My Morse Code Key Collection - Morse Code Can Be Fun and You Should Try It!

In this video I am showing you my Morse code or CW key collection. I have been learning Morse code for a little over a year now off and on and I purchased quite a few different style keys to help me learn and become proficient in learning CW. I hope you enjoy this quick journey into my collection!
PCB Straight Key - bit.ly/3RAfj0b
Scout CPO Oscillator - bit.ly/3SCO3zg
Ultra Porta Paddle - bit.ly/3CuHAB2
MFJ-564 Paddle - bit.ly/3V12ij9
J-37 & J-38 Keys were found on Ebay Auctions
Tools to Learn Morse Code:
G4FON - www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer2.php
CWPlayer - f6dqm.free.fr/soft/cwplayer/en...
Morse Machine (IOS) - apple.co/3rxjRtM
Morse Machine (Android) - bit.ly/3C65qSk
CWHotline - hamradio.solutions/cwhotline/
✅Website: hamradiofornontechies.com
✅rumble.com/c/c-1877665
✅Patreon: / hr4nt
✅My Amazon Store: amzn.to/3sSeA1n
✅Facebook: / hr4nt
✅odysee.com/@hamradiofornontec...
✅Twitter: / hamtechies
✅TOADs Discord: / discord
✅Kit.co Product Recommendations: kit.co/ki5npl
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My Current Shack Setup:
ICOM IC-7300
Yaesu FT-2980
DX Commander Classic
Comet GP-9
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply
LDG AT200 PROII Tuner
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#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies

[@garyjohnson4608]

Wow ! My Dad was a ham, and he had one of those J keys from his time in the Army Signal Corps. Those keys remind me of him so much.

[@HR4NT]

Hey I am glad you enjoyed the video and the J-38! Thank you for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@Jefflantern483]

That is a nice straight key & iambic key collection! Yes learning Morse code & getting good at it too!👍👍 Even built a cootie ( sideswiper key ) using a small kitchen paring knife, plus some junk box parts & works fantastic too! 73’s de VE3EUP Jeff!🙂📻📻

[@HR4NT]

That is fantastic! I love the innovative way you made your key! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Jefflantern483]

@@HR4NT Thank you & was an easy project too on my Morse key!🙂 You are welcome & subscribed to your channel!👍👍

[@radiosnail]

Excluding one attached to a practice oscillator, my first key was a straight key made (or at least sold with one of their sticker on it) by a British firm called Deecom. (Bought in '93 when I took my Morse test t a radio rally - the tests had not long been taken over by the RSGB from British Telecom coastal radio stations) I still have it. I have owned three Kent straight keys and still have two of them. I have a Hi Mound which is my main key for HF at the moment as well as several others. I even have a Hi Mound paddle. But my cod isn't good enough for that. I also inherited a couple of vintage keys from ham friend. It's funny how we end up collecting keys without rally meaning to. At the upper end of the market, some keys are almost jewelry for radio hams. It is always good to see other people's collections.

[@HR4NT]

LOL...thank you for sharing! I love my key collection and will be adding to it if I find some unique ones down the road. You are right we do end up collecting these like jewelry. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Those are fine looking straight key collection, I have a straight key oscillator I been practicing with as I study for the technician exam

[@HR4NT]

Thank you! I am always on the lookout for new keys. That is fantastic that you are studying CW while studying for your tech! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@Stingray8854]

Jericho. It was a series that ran maybe two seasons on CBS several years ago, maybe around 2006 to about 2008? Something like that. Anyway, it as a FANTASTIC series about a small town called Jericho Kansas. It’s the normal small town thing where everyone knows everyone and their dog. Then the mayor’s son comes home. Nobody’s seen him in at least five years and when he shows up, everyone has questions. There’s an old romance with a beautiful girl he had a thing with in high school or shortly after. There’s unsettled bad blood between him and his father the mayor and he leaves town, with unfinished business all around. Then WW3 starts. A mushroom cloud from what used to be Denver Colorado. It’s a post apocalyptic series where people who were in fishing tournaments a few years before are now at war with each other. Imagine one small, one-horse town with a machine shop, the other with a large salt mine. They literally go to war over resources. Every episode opened with a cryptic scenario and Morse Code in the theme music. Good stuff.

[@HR4NT]

I am very familiar with Jericho. LOVED that show. bought season 1 & 2 on DVD and I also have the trade paperback of season 3, which was the last installment the writers made. I still believe in the back of my mind that the show was cancelled because it was teaching too many people how to survive. I still try to decode the Morse at the beginning of each episode. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Stingray8854]

@@HR4NT Roger that. 73 right back at you. KJ5GIH.

[@maureen3134]

Hi, Scott, I just came across your video and enjoyed see your collection of keys. Thanks for pointing out the challenge of the paddle key; I have been wondering how they work. I just won an eBay bid for a J-38 and can’t wait to have it. I like the idea of mounting it on a nice piece of wood, too. I have joined the LICW Club and haven’t yet started my classes but I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing your key collection! Add: I just downloaded Morse Mania and have no idea how to play. I guess I’ll have to wait until I start my classes.

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome!!!! You will love that J-38 when you get it. Experiment and test out other types of keys. New stuff will always take practice, but learn on the straight key first. After you gain some level of proficiency with Morse code, then you can play with other types of keys. Most of all, take it at your pace and have fun with it. Glad to have a fellow LICW member on here! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@PendejoRyan]

I have that American Morse paddle. The mount with the leg strap is absolutely worth the extra money.

[@HR4NT]

That is good to know. Up until now, I didn't know anyone else who even owned one! So thank you very much!!!! Thank you for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@leo3times]

Hi Scott. Nice collection. The J-37 is really cool. I probably wouldn't use one but it's still cool. I also went down the cw key rabbit hole a bit. I bought a couple of keys off e-bay. J-38, (Looking for a nice piece of wood like that to put mine on) and a Navy flame-proof key. Jumped in with both feet and realized life was tugging at my shirt tails, so I had to back off. I'm still learning, it's slow, but it's a hobby. 73 👍

[@HR4NT]

I am in the same boat. I joined the Long Island CW Club as a life member and jumped into CW head first...life got in the way and I have yet to jump back in. It happens. I try to play as much as I am able, but my plate has been rather full lately. Keep up with it!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@douglassharafanowich8605]

Yes, Bencher keys do take a bit of learning . Consider getting a SINGLE PADDLE Key. This will give you repeating dits or dahs, depending on which way you move the paddle (Left or Right).

[@HR4NT]

I might try one of those out down the road. I just need to force myself to dedicate some time to continue learning CW. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@marksaunders2M0]

I’ve just started CW. Well, about 3 weeks ago now. My present licence limits me to 10w, so I thought CW would keep me from being frustrated about lack of DX success. But, I’m now becoming frustrated with CW. I know the rhythm of the letters keyed. But, I just keep missing some letters and my brain dwells on the missed letter and stops thinking about what I’m then hearing. Ouch! Give me a mental lift tonight. 😊 73 de Escosse

[@HR4NT]

Messing up happens. It happens to me and it happens to others as well. You aren't alone in that. What I have been told is that if you make a mistake, no one is going to bite your head off or chastise you for doing so. Just do your best and the rest will come. CW should never be a stressful activity. Take your time, make it fun and get on the air with someone you know to practice. Thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@thecalendarninja]

very nice 👌 i will most likely be joining LICW club soon. I'm starting to get into cw and I'm a bit overwhelmed and confused on what equipment i need to get started. I need to get my straight key and iambic key set up to use on my phone and computer. I will be doing more internet based practice before doing any radio stuff.

[@HR4NT]

When I first started out, I went to cwmorse.us and they offered a combo kit that had a straight key and an oscillator. This helped me in the LICW classes when the instructor had us repeat parts of the lesson. I still use it today to allow me to practice on my own time. It can be overwhelming, but don't allow that. Take your time. I would say that joining LICW is the best thing you can do. The lay it out in an easy and comprehensive way. Best of luck!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@ghostrider196319]

Instead of brasso pick up a can of never dull, works ten times easier and also is my number 1 fire starter. 1 can will last you years.

[@HR4NT]

I actually have a can of that around somewhere...somewhere being the key here...LOL I appreciate the tip! Thank you for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@janiceemery2008]

Thank you Scott for showing your keys. I am in the process of learning Morse Code and now I am a lifetime member of the LICW Club. A lot of good information coming from those folks. Thank you again. KO4UWU 73

[@HR4NT]

Fantastic! I to am a lifetime member there. They have so much to offer anyone wishing to learn CW and so many resources. It is simply amazing. Maybe we will see each other in a class sometime. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@thecalendarninja]

i ordered a decoder to help me practice just waiting for it now in the mail

[@HR4NT]

Perfect! Anything to help you to learn and retain the letters and numbers. I also suggest joining the Long Island CW Club. Lifetime membership is $90 and the online live zoom classes will accelerate your learning by 100%. Best of luck...maybe we will get a QSO sometime on CW!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@dacodemonk]

Hey Scott, loved the tour of the paddles. I also wanted to let know I'm enjoying the resources on your web site. Especially the propagation page. I have it bookmarked and visit it multiple times a day.

[@HR4NT]

Awesome, thank you! I am glad that the resources on my website are helping you! I suspect that my paddle collection will grow more over time...LOL Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!

[@PhinAI]

Hey, thank you! This was the gate I couldn't get through that discouraged me from getting a license. It may be that it becomes my favorite part of having a license.

[@HR4NT]

I think if you give a good effort and make it enjoyable and not a "job" or a "have to do this", you will really enjoy it and learn a new skill. The Long Island CW Club offers a lifetime membership for $90 and it is well worth it. You have classes over zoom AND they offer 40-60 classes a week from various instructors and different skill levels. It is pretty amazing. I truly hope you give it a shot! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@3henry214]

I bought a WWII J-38 when I was a late teen simply because I was into SWL and liked the looks of them... I think I paid $10 bucks for it at an Army/Navy surplus store (I sure miss those kind of stores). I'm amazed at what the going price is for a J-38 is today. And that J-37 you have is really cool! I never seen one on a leg mount like that... I wonder if that was for use by an aircraft radioman, where there wasn't any place for a table top style key? You're absolutely right about needing to devote regular time practicing so you don't lose what you've learned, that has been my problem due to the demands at work. I retired a few years ago from being an Mainframe Computer support technician for 40 years, that was on-call 24x7, supporting systems located in 3 US and 3 international time zones. My sleep pattern was (and still are, even though I'm retired) so irregular that not only could I not devote a regular or consistent time for learning and practicing CW, my sleep deprive brain was too fired to concentrate, and I finally gave up after too many attempts of starting and stopping, and basically having to start over each time. But now in retirement, I'm hoping to give it a try again. I really would like to put my J-38 key into use, instead of it just being a display piece. Nice job with that Birds eye maple base, I made the same thing for my key using highly figured piece of Claro Walnut, and I adorned it with a small engraved brass plate with my call sign and name when I got my license two months ago.

[@HR4NT]

Hey there! Nice to meet a fellow woodworker! I wish I could find keys in the $10 range these days, but I think those days are long gone now. I hope that you do end up giving CW another try. I think if you have more time to dedicate to it, you will not only become proficient in it, but enjoy it all over again. There is a guy on Ebay that sells those J-37's. I think they were used as you said on planes or maybe even ships. Thank you for sharing your story as well as watching and enjoying my video. Have a good one and best of luck learning and getting back into CW! 73!

[@wickedloudone]

I have a few keys that I've picked up over the years from random thrift stores and ham fests. The one that I found myself gravitating towards the most is my vibroplex style lightning bug. Once it's set up, that key is a dream to use. Lots of adjustments to get it dit and dah'ing with very little effort. I need to get back into cw again... Digimodes are making me lazy.

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome thank you for sharing that! I fell off the CW cart myself and need to focus more time to it as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@oldgiapetto]

I have a Paddlette, KP3, that I might be willing to part with.

[@HR4NT]

Good to know! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@thecalendarninja]

i bought a straight key and an iambic on ebay but 😅now I don't know what else I need cables or whatever 🤔 to get connected to my computer and phone for now

[@HR4NT]

I would suggest looking up that particular model keys and see if there is an accessory cable available for them. You will need to make sure that you have the proper jack for your radio's key input. Join my FB group and post a pic of the keys in there....I am betting that someone will be able to identify and help you solve that issue fast! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@MichaelRisser]

Great video, Scott. I do have to correct a slight, though common, error. The paddles are not iambic paddles, contrary to popular belief. The paddles are either single paddles or double paddles. It is the keyer which is iambic (Iambic refers to the rhythm of the keying, much like iambic meter in poetry). A keyer, which you didn’t cover, is required for the proper use of the paddles. The keyer can either be internal to the radio, most modern radios have an internal keyer, or an external unit, much like your CPO (Code Practice Oscillator). The one other thing I would say is, if you know the letters and numbers in Morse Code, get on the air. There is NO better way of learning than being on the air. All of my CW Elmers, each of whom has 40+years of CW experience, have all told me that, and my own experience has proven it to be true. Once you know the letters and numbers…Get. On. The. Air. Hope to work you some time, 73 de KG6ECW

[@HR4NT]

Hi Mike. Thank you for the clarification. I am still learning about this stuff in my ham radio journey. I still haven't learned all of the letters and numbers as of yet, but will try to get on the air sometime when I do. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@timbo2ize]

Hi. I have two training boards dating from ww2. I would like to connect them so that they can communicate between each other, could you tell me how to do this.

[@HR4NT]

I would have to know more about the make and models of those boards. One way might be to purchase those CWHotline boxes that allow you to send Morse code over the internet without using radio waves. i have one here and it is very nice to be able to practice without being on the air. You can find out and read more about those here: hamradio.solutions/cwhotline/ I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@HannoBehrens]

Scott, buy yourself a Junker M.T. That's for a straight key the apex. You will know if you have one. Apex predator. That's also WW2. But beware. After using one, you are spoiled for life.

[@HR4NT]

I have actually been looking for one that is in good condition or refurbished for a while. I found a guy on one of the ham forums that rebuilds them, but not sure if he still does it. It was from a few years ago. I will keep hunting. Definitely want one in my arsenal. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@warplanner8852]

By damn, Scott, don't denigrate your CW abilities so quickly! You casually ripped out that CQ pretty decently! All you gotta do is learn to hold the key lever correctly and not tap. As with a lot of your videos, you seem to underpromise and overperform! You are definitely one heck of an evangelist for amateur radio! That said, I went to a local ham club's auction one year and picked up a _pristine_ J-38 for $10! So keep your eyes peeled!

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much for those kind words! I will never give up, I promise! It's comes down to practice practice practice. Congrats on that J-38 find!!! That is absolutely fantastic! Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment. 73!

[@MrBracey1970]

2E0HFO Just started learning CW,and I’ve just joined the Long Island CW club this week,even thought I’m UK based 😊

[@HR4NT]

Hey that is absolutely awesome!!!! Maybe we will see each other in a class. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@KE5ZZO]

Scott: key #2 what is the purpose of the knob sticking up to the left of the key slides l to r key # 3 3 wires. Comon and hot #3 ? Plug tip ring sleeve what is 3rd wire going to on radio. Thought all jacks were mono. Just 2 wire not 3 I can understand 3 wire on iambic because common, dot, dash.

[@MichaelRisser]

The knob is for the shorting bar, which was used by railroad telegraph operators, but not on wireless, basically it kept the circuit closed when the telegraph station wasn’t open. Not sure why he has a third wire running from it, it’s ignored by keyer, internal or external, when in straight key mode.

[@HR4NT]

Mike nailed it. The only reason I have three wires on that one is that I haven't yet snipped it off as it serves no purpose. The cable came with three and I thought, at the time that they all had to be connected. There weren't a whole lot of sources to show me how to connect a key that I could find so I had to experiment. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!