The Bencher CW Key / Paddle

We explore some of the characteristics of the Bencher Iambic paddle. I have a newer one (circa 1990) and an older one (circa late 1970s). One of the best selling Iambic Keys ever - with over 100,000 made.
I bought my first Iambic paddle - the chrome one in the video - back in 1993. I wanted the best (at the time) and I could barely afford it.

[@misteraon]

I picked my BY-2 up at a Hamfest maybe 5-6 years ago for no more than $80 in almost new condition. Still on my on again off again quest to get proficient at code. I always take it to field day and it finds love there.

[@SOTA-plus]

The Bencher BY1 was my first ever Iambic paddle - still have it! Great paddle.

[@georgelasko8346]

Thanks for your explanation. I just received my black chrome Bencher. A piece of art, and a wonderful key.

[@michaelmcilwain9793]

I used the by-1 for 14 years as a commercial cw opr. Once I tried one I never went back.

[@k9kj]

Wow very cool!

[@petbytes7167]

Thanks for showing all the details of both keyes. I am just getting started in CW and the BY-2 looks very inticing 🤔.

[@hxccomms777]

Hey I was just talking about these and look you have a video. Thanks for the encouragement in cw. Should be posting up a video on restoring this Bencher I just picked up

[@techguy9023]

I bought one when I upgraded from novice in 81. I think the black base was $45 at Amateur Ekectronic Supply. Inflation has hit. I looked online and they are up to about $169.

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video,und Informacion.73,de Jozef,OE1CJG.😊😊😊

[@redalrt4]

The BY-1 is the first keyer I ever touched. 100s of QSOs later, I've have never found a need to change. I've used the Bencher paddle/MFJ auto keyer for mobile CW.

[@k9kj]

Very cool!

[@yourshootingbuddy]

Nice video. You provided information that I didn't know. Keep up the good work.

[@k9kj]

Thanks for watching!

[@ehayes5217]

... & very interesting, thanx for all the info!🇺🇸😀

[@monolitesounds]

great video!

[@k9kj]

Thanks for the visit

[@darrinpearce9780]

Thanks for the advice, as much as I love my Bengali Spark straight key, I think I want a paddle for contests etc. 73's

[@ehayes5217]

I love my Bencher! 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 😀

[@norbertomontalvo]

Hi thanks for all the vids! Would you recommend starting out with a straight or go with iambic paddle key?

[@k9kj]

I always thought the straight he was more on the advanced side, and if you are thinking about doing anything with getting faster than 15 to 18 words per minute, I would definitely recommend iambic... I personally think it's easier

[@BretChilcott]

What is the best method to clean the contacts on the keys? Some times my bencher does not make contact. Although I cleaned the contacts with paper and electrical contact cleaner, it still periodically does not make contact. TNX Bret/AC0AE

[@k9kj]

Sorry for the delay here. I usually take a piece of paper and run it between the two contacts while I'm squeezing the paddle. That usually takes off any grit or grime and I will usually do that right before I start playing radio for the day. I hope that helps!

[@MrBenEye]

Your BY1 doesn't have a serial # on the bottom of the base, was that typical? I purchased a used one similar to that without a serial #.

[@k9kj]

I've seen more paddles without serial numbers than with serial numbers. I think they stopped putting serial numbers on them sometime in the late '80s.

[@ehayes5217]

I've never liked iambic, or squeeze, keying, so I use the double paddle but not "iambically"😂 (I got started with an electronic, single-lever paddle in the mid-70's from Ten Tec, the KR-5 & used a 6v battery to power it!)

[@k9kj]

It took me a long time to get used to squeeze keying

[@usernamemykel]

I'd like to see a comparison between the Bencher and the MFJ clone.

[@k9kj]

Good idea - I will give that one a try!

[@usernamemykel]

@@k9kj ; )

[@usernamemykel]

Thanks for chiming in on the vid by Cody St. Pierre, but he says that the yellow (which would be RING) wire is not connected, which I don't understand. I know that for a standard key, only two wires are needed, (according to MFJ, they'd be for the TIP and SLEEVE0, but for a paddle, the three wires are needed - so what is Cody St. Pierre talking about????????????????

[@k9kj]

The ring is not needed because you only need that for a paddle or iambic key. There are only two contacts that are needed. The tip and the sleeve. With the EC-1 kit, it comes with provisions to allow for attachments to an iambic paddle. That's why the yellow/ ring is not used

[@usernamemykel]

@@k9kj Okay - so if I were to use a paddle (without the famous "iambic squeeze tango dance step"), I'd need no "yellow' (ring) wire at all, not at the paddle and not at the plug, or do I just need it at the paddle end? I see in the video the yellow wire at the paddle, but is it disconnected from the plug, OR does the system just ignore the "yellow" wire? I guess that basically, do I use a normal 3.5mm audio plug with three wires intact, or do I solder up a plug/jack with just two wires? I GREATLY appreciate your willingness (and your expertise) to assist - within three hours I'll have my first "paddle", and I want to be ready for it.

[@theradioham]

I have two of them, took the bencher stickers off as they annoyed me though 🙂

[@k9kj]

It also probably helps keep them cleaner without running into that sticker all the time