Just wanted to share a bit of info on a toy that I picked up yesterday
at the hamfest in Columbus, GA. This might be old news to some, but to
me this is a *really* neat QRP item!!!! So bear with me if I'm hashing
old news.
I was leaving the hamfest and, of course, looking to be sure I hadn't
missed anything. As I passed by the last table by the door I happened
to look down and see this tiny set of paddles. I stopped and played
with them a minute and *really* liked'em! :)
Interesting note is that there is no paddle movement. The paddles are
foil-covered and through finger contact they send a dit or dah. Really
neat. I guess it's got something to do with body resistance or
something. I'm no whiz at electronics....yet<g>, so probably the
explanation as to how they work is rather simple.
Needless to say one of the kit packages kept calling "eeeddddddd,
eeeeedddddddd, take me with you..." so of course I had to get with the
vendor and become the proud keeper of one of the jewels.
I've always used a straight key...figuring when my speed picks up I'm
move on to paddles, but this set really caught my attention. Anyhow,
here's some of the info from the information/instruction sheet....
KENT Touch Twin Paddle Key and Keyer Kit
New product of Famous KENT KEY of England.
Touted as having no moving parts.
Kit includes programmed ROM, Volt-reg, 300mw Sidetone Amp, Paddle, and
Relay, all onboard parts, pots for volume and speed. (You add
ps/battery (8-16v), speaker, case/weight, ect.,.).
The parts list, parts layout, schematic, and building instructions are
all qrp in that they are listed on a single side of a sheet of paper.
(Not real complicated!)
Small size suitable for portable use. (No kidding! :) )
Adjustable speed from 5-40 wpm.
PCB dimensions are 50mm x 66mm (I measured abt 2.5"x1.8").
Stock paddles extend outward about an inch. Lot's of possibilities for
mods on the actual paddles being as they're "touch" sensitive...low
profile "touch pads", shortened paddles, etc.,.
Quality looks good. Price was $39.00. I'm happy....haven't built them
yet, but if they work as well as those on display then...I'm happy! :)
There's an order form on the opposite side of the instructions/parts
sheet. Here's the info there...
Parts Kit...............................$39.00
KENT Touch Key (90% Assembled).......... 52.00 (hamfest was $49.00)
(you install paddles and pots)
Shipping................................ 4.00
Here's the contact info....
Lynics International Corporation
8 Amlajack Blvd.
Suite 362
Newnan, GA 30265 USA
Fax: 770-502-9827
Voice: 770-251-2235
Email: 103222.760@compuserve.com
I defintely have no connection, interest, cousins working there, or
whatever with KENT or LYNICS....I just thought some of ya'll might be
interested in these paddles/keyers. Definitely QRP!!!!! :)
Take care,
72/73
Ed Welch KF4KRV
NorCal Member #???
1st Grand Poobah ScQRPion of Alabama
QRP-L #873 - FISTS #2964
Luverne, Alabama
Crenshaw County - Grid EM61
+--------------------------------------------------+
----------+ Norcal 40a es Straight Key es Wire-wrapped Trees +----------
+--------------------------------------------------+
> Isn't "time" a 4-letter word? <
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