Homemade single paddle morse key "Compass"

[@thequarantinecatholic]

What an amazing video, this is beautiful !!

[@fintronics]

Fantastic!, I've been wanting to build my own single lever paddle with mag tension. I'm going to give your design a try. I was going to make some sort of copy of the Begali Sculpture mono but this looks way simpler. Good Job!

[@pa3byw]

Hello @fintronics, Thank you for your reply. Yes, a simple design. Later I've changed the 'steel ball' pivot to a ball bearing, which is more stable. And also made a switch for paddle/ sideswiper. Good luck and hope to hear from you!

[@queuerious]

Love the idea of two magnets pulling together to return the swing arm. Usually, magnets are paired to either side of the swing arm (4 in total) to push the swing arms back to centre. Shall experiment!

[@Bashnja1]

SUPER Durk! Thanks for the QSO today. I like single lever paddles made from .025 inch feeler gauges but that magnet approach is superior. I use magnets on a straight key and find I can set real small gaps because there is no spring torsion to mess it up, but I am going to try it on a single lever paddle now. 73 All the best...Fred G4HOM

[@mpccenturion]

Thank you. I was looking for a low pressure way to accomplish this. Great idea, centers every time.

[@spqa2004]

Beautiful key. I'd love to see a newer video with higher resolution so that we can better see the stained wood and the shiny brass hardware!

[@N7RD]

Wonderful concept with the magnets on the end keeping the arm centered. I am making the switch from dual lever over to a single lever hoping to cut down on my mistakes. Too easy to send sloppy code with dual lever at high speeds. Very nice.

[@outdoorsguru]

Nice job! I like how you used the magnets at the end of the paddle arm instead of the sides.

[@wntu4]

Great work, Durk. Beautiful key.

[@gerry5813]

WOW !.. that is some serious sending skill you have there... very impressed... use various straight keys... but think I may try something like this ! ! .. you may have converted me ! !

[@alexbuurlage9714]

Hi Durk. Awesome magnet principle. Brilliant in its simplicity. Looks and sends great! 73, Alex PA1FOX

[@pa3byw]

Alex Buurlage thanks Alex for your comments. Yes, a simple design but no bounching contacts at all with a narrow contact spacing. I've made a switch on the key for paddle/ sideswiper use. The contacts need a little flexibility then for a better 'cootie feeling'. In the future I want to make a Iambic dual paddle with the same magnetic mechanism. 73, Durk/ PA3BYW

[@KC2BKM]

Very Nice!

[@luizfranco3673]

Hi, Durk Another fantastic work. Congratulations We are the same group SSN 73, Franco / PY1EPU

[@pa3byw]

Hello Franco, thanks for your comments on this video. Yes, I like to homebrew these morse keys. Also nice to try a new (?) idea like this "Compass principle". 73, Durk/ PA3BYW

[@1934MoJo]

Hi thank you for your video, I have been searching for a design and I made this one I turned all of the brass parts on my wood lathe which was very challenging and mounted it all on a well figured wooden base with rubber feet, and with having such a light touch it does not move this paddle replaces a Bencher that I sold and I like this better.. thank you Maurie VK2CD

[@pa3byw]

Hi Maurie, tnx for your reply. Glad you like the design. Very nice you've made one yourself. Would be nice to see your video one day. 73 Durk PA3BYW

[@pa3byw]

tnx for your kind comment. Yes, a very nice Morse paddle to use. Adjustment Easy but contacts may bounch if not adjusted OK. Good luck . pleased lmk when yours is Ready to Go. 73 PA3BYW

[@carriancrow]

A very good soution. congratulation. Will make my paddle even in that way. DJ2LP

[@pa3byw]

Hello Mike no never had problems with attracting bits ect.

[@pa3byw]

tnx norm c. Yes very pleased with this morse paddle. 73 PA3BYW

[@cpcohen1945]

Very neat! Interesting force vs displacement graph, not possible with a spring. Thanks! de Charles / va7cpc

[@WB8ERJ]

Very nice build! The idea of using magnets is brilliant. I have a question though about them. How much of a problem do you have with the magnets getting random bits of small steel on them?

[@RichardGirou]

Great video. Beautiful workmanship on the design and build of the key. So, how about an indestructible to make the paddle. N2kpr

[@pa3byw]

Thanks Richard. 73 PA3BYW

[@normellow]

Genius

[@DennisMathias]

Whuao..you could sell these!

[@marcelbenhur6230]

Bel objet.

[@pa3byw]

Merci cher Marcel pour les comments. J'espére a bientôt sur l'air. Mes 73 QRO Durk PA3BYW