with the key only allows for speeds over 30wpm (rather like the Vibroplex Blue Racer) Vibroplex weights fit the McElroy but at £25 I decided to make my own by drilling out £1 coins and gluing them to the front and back of the existing weight. This did not help as much as I thought so I took a 5mm socket out of my 1/4 inch socket wrench set and fixed it on the ned of the pendulum with Blu Tac. This gets the speed down below 20 and can be easily removed.

The key now looks ten times better and works better since all the contacts have been cleaned and everything lubricated correctly.

Swedish straight key

This is a high mass key made by Lennart Pettersson of Stockholm. The wooden base is decorative and contains a large block of steel. Its a very positive action. In the US these cost $190 but I got mine from G3TUX for £89.95.

Home made iambic paddles

These paddles were made from two brass right angle brackets and two 20mm cabinet hinges. They may not look pretty but they have been in use for nearly 10 years and work perfectly.