I really wanted to like this little $15 paddle, especially after the great experience I had building the QRPGuys code practice oscillator. Being in the ham radio business myself, I applaud the QRPGuys for jumping in and trying to produce products that make ham radio more fun.
Unfortunately, I just don’t like this paddle.
First of all, assembling the paddle seems more difficult than it needs to be. I should have paid attention with the product’s webpage said, “Allow a couple of hours or so to build.” It took me about an hour and a half, and I’m not an inexperienced kit builder.
There are lots of parts. The parts list showed 50 parts, and there are lots of little nuts, washers, and screws. The hardest part is attaching the paddle arms to the spacers. This is done with #2 hardware, and it’s a real pain to get the #2 lock washers and nuts on the screws. And, I have fairly small hands and fingers. I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be if my hands and fingers were larger.
Another feature that I didn’t care for is the lightweight shim material used for the levers. I don’t think they are stiff enough. The assembly instructions say, “The .010″ thickness paddle leaves provide a light touch. A user could make a leaf with thicker material for a stiffer touch.”
I think that what the QRPGuys should really do is to either include two sets of levers—one thin and one thick—or offer the stiffer material as an option. Knowing that I generally like a stiffer feel, I would have chosen the thicker material when I purchased the paddle had I been given that option.
Finally, before you purchase this paddle you really should know exactly how you want to mount it. As shown in the photo above, it’s designed to mount to a homebrew enclosure, and there are no provisions for other mounting schemes. You won’t be able to use this with your KX3, for example. I think that severely limits the applications for this paddle.
One possibility is to use a longer screw in between the two paddles and mount it to a metal plate. I might look into doing something like that.
The bottom line is that if you know exactly where you’re going to mount this paddle, then this paddle could work for you. On the other hand, if you don’t really have a specific application for it, you’re probably better off not buying this paddle.
Dave New, N8SBE says
My favorite QRP mini key is the Bulldog. See this website: http://www.amateurradioproducts.com/products.htm
Mine is the BD-2, which has been replaced by the newer BD-6:
http://www.amateurradioproducts.com/bd6.htm
My BD-2 packs into a pill bottle, and came with an iron washer and some poster putty, so that you could stick the washer on a non-metallic surface (picnic table), and then stick the magnetic mount of the BD-2 on the washer. I’ve also just stuck the BD-2 directly on my FT-817 metal case, though there is now a FT-817-specific version that mounts on the side:
http://www.amateurradioproducts.com/817.htm
These keys have an amazing feel for how diminutive they are.
RickB KA8BMA says
I’ve built the QRPGuys Dummy Load and Keyer kits.
The dummy load took about 20 minutes. Instructions were almost HeathKit.
The keyer 2 took a little longer. Found an error in the BOM the rubber feet were missing. Sent the a note about it and got a response thanking me for reporting the BOM error. They said the rubber feet was a cut and paste error and they weren’t supposed to be supplied. They weren’t in the BOM, but applying them was the final step in the assembly instructions.
The 2 battery terminals come out the bottom and without the feet, makes me a little nervous.
Overall, easy to build and very useable. Great starter kits and good value.
Dan KB6NU says
Good point about the instructions, Rich. I, too, found the instructions to be very well-written. I should have mentioned that in my review.
Thom w8tam says
I have the endfed tuner kit, but I haven’t put it together yet. I also have the paddles, though I think mine went together a bit quicker than yours Dan. I also have the dummy load. Maybe tomorrow I’ll wind the toroid and put the endfed tuner together… Since I now have the MountainTopper 5b up and running, I need more antenna options! :D
Dave AA7EE says
Dan – they just introduced a version with a base. It will be available soon.
73,
Dave
AA7EE
Dan KB6NU says
Great! Thanks for the update.
Johnny says
I put a couple of small rare earth magnets on the back of mine and wired a pigtail on to it. The idea is not original to me but it works great. Now I can put it on any rig I want and just plug it into the key jack. A touch of dried glue on the magnets keep them from being slippery on the radio.