dots and dashes
I have a few telegraph keys (or, as I like to call them, “digital communication devices”) most of which I have actually used over the years in amateur radio.
A: Straight keys
These are the simplest means of sending Morse code. They are really just finely balanced switches to turn the radio transmitter on and off. But it’s impossible to send much faster than about 15 words a minute on a straight key without a lot of wrist strain. Yes, Repetitive Strain Injury or Occupational Overuse Syndrome existed long before the keyboard and mouse; the old telegraphers referrred to it as “glass arm”.
Early Speed-X key with removable cover
This was my first key when I got on the air as a teenager, given to me by a veteran ham.
Later Speed-X key
Although it has a much thinner and lighter base, it works just as well as the earlier version. It has the “Navy-style” double-decker knob which I prefer.
WT 8 Amp No. 2 Mk II military key (New Zealand)
A double contact key which can be wired from the left or right.
J-38 United States Signal Corps training key
This example, awaiting restoration, was owned by my best friend’s father, Sam, VE7JU. It was produced in huge numbers to train radio operators during WWII, and became a favourite of radio hams who bought them as war surplus. It has a very nice feel, but is missing one terminal screw and the knob for the shorting lever.
More info about the J-38 keys
Post Office or “GPO” key
This is an old double-contact key for landline telegraphy.
Ball-bearing key
This is a brass-plated key with four ball bearings on each trunnion.
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B: Semi-automatic keys (”bugs”)
When the lever is pushed to the right, these keys make dots continuously using a horizontal pendulum (the speed is adjusted by moving the weight(s) along the pendulum). This means faster sending and less wrist motion than with a straight key. Dashes are still made one-by-one, however, by pushing the lever to the left. They have lots of adjustments and need to be precisely set up to suit the individual operator and the desired speed.
Wilcox key (Fred Wilcox, Toronto, Canada, 1920s or 1930s)
I’d love to get more information about this key. If you can help, please contact me!
Mac Key (T.R. McElroy, USA, 1936)
A very heavy key, it can be turned on its side to use as a straight key too. Its designer, Ted McElroy, was a world champion telegrapher, who received a phenomenal 75.2 words per minute in 1939, which he transcribed on a typewriter.
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C: Keyer paddles
These “keys” are really just very sensitive switches which connect to an electronic “keyer”. Pushing the lever to the right causes the keyer to generate an infinite string of dots, and pushing the lever to the left similarly generates dashes. The keyer uses electronic logic to ensure that the dots and dashes are perfectly timed and spaced, enabling high speed sending with very little hand motion.
L-R: Bencher BY-1 iambic paddle and ST-1 single lever paddle (USA)
If you look closely, you’ll spot the differences between these similar paddles. The one on the right is a single-lever paddle, in which the dot and dash paddles move together - to the left (dashes), centre (off) or right (dots). On the left is an iambic (or “squeeze”) keyer in which the paddles move independently. If both paddles are pressed (”squeezed”) at the same time, the electronic keyer makes alternating dots and dashes, starting with whichever paddle makes contact first. This is perfect for letters such as “c” ( _ . _ . ).
Galbraith iambic paddle (New Zealand)
A very tidy little paddle that fits into a pocket.
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