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Volume 21                                                          March, 2003                                                        Number 3

In the Beginning Was the  Straight Key:
A Chronology  of Paddles and Keyers
he devices we use to manually transmit Morse code have long held a fascination for many amateurs. Here's one collector's overview of the evolution of sending instruments, including a timeline.

First there was the straight key to send Morse Code. Then the semi-automatic "bug" was invented (patent 1904) which mechanically made a series of dots. About the time of WW II black boxes were developed which electronically made the dots, and also the dashes, and also the spaces, all in perfect time. The speed could be adjusted.

These machines, now called keyers, needed a special key to run them. At

that time none were being manufactured. The horizontal action of a "bug" was an ideal solution for the new key: many were reworked with the help of a hack saw. The irrevocably converted bug became known as a paddle.

Manufacturers started selling new paddles with a single lever. Keyers became more sophisticated and could utilize two levers--for squeeze or iambic keying. More new paddles were devised. The cycle continues.
It has been a rich and varied history with many different makes and models. For me, putting these pieces of history together is an interesting unfinished puzzle. In this era of collectibles, keys including paddles have attracted many fans. Books have been written about them too. Collecting paddle keys is fruitful because they are still available (some more than others) and have been produced in great variety of design. It is also fun to use collectible keys on the air.

-N7DK


A Brief Bibliography:

Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur  Radio Products, by Chuck Penson WA7ZZE, Electric Radio Press  Inc, Durango, Colorado

Vibroplex Collector's Guide, Tom French W1IMQ, Artifax Books, Maynard, Massachusetts

The Vibroplex Co Inc, William R. Holly, The Vibroplex Co Inc, Mobile, Alabama

Editor's note: Chuck Grey, ND7K. got first ham licensed 1971. He's a life member of the ARRL. Chuck has been collecting keys, mostly paddles, for the past eight years and is now retired with QTH in the Florida Keys (no pun intended). Chuck likes to work /MMs, mostly on 40 meter CW and via The Waterway Net. ND7K is looking for additional information, and help would be appreciated, especially production figures and sales prices. Contact him via e-mail to nd7k@amsat.org.