Reviewing CW Paddles - 3 Lessons I've Learned So Far.

I'm new to reviewing products. This Portable Morse Code Paddle series is my first attempt. With a few reviews under my belt I have learned a few things. In this video I talk a little bit more about the paddles previously reviewed and share a few lessons I've learned along the way. Pictured above is a 3D printed shroud for the American Morse Ultra Porta Paddle Morse Code Paddle. The plans were created by Dave KG3X and can be found here: www.prusaprint...
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[@malenve6vid]

It's rare nowadays that someone acknowledges their mistakes, especially on youtube. Well done Charlie, well done.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Malen. Looking forward to buying you that burger soon!

[@n4jaw]

Charlie, I've followed your social media accounts for some time because of your POTA, SOTA explorations and my desire to improve my Morse Code. However, this video proves I've been following you for the wrong reasons. This video shows your true self, not as a Amateur Radio operator but as a man. And for that reason, you have my deepest respect.

[@RedSummitRF]

Very kind words Jim! Thank you for that and also for your continued support of the channel and your online friendship.

[@Aimsport-video]

This is stupendous. Your first impressions are just that. No substitute for field use. It takes a great person to adjust course this way. Respect!

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you for your words of encouragement and it is true, no substitute for field tests. Appreciation back at you!

[@n5pa]

Charlie, I commend you for “Manning Up” and coming forward with an honest assessment. It too courage and was the right thing to do! Keep the videos coming! Integrity above all things is a badge we all need to wear! Good Luck!

[@josempantaleon]

I agree 100%

[@RedSummitRF]

Alan, I love that . . . "Integrity above all things". I'm not perfect of course but it's something I strive for. Thank you for your encouraging comments.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I always worry that my "truth" is heard as just whining instead of honest thoughts on the product. I also think about how some people love their favorite things and try not to offend those. I've turned down some reviews, some have been outright warnings and others are pretty good. You're doing strong work here. Keep it coming!

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you TO! You have been a great mentor for me (I dropped your name as such in the QSO Today interview). I appreciate your support.

[@n8telyons]

What’s interesting to me is that there can be so much art snd engineering to what is essentially a spst switch. Clearly it’s not as simple as one would think. Like the infinite ways people have come up with to tell time, there are infinite ways of making a contact closure to generate cw. It’s fun to be a part of this adventure!

[@RedSummitRF]

I like what you say here and agree. It's interesting how diverse the designs are and it's been fun to see all of that up to this point. Thank you for your comments and support of the channel.

[@cargodera1]

Thank you Charlie very much for this video! As I progress with learning CW I've been looking at several options for my SOTA paddle. I really appreciate your honesty. 73.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you so much, David. I am glad you enjoy the series.

[@rodgermckeon]

Awesome job, Red! I appreciate your honesty. Nobody's perfect right out of the gate. This "Lessons Learned" video will help others down the road. And not just about picking the correct paddle. 😊👍🏻 73 de KJ7LLX

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you for the positive comment Rodger. It's truly appreciated and I do hope what I'm doing here will help others in some way. 73 my friend.

[@thomasnewbery7449]

For those who don't want to give up on the paddle's tactile feel, maybe make a piece of plexiglass with two holes over those adjustments to "protect" them from one's fingers. I would, rather than give up on it and sell it.... but, to each his/her own.....

[@RedSummitRF]

Yes! I agree. If you've already purchased the paddle, use that ham radio ingenuity to find a workable solution. Love it!

[@victordenisov1412]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about American Morse Paddle. I was about to buy it after your first review when I stumbled upon this review. I also second your observations about radio adventure paddle. It tends to send alternating dits and dahs if you press too hard. It's useful to gauge how nervous I am during my activation, but it's definitely not something you would want to see in a properly designed paddle. I have to admit that this paddle has a great form factor. I always take it on my SOTA activations. I really hope that Sebastian will be able to address this issue and I'll buy the next version of his paddle.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Victor. It's always nice to hear other operators opinions and experiences. I appreciate the comment.

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Charlie. Very good update and appreciate your honesty.

[@RedSummitRF]

My pleasure, Don. Thanks!

[@barrybegley5379]

Charlie: Kudos to You, Sir for having the cojones and broad shoulders to illuminate any possible shortcomings in previous videos. Most content providers would be reluctant to point out such activities. It makes Your reviews, because of that frankness, even more appealing. Thank You for the extended efforts that you bring to the Ham Table on our behalf. An HONEST man. Not something we see on the screen so much these days. Thank You for helping to improve the wonderful hobby of Ham Radio. Greetings from Ontario, Canada. 73. Barry VE3BMY

[@RedSummitRF]

Barry - thank you so much for your kind words. Nobody is perfect and I appreciate that you recognize that. I try to live with integrity but we all encounter some ups and downs as mere humans 😀

[@Tom-W7TMD]

Great Job. I did not buy the American paddle just because of the problems people had with them at that price it should be dialed in better. You might consider a minimum amount of time spent with each item before a review But you do a great job reviewing well detailed and edited for a great video. An honest and direct review I think is always appreciated.

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Tom - I like your suggestion about a minimum amount of time spent with each paddle. I haven't really tracked that and I'm sure it's all over the place. I think I'll try and implement that practice going forward (if I can nail down how much time is reasonable LOL) Your other comments are spot on. Thank you!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I like a lot of other viewers and commenters applaud you rectifying your previous reviewing of these paddles. And owning up to your own personal mistake of your relationship with a provider of these items. and for overlooking something you just thought was your own observation that you could and would overlook. thanks for being honest to do so. and for sharing. ECF

[@RedSummitRF]

I appreciate your comments, Ellis. Thank you so much.

[@brianumbrell4049]

I use the American Morse Ultra paddle at home mounted to a base. It is a great performer. You are correct in it is not good for portable work. 73 de W3PDW

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Brian - yeah, I think if I mounted it, I would be more happy with it. Thank you for visiting the channel!

[@sealcove70]

I have dual lock tape on the base for this paddle and it goes on a little clipboard (as it does for all of my paddles). The Ultra Porta Paddle is great for portable use, but not great for holding it while using. I agree that it is a flaw to have these exposed adjustment points.

[@JonathanP857]

Great video. I just found your channel and I appreciate your honesty. I am in the market for a portable paddle and I will be watching for some help selecting a paddle. Thanks.

[@RedSummitRF]

Ok Great! I hope you find these videos helpful in year search. I have at least 5 more paddles in stock right now that I'll review. My plan is to actually build some kits and review them as well after that. Should be fun. Thank you for your comments and I hope to see you again on the channel.

[@pkvalsvik]

It usually takes so long to learn to "know" the reviewer, as they all go through these phases, and all has their biases. If just everyone could have a honest open and straight to the facts review of them self like this, it would be so much easier to find good reviews! You just moved from a good reviewer to a great one in my book. Thank you for your work and especially for this honest review 😁

[@RedSummitRF]

Peter - I very much appreciate your comments. I try my best to be fair. When I receive a comment like this of course I am grateful for the recognition of those efforts, especially because I have many faults that one could easily point out. Thank you for recognizing the positive in spite of my flaws. Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@SebastianStetter]

Hi Charlie! Somehow my first comment on the Radio Adventure Gear /paddle and your reply disappeared and I could not read it. As I mentioned in my first comment, I now use different, harder springs since the first 20 paddles. (As you mentioned, you where my very first customer - thanks) I have not had any other reports about this issue so far, but it should be fixed with the current models, anyways. I ask anyone with this or other issues to contact me, so I can send out a new spring or fix it otherwise. The /paddles get preset to 30 to 35g pressure. I know this is too little or too much for some OPs but it seems to be a good compromize for most OPs. (Handheld operation makes a huge difference there, I guess.) Thanks again for all the interesting reviews and other videos and HNY. 73 de DJ5SE, Seb.

[@RedSummitRF]

I noticed that too! This happens sometimes with the KZbin comments and I have no explanation why. Thank you for reposting. I've mentioned your comments in the upcoming review as I said I would in the first post. Thank you Sebastian!!!!

[@josempantaleon]

Hey Charlie, Thank you for this video and while "Reviews" weren't your primary intention, the kind of just evolved. That said I have a couple of comments: I and I'm sure many others really appreciate the time and effort that you put into your content. Reviews may be relatively new for you but I appreciate how you state that this is based on "your" use case our milage may vary. You also show us how you set up and use them and you make every effort to stay consistant in your reviews. That is greatly appreciated. This video further illustrates your transparency in your reviews, yeah you may have relationships with folks that may allow you to lessen some points but you are not glossing over things for monetary reasons. You show integrety and like you said, this is informational and "Buyer Beware" read the comments here and other places.I know that I was verbose but I felt it needed to be said. You do a great service to our hobby and provide fun entertainment while doing it. Keep up the great work/content. 73

[@RedSummitRF]

Jose you are a great supporter and friend. I truly appreciate your comments. Well said and of course I agree.

[@willian.direction6740]

Good review Mate. I know you should not have to do it but once you have the paddle set to your liking maybe incase it in some heat shrink tube over those points of contact. I think they were designed to be fixed to a bench or flat board and not hand held. vk5cz ..

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Ian - yes, they work much better when they are mounted to something. I agree.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks, Chalie for your honesty i really liked your video 73 from _._ _... ..--- .._ . .__ my first word jejejejej God Bless Charlie

[@RedSummitRF]

Haha I appreciate that! Thank you Alvero.

[@paulmeier5689]

Charlie remember a couple of things. You should always do a test run at home. But remember at home you are in a cushy chair not on a rock, the temp is just right with no wind in your ear watching an antenna swing in the wind. I prefer the slightly heavier and stronger paddles as they can take the abuse of banging on them on the mountain top. Keep the videos coming Paul K7PM

[@RedSummitRF]

Very good Paul. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'll continue to do my best!

[@ChrisN8PEM]

Nice work Red!

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Chris!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Charlie, Your reviews seemed OK to me. I think the American Morse paddle needs a change to the case so that those two screws are recessed and that should solve the problem. You and Sandy stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Don. I appreciate your continued support. Others mentioned that I could try mounting it. I think that would help but like you I'd like to see a solution like you said, maybe the recessed screws. 73

[@joelraf]

Hey Red, I also have had the issues with the AME paddle. But, I use the leg strap and it has eliminated this issue. You may want to give that a go, because the rest of the paddle's good points make it still a go to for me. 73-KC4WZB

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Joel - yes, I may have to try that leg strap. I think I'll order one and give it a go. I do agree that if the paddle is mounted, the issue isn't nearly as problematic. Thanks for your suggestion. It may even be a good topic for an upcoming video. 👍

[@TheHamNinja]

The AMR paddles need to be mounted to their leg plate to fix your issue. I really like having it mounted to my leg, that's how I roll. I will say, I have other issues but I guess I'll put that in my review :) Thanks for the hard word Red.

[@RedSummitRF]

Thanks Christian. This confirms what others have said about mounting it. I will be ordering a strap and trying that out. Who knows, I may like sending that way after all.

[@CdnRockiesRadio]

You do awesome Red !!

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Jesse

[@kq9l115]

Thanks Red for the honesty, much appreciated. I’d suggest you try and review a CW Morse Iambic paddle, for the price they are very hard to beat. Keep up the good work. DE KQ9L

[@RedSummitRF]

Thank you Rich. You know, I'm glad you mentioned the CW Morse Iambic paddle because I thought I had ordered one for review, but looking at my inventory I don't see one. I know for sure it's on my list of paddles to acquire so I guess I better get it ordered. Thank you for the suggestion and for following the series. BTW which one would you suggest I get to start with? So many to choose from!

[@roverrich]

@@RedSummitRF Red the double portable paddle without base would be perfect for you. Fits the hand well, and good feel. I have the desk version, portable and the single paddle but double is what I’d suggest. 73 KQ9L

[@RedSummitRF]

It came today. Very nice!

[@roverrich]

@@RedSummitRF Hey Charlie, I just got a CW Morse straight key, I think you should consider review it, it is really sweet and as good as their iambic paddles.

[@RedSummitRF]

@@roverrich ok - I will! Where do I find the one you got?

[@brianve7jyd943]

Thanks Charlie - Malens comment says it all - thanks for ur clarification - Brian - VE7JYD

[@RedSummitRF]

Thanks Brian

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Good observations on review techniques. Personal use style and preferences will impact reviews. Holding your key while operating has a huge impact on functionality of a key. The Palm key will be hard to replace. I have 4 different styles of AME paddles for potable ops and like them all. The issues you experienced are problematic for me as well. I developed techniques to get past it, but I don't have a long history with portable ops like you so it wasn't a deal breaker. It will be interesting to see where this journey will take you. Your feedback will help builders and operators reach a higher level. 72

[@RedSummitRF]

Hi Dick, and thanks for your comments. I know know what you mean about holding the paddle. I just can't get past that for portable ops LOL! It's true what you said about personal style and preferences. It's possible the 3D Printed shroud will be enough for me. I've only used it once. As you said, it WILL be interesting to see where the journey takes me. Thank you for your continued support Dick!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

@@RedSummitRF I practice holding my key regularly to simplify portable ops but it increases my error rate. I ran into W7EE running QRP at a hamfest using a Palm Pico. It was great, but not available so I keep looking. So for now a leg strap is my best performer. Also a folding plastic cardboard lap desk with inserted magnets to hold the key in place works well also.

[@RedSummitRF]

Very good! I think I am going to order the leg strap and try it out.

[@JayN4GO]

Goood morning

[@RedSummitRF]

LOL goooooooood morning Jay! BTW Jay, will you be at Hamvention. It's only a couple hours away from you right?

[@JayN4GO]

@@RedSummitRF yeah! I’m not sure yet. I haven’t gotten my cootie shots however I just got over a month of the cootie. I’m bound to recover by then :)

[@TheHamNinja]

A hard fist can ruin your whole day. :)

[@RedSummitRF]

😳 😂

[@somarmd]

Thanks for your follow up video Red. But, I think your being way to hard on yourself. We viewers have the responsibility to see and hear what you (and your fellow KZbinr’s) share and decide for ourselves if we agree or not. I think we viewers need to watch the videos as “food for thought” , jog some creativity, get some new ideas, and then decide what we want to do it with it….at our own risk. Sometimes we will score and sometimes we won’t. It’s all part of the ham radio journey. 73 KD2LMR.

[@RedSummitRF]

Dave this was beautifully said and I couldn't agree more . . . including possibly being a little hard on myself. Most of us do have a tendency to do that. Your tolerant and open-minded views are commendable! Hopefully many others share your opinions.