[VHFcontesting] AM Radio Telegraph Key

[Les Rayburn]

Thanks Steve. I’ve found a few of this type over the years. The unit I remember had a straight key and transmitter built into the key housing. There was also a short wire antenna that came out of the back. 

I remember it was MCW, because it gave a very pure tone, without key clicks when used on the air. It made it very easy to copy the signal. Being eager to get on the air, I had a nearby friend try to receive my transmissions from just up the block. He couldn’t at first, but when I connected that wire to the longwire antenna I had up for a crystal radio, he could copy my transmissions just fine. 

We spent several evenings sending “coded” messages to each other. He’d borrow the key for a few nights to send to me, and vice-versa. Probably a violation of Part 15, but also great fun—and I did manage to learn the code. 

Thanks for this tip. 


73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 
EM63nf

Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA. 

Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip. 


> On Feb 12, 2016, at 6:31 AM, Steve Tripp (K1IIG) <stephen.tripp at snet.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Less,
> Type in Google "wireless code practice oscillator" and you will find a ton of various types. Here is the one you are probably looking for made by Lafayette (LRE) http://www.n4mw.com/cp029.htm which transmits on the lower portion of the AM band.
> 
> 73's
> Steve
> K1IIG
> 
>> Way off topic in terms of VHF operation, but not sure who else to ask.
>> 
>> As a boy of 7-8 years old (late 1960’s) I remember attending a ham radio club meeting in Cleveland, TN. One of the members there had a straight key that transmitted modulated CW to any nearby AM radio. Basically, a wireless code practice oscillator. The range was very limited, probably less than 100 feet but it worked well.
>> 
>> He loaned it to me while I was learning the code—and I thought it was the coolest gadget ever. Soon after, I moved onto a novice ticket and 80 Meter CW. The key was returned to him, and I didn’t think of it again for years.
>> 
>> Searched high and low on Ebay, but without a manufacturer or other clues, it’s proven impossible to find. Does anyone on the list recall these keys? Any idea who made it, or how I might go about finding one?
>> 
>> Any information would be most welcome.
>> 
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> Les Rayburn, N1LF
>> 121 Mayfair Park
>> Maylene, AL
>> EM63nf
>> 
>> Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA.
>> 
>> Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip.
>> 
>> 
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