[TenTec] Bencher

Tue Apr 27 12:29:52 EDT 2004

The early Bencher's had screws attaching the finger pieces to the paddle
levers instead of the rivets they use now.  This allowed you to put one of
the finger pieces on the inside making the spacing narrow.  Too bad they
went to rivets to save a dollar or two.

73,

Alan  N5NA

>................ second, the spacing on the two paddles is too large for
> my likings.  I like the two paddles to be thinner and closer
together..............
>
> Apart from that, the Bencher paddles are ourstanding products and most of
my
> friends use them and love them.  Just not my cup of tea.
>
> 73
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Dave ke7gi
> Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 8:04 AM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Bencher
>
>
> 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
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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> You can reach the person managing the list at
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>
> 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 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
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
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> End of TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
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