DL7ACH's keys.
Homebrew Firewood Sideswiper.
Looking at some of the finest keys commercially available today, I thought, maybe it's time to do something weird? So the idea for the single contact sideswiper was born.
The side movements are folded over the V-profile on the back of the paddle, so that only one contact and one spring are needed. The use of a magnet results in the inverse spring characteristic, which is reproduced on both sides of the centre position of the paddle. Five MR 104 ZZ ball bearings ensure play-free and friction-free running. The extended base plate reliably prevents the key from moving on the table despite its low weight. I also found the wood easier to work with than brass or aluminium.
The key feels good, but sometimes my hand is a little irritated when keying.
[DL7ACH].
Homebrew Railway Combo.
Many years ago, someone told me that experienced radio operators liked to use old telegraph relays as sideswipers. I had almost forgotten about it. Now I have tried it out and it works. I've combined it with an old Reichsbahn key, so that's probably my slowest and fastest key in one.
Named "Railway Combo" as the components come from an old signal box and both keys are arranged in a row.
[DL7ACH].
