[TenTec] Bencher
Bill Rowlett
kc4atu at hotmail.com
Tue Apr 27 11:38:20 EDT 2004
It all comes down to personal choice. I can't stand the bugs. Does this mean
they are bad, no, just that I do not like them. You have to find what works
for you.
73, Bill kc4atu
QRP, doing more with less
FM19ga
>From: "Dave ke7gi" <ke7gi at ke7gi.com>
>Reply-To: ke7gi at ke7gi.com, tentec at contesting.com
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Subject: [TenTec] Bencher
>Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 08:03:55 -0700
>
>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 at contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
>On Behalf Of tentec-request at contesting.com
>Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 7:45 PM
>To: tentec at contesting.com
>Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
>
>Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
> tentec at contesting.com
>
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>
>When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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>
>
>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 at alaska.net>
>Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>To: tentec at contesting.com
>Message-ID: <408D69CE.6000003 at 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 at goeaston.net>
>Subject: [TenTec] banana boat swing
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <001401c42bcc$bb72c440$0200a8c0 at 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 at dj0ip.de>
>Subject: RE: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <NIBBJJPNILNPGHFHFIJJOEOICFAA.Rick at 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 at contesting.com
>[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of W9GE
>Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 10:36 AM
>To: tentec at 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 at contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 4
>Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 14:09:49 -0700
>From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit at serv.net>
>Subject: Re: [TenTec] banana boat song
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <00c301c42bd2$d0aad680$168727d8 at 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 at sbcglobal.net>
>Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List - Whoops!
>To: tentec at 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 at charter.net>
>Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Cc: designer at quickdata.com
>Message-ID: <003701c42bd2$b47e7750$657ba8c0 at 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 at quickdata.com>
>To: <tentec at 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 at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 7
>Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:25:45 -0500
>From: Michael Goins <mgoins at usa.net>
>Subject: Re: [Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle]
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <953iDZVZt0288S07.1083014745 at 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 at igLou.com>
>Subject: [TenTec] Re: TenTec keyers what are they?
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <006901c42bd8$7bd7ff60$a3ecffcc at 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 at serv.net>
>To: <tentec at 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 at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> >
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 9
>Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:06:19 -0500
>From: Richard Hemingway <rheming1 at sbcglobal.net>
>Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List
>To: tentec at 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 at serv.net>
>Subject: Re: [TenTec] Iambic, Iwasbic, Iwillbebic someday
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <013901c42be6$6c68daa0$168727d8 at 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 at comcast.net>
>Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <003301c42be6$7d8754b0$1568a643 at jackcvsfykhw1a>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>kent builds a fine single paddle key that works great in iambic keyers ...
>i
>have one, jack ak7o
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "designer" <designer at quickdata.com>
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:30 PM
>Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
>
>
> > My last key was a J-38, so many decades ago. Now I feel the cw itch
> > again but the world has changed. From reading these posts about a
> > week ago, and my experience with demos at ham stores, I think I'd
> > adopt to a single paddle faster than iambic. That is, I understand
> > index finger/thumb pressure, but squeeze trips me up.
> >
> > However, there are few Bencher ST-1/2 or Vibroplex Keyer models for
> > sale. Almost everything I see in classifieds is iambic. Can the
> > iambic be "adjusted" so it ignores the squeeze? I'll be using this
> > with and Argo V and/or a Paragon with an outboard keyer.
> >
> > I picked up an MFJ 407B but hear they are touchy over 20 wpm. Is the
> > MFJ 408 any better?
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Paul
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 12
>Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:45:03 -1000
>From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid at verizon.net>
>Subject: [TenTec] Studio 1 Mic Paint Job!!
>To: <tentec at contesting.com>
>Message-ID: <000701c42c01$a6ee21b0$c93b4104 at 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 at contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>End of TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
>**************************************
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>TenTec mailing list
>TenTec at contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
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