Review of CW Morse Paddles with weighted base (

CW Morse (cwmorse.us) makes a variety of inexpensive, 3D-printed Morse code keys. They've now added paddles for iambic keyers to their line. This review looks at one of their newest paddles, and reviews a bit about Morse code timing, standard (up and down) keys, sideswipers (cooties), Vibroplex bugs, and then Curtis-style iambic keying. This is a great key and can be obtained from cwmorse.us.
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[@wolfgangpalme3709]

Probably the best Ham Radio channel in the world. I always learn a lot by watching Dave's skilfully made episodes. Thank you Dave.

[@leegroce2943]

Thank you sir for your excellent explanation of CW timing. I recently bought a Vibroplex Code Warrior Jr., but I have had my Bencher key which is like yours for about 45 years and I do love it. I was not aware of the fellow who makes his keys by printing them. I have been using a key from Electronics USA for at least twenty years and I enjoy it too. I also have a J-38 key that works well. I am very happy that I have found your channel. 73!

[@natevanness]

Very happy with your stuff, you put a lot of time and effort into your videos and it is very much appreciated.

[@genewoody7187]

I enjoyed the video David. I am a retired Navy Radioman, retired in1983. in 1962, 63 & 64 a fellow RM had a keyer, he tried using it a couple times but the Communications Technicians, CTs) made him quit using it because they knew who it was sending because the dits and dahs were perfect. I was told by the CTs to dirty up my fist because they knew who was sending. I never could use a "bug" I could only use the old WWII keyers on the USS Providence CLG6.

[@nr3rful]

I have a Vibroplex "speed key" made circa 1961 and one circa 1971 from when I was in the service. Still use them and love them.

[@sundownsigns]

David, based on your review I bought one of these keys and I've been very pleased. It was my first experience with an iambic key and it was a good cost effective way to get that experience. Thanks! Plus, thanks for your Extra Class lessons that helped me pass the exam last month. 73...jim, WA7VVV

[@stridermt2k]

thank you for the review and for giving me a quick education about keys. I just bought a K-4 straight key with the idea of learning CW, but now understand the differences between the paddle keys and what keyers do. 73 de N2NLQ

[@opticalman1jeffkeokro741]

Thanks Dave another great video, I am in the process of learning CW. I always thought if you are going to be a ham your need to try out most if not all modes. I think that CW adds to the over all feel of ham radio.

[@docpearson]

That is the best review of The difference between keyers and paddles I have seen. Keep up the good work thank you and God bless you

[@edwardkerns5202]

Nice clear introduction to CW keying and iambic keyers. Thanks Dave. Ed, N1EK

[@jameslewis2661]

I am coming back to ham radio after 50 years away (got wife and kids now just have tolerant wife of 47 years LOL). I spent a few hours trying to figure out paddles and iambic, what they are, what is best, how do you use. Then discovered this video and ALL IS CLEAR LOL. Also discovered NO I don't need to spend $200 to $300 for a key! That was not a discussion I wanted to have with Susie. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@wildcardxpress]

Dave I watch and enjoy all of your videos, I just want to say I really enjoyed this one about the key

[@pandorasrevelations9873]

Taking CW academy now. I need a better paddle!! Thank you for your review!!

[@PaulTaylor1]

After your review I bought one in black, love it so far!

[@frankwc0o]

I just noticed. Congrats on 100K. Well done!

[@doloresazbill6044]

Dave, you are absolutely awesome. You got me through to my technician and general licenses and now I keep coming back to learn more. You are my go to man! I am looking to buy a keyer and this was the perfect place to learn about the options! Thanks again for all the work you go to, to make HAM radio a delightful experience! KJ7TBN

[@Tommyr]

I have one of their straight keys (great key!) and just ordered a pocket paddle from them. Well made keys. Very good prices.

[@jimkelsall9349]

Thank you fine Sir! I have had my amateur radio license for nearly 20 years, originally for offroading, but I am now gaining an interest in HF and CW and looking for a key. This video was informative and helped greatly. Thank you. Now subscribed. VE6BTW.

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

Bill-N6EF-I bought one of the paddles with the metal base in red and black because of this video and love it. My first set of paddles was 2 brass straight keys from Radio Shack placed back to back which worked very well for many years. I still have them somewhere but use these new paddles now.

[@r.hooper2355]

Dave, Thank you for putting an excellent video together. A new general ham since May and having been thinking about maybe getting into Morse Code, though not too soon, but wondering about the different keys. And Poof, there you are answering my questions. Thank you sir!. 73 K4QJS hoop

[@bobvandevelde]

As a real beginner radio enthousiast I really appreciated this video. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm determined to get to a level where I can enjoy Ham radio up to a high level. Morse is my ultimate goal. I hope to get there some day. Thanks again!

[@rickykaiden5598]

i dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@zacharydariel5982]

@Ricky Kaiden instablaster :)

[@barndweller4573]

Thank you for another great video. I am in the process of trying to bring back the CW to my brain. I was a novice over 40 years ago and did a year of CW only. never got that fast about 10 words per min. I now know that I had / have some hearing issues. I now have hearing aids that allow me to feed any audio directly to my hearing aids via blue tooth and it corrects the sounds I do not hear very well. I do not know if its just because I am doing it because I want to or what but the code is coming back pretty easily and it seems easier than it did so many years ago. Wish me luck, I will be the guy on the bands going s l o w ! Please keep up the videos as long as you can, they are invaluable. Yes I do some Patron to you.

[@techniq808]

Excellent video and was not expecting the keyer history lesson and was pleasantly surprised to get that additional knowledge. I think I'll know where I'll get an iambic keyer from.

[@jack002tuber]

Nice video, Dave! I like the idea of an iambic keyer. Should be easy on the wrist. Also QRP seems interesting. Good info here.

[@davidschwartz9636]

Thanks for this video Dave, it answered a few questions I had. Saw the range from CW Morse in the week and was thinking about getting one, after your video I'm definitely going to go ahead and order. Certainly seem well made, really good price and made in the U.S. of A instead of China. Regards David M0XQZ

[@johnparsons5552]

Dave. Good morning from Ohio. I watched your review of this product and just now place an order for it. Thanks for making this product review. 73. KC4KXL John

[@nvrumi]

I have one of these keys sans heavy base. I'm learning Morse and will use my key for field ops. I think another with the heavy base is on the list for the home station.

[@MichiganMaker]

great little history. Thank you!

[@felinefriday4855]

Thank you for this review. I needed to know if that brand is any good.

[@davem0udb]

Thanks Dave, just what I needed to understand

[@rangersmith4652]

Those dit-dah patterns are poetic feet called iambs. It becomes iambic pentameter only when it is grouped in sets of five; e.g., "We MET a MAN who LIKED to RIDE a BIKE."

[@bubbajeph]

I am left handed as was my father. He taught me to 'key' with my right hand as I copy in writing with my left. Never having to drop, and have roll off, the pencil. My Bencher looks just like yours and works the same.

[@julioparedes4935]

Excellent quality of manufacture and great smooth feeling on use. There are some similar looking Chinese paddles, very cheap in ebay, but they are terrible. I strongly recommend this CWMorse paddle.

[@mikeemerson8563]

I bought one several months ago without the base. It works well Mike. KC5BG

[@atomikrobot300099]

Thank you so much for reviewing these! I've always wondered about them on eBay!

[@michaelbalamuth93]

Nice video. You might have mentioned that for field use you can just take the Key off the steel base... only 4 bolts....

[@philvittetoe5391]

Thanks Dave! keep em coming! /Phil

[@ajameslee]

Sir wonderful video as usual! I started practicing with my Vibroplex iambic keyer and just realized my dits are on the right and dahs are on the left. I’m right handed. Should I switch them or leave it as it is? Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of other than issues with using others equipment?

[@frankwc0o]

What is that CW radio you demonstrated in the last part of your video?

[@sunkenbranchphotography9943]

Very nice, was looking for an alternate for my QRP rig. I have the Bencher with the bigger plug for my other rig. AG3Z

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

He does make a lighter version, I just made my first QSO with it for testing, it's the pocket version and it's simply awesome. Going to use it with my KX2 when I go out. 73 de KI5JCO

[@kc5lvz]

Nice video Dave 73

[@N4EJM]

Great video Dave. I'm in the process of learning CW and videos like this are very informative. At first I thought I would like the straight key but after messing around with a key app for my iPhone I think I like the paddles more. 73 de N4EJM

[@charleszimmermann7784]

My keying days are almost all over, arthritis is so bad I can barely muster a CQ with my call sign. Thanks for the video 73

[@okhamradio]

Thanks for the review of this device

[@carlsmith8850]

What is the QRP rig your using in the video? Great channel!

[@RTOHIO]

How can a newby ham studying for the exam gain practice using a lambic paddle keyer if newby ham does not yet have a transceiver that creates perfect dits and dahs internally?

[@usernamemykel]

How is it wired (at the plug to the KEY on the rig)? Is it a plain, ordinary, 3 conductor audio stereo arrangement, or what? Many thanks!

[@mikeklemens8970]

Nice lambic paddles in custom colors!?!?! Thank you for the review Dave. Mike N6IMY

[@HaleiwaSam]

Aloha and Thanks for the great video. I just happen to have a Nye Viking Paddle on sale on Ebay for Cheap, I like my Bencher a lot more. Hope you don't mind the plug. I watch all of your videos so I can stay current. Aloha and 73!

[@rangersmith4652]

The reference system IC-7300 has a keyer built into the microphone. Not exactly comfortable to use, but could serve in a pinch.

[@KU9L]

I looked for the keyer but can not find it. I believe I have a straight key made in a similar way I got several years ago, but it did not come with a heavy enough base. I am just coming back from 40 years of being Rip Van Winkle in this hobby, LOL.

[@claudem.p.7969]

Another nice video. I bought one very satisfied. I have the Bencher but straight key. I keep it in the box so beautiful. 73 VA2SOB.

[@fa18mhr]

Being new to HF, I really appreciated the history, technology progression, and key terminology included in your review. Straight key I knew, but a Cootie key, not a clue. OBTW - Couldn't you just remove the base from that key to use it man-portable?

[@RobMacKendrick]

Sidesweepers are very popular to homebrew. Traditionally they were made from a hacksaw blade, though these days there are dozens of designs. Since the action is very simple, you can make it dirt simple or extremely fancy, as you wish.

[@kendebusk2540]

Right or left for dits? Most seem to use left, but I learned the opposite. Is there a reason for most to do it that way as an established custom or just an arbitrary personal decision?

[@roymayo4]

What radio kit is that please?

[@jackhengert154]

Dave your instructional videos are awesome and extremely helpful to a new ham like myself. Many thanks, 73s. Jack, Kj4hfn

[@1boortzfan]

Could you do a video on how to adjust a bug?

[@drlegendre]

A terminology correction.. The single 'dit-dahhh' sequence is an iamb. Iambic pentameter is a poetical meter that comprises five iambs per phrase.

[@MrJoergenfoged]

Unusable onboard a Vessel - won't work when the Vessel is rolling / pitching in high seas - my personal experience

[@gregnewberry4813]

Nice video. I want a paddle, but the prices... Nice to know about these.

[@johng7rwf419]

Very interesting potted history...

[@patrickm9953]

thanks for showing

[@dgr3756]

Dave... Just ordered mine today!!!...Thanks for the FB vid, ..73's Dave,k3dgr

[@ICPolyman]

Dave, you mentioned that the cable might be defective, that when you plugged it in it would give a brief Dah or Dit ... This is due to the stereo 1/8th inch plug that has been chosen. What happens is that the Sleeve of the stereo connector, briefly shorts with the Ring and Tip as you plug it in as if you are pressing the paddles on the keyer.

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the poiknter.

[@K6TJO]

Thanks for this review. I am looking for a quick and quality approach to start learning cw and this looks like a good way to go. Do you see any deficiencies with that product for my goals?

[@davecasler]

There are several software programs and apps out there to learn CW. I like the Koch method best.

[@jimmurphy713]

A good basic coverage of different Morse keys.

[@qrptedmac]

I ordered one of these.

[@yvesbajulaz]

Great explanation thx

[@donarnold8268]

Thank You!

[@danbrownlegalbooks]

Dave, I am curious about the QPR rig you are transmitting into. I am an EC (AA0CB) little to no experience but I love the idea of QRP.

[@davecasler]

QRP labs original QCX.

[@robertshea9841]

Thanks for the intro.

[@rjinnh3933]

Hi Master OGIE Did you forget to mention that this key uses Brass Contacts, Stainless Hardware and 4 Roller Bearings. One top and one bottom of each paddle?

[@gazalaem]

What is the company name? How do I buy one?

[@richard-fy2mu]

Have you done one electronic iambic keyer? Loved one I had but I forgot name of it.

[@davecasler]

The "keyer" is built into most modern radios. What looks like the key is actually called "the paddles." You connect them to the rig, turn on the keyer using the menu. The menu controls speed, has memories, etc.

[@Lehmann108]

They still make these? Wow! My did did this WWII.

[@HFMmv]

Is there a difference in hand choice? I can send left or right should I perfect just one hang BTW I am left handed...

[@davecasler]

A lot of lefties reverse the wiring on the paddles. Often the radio itself has a menu option to reverse the paddles. Use what works best for you.

[@K6TJO]

Show us the rest of that equipment

[@scharkalvin]

There was a 'double bug' at one time with two weights and pendulums that could send both dah's and dit's automatically. Probably a pain to adjust right!

[@davecasler]

It seems an obvious solution, but I've never seen one.

[@scharkalvin]

@@davecasler There is one in the ARRL museum in Newington Conn. A photo once appeared in QST many years ago.

[@pipesmokercowboychris]

Very cool. I tried paddles once and couldn't get it down. I use a homemade sideswiper that I made myself. I'm still learn cw better. I was a 5wpm General and just barely passed. Now an Extra. 73 KA9WLU

[@carolmartin7042]

Thank you. Glen, N0QFT

[@larspregge6420]

u are using qcx, great hardware :D

[@CrittendenIV]

Gonna have to get one. What's the radio you used? Thanks again Dave! :)

[@TrystansWorkbench]

The Radio Dave was using is a QCX from www.qrp-labs.com/ It costs about the same as the morse paddle.

[@ronadams9519]

Can u use straight key with the QCX?

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Thanks!

[@davecasler]

Thank you for your support!

[@jasony.2001]

What is that little QRP right you have there? I don't have any QRP and want to get into it.

[@davecasler]

It's a QCX from QRP Labs

[@jasony.2001]

@@davecasler Thank you! Btw, I got the keyer you review. It should arrive in the mail soon!

[@rags3711]

I purchased a paddle key that you suggested. What else do I need to practice code? What makes the sound and how much does it cost. Help! SOS. That’s how much I know. NOTHING.

[@TrystansWorkbench]

With a morse paddle, you need a "morse keyer". That converts the two buttons of the paddle into "dits" and "dahs". Then you need to plug the output of that "morse keyer" into a "morse oscillator". That makes the dit and dah sounds from the keyer.

[@FraterAlex]

At least for me, I do not like a key which I have to hold down so the metal base is a plus, even on a place I have to hike to.

[@DonDegidio]

Dave, Wonder if the metal base could be removed for backpack use? WB3BJU

[@davecasler]

The nuts on the screws are nylon and are designed to be difficult to remove. But I'm sure it could be done.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Dave, They appear to be just ordinary self-locking nuts. WB3BJU

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Dave, They appear to be just ordinary self-locking nuts. WB3BJU

[@davecasler]

Might be easier just to purchase another key from cwmorse.us without the heavy base. He has lots of options.

[@genebodenberger]

Straight key for me.

[@stevearrowood7430]

Hi Dave. I don't recognize that QRP radio but it looks interesting. Is that something you bought or a kit you built? 73 KM6VAY

[@mxkody781]

It's a kit radio. It's the QRP-Labs QCX. It's a monoband, CW only transceiver. They've got a lot of great features and will only set you back $50.

[@TrystansWorkbench]

www.qrp-labs.com/

[@kuyckxandre268]

nice greets from Belgium

[@mabo4848]

Tnx

[@jimwilliamsiii]

Is there a device that would convert text typed into a program and convert it into Morse Code? And vice versa?

[@davecasler]

There are a number of keyboard keyers. Receiving anything except machine-sent morse is problematic--the code is not designed for that. Hard to beat the gray matter between the ears!

[@jimwilliamsiii]

@@davecasler Thank you sir!

[@jimwilliamsiii]

@Franklin Lewis Thank you sir!

[@jimwilliamsiii]

@@davecasler I am a big fan of Morse Code, I'm just not very good at it.

[@RobMacKendrick]

@@jimwilliamsiii Easy fix: do it! It comes fast. Be sure to do a lot of live copying before your first QSO. You have to anyway to learn to take code, and it teaches you CW QSO protocol, which is unique. Since the license requirements changed, I work a lot of learners who do passably well with code, but know disturbingly little about how to conduct a QSO. You get that skill from copying ordinary (not contest) traffic. Anyway, that's how you get good at code. You copy a lot of it, and then... you do it! As often as possible. (Not hard, because it's fun and keeps getting funner.)

[@VK4QC]

Nice paddles and great review. 73 Peter VK4QC

[@gerdgroos8830]

So funny. Whenever David uses this keyer he has to hold it down on the table with his other hand or it would slip. So the key is not heavy enough. Why does he love it, as he says?

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

thank you

[@BuckTravis]

👍

[@bluedeath996]

I am new to the hobby, but not to electronics. A morse key is literally a switch with a spring (or 2 switches and 2 springs), how are they so expensive?

[@hectorpascal]

It's a simple answer! The old keys, and later ones with a really nice "feel", were never made in great quantity, and many have been lost or broken over the years. As simple and "pretty" electromechanical items, the remaining ones have quickly become collectors' items. So following the law of supply and demand, the price of those keys has gone up! Modern manufacturers who see this naturally want a slice of the action, and therefore concentrate their own production on the deluxe end of what is really a very small market. Luckily the advent of 3D printing has now revived the bottom end of it!

[@davecasler]

The Delgado keys are a step in the direction of less-expensive keys.

[@jeffreygray9317]

Dave your information on how to use a cootie is wrong. There is no dots on thumb and dash on index fingers. Cooties were developed to reduce glass arm aka carpel tunnel syndrome. The proper technique is to make the alternate finger and thumb making the needed character be it dot or dash. Plus the sideswipper when operated correctly can reach 30 plus speeds easily. The single paddle with a keyer so the dot is on the thumb and dash is on the fingers, ten speeds of 60 are possible. The single paddle key like the Begali HST are the favored key for CW speed contest. The begali HST has a switch to make it work with a keyer or as a cootie.

[@jaywshoup]

What’s his URL?

[@DonDegidio]

cwmorse.us/ 73 WB3BJU

[@nimroddiaries_]

Cwmorse.us

[@davecasler]

cwmorse.us Note the .us instead of .com