MFJ-564B MFJ-564 Original MFJ Enterprises Iambic Paddles for Morse Code, Black

Unfortunately, I read the reviews after I bought it. As a CW operator I dont need a QSO interrupted in order to realign the paddle... and a review said just that. My Vibroplex Brass Racer did that before I smashed the hell out of it and bought a Bencher Iambic. If your a serious CW op, you dont want this abomination. Read the reviews, youll see. They owe me stars for buying it. Oh, BTW I bought it through Amazon Prime. No shipping and no return costs.

I picked this up as I needed a decent key to practice morse code. Initially it was great however very quickly I found myself having to adjust this constantly to maintain a consistent feel. Then the next problem was that the more I adjusted it, the harder it became to adjust correctly. I would say this is a perfect first iambic key for anyone. Its a great way to get into Iambic without laying out a lot of money initially. However if you stick with it, you will out grow the key quickly. I still have this and keep it as a backup, but its not what I use primarily anymore. I will say the method of construction is good. I needed to travel with this and I put it into my suitcase, wrapped in a bundle of clothing. During one airport trip the airport security decided they wanted to see what it was, and took a look, however they just put it back on top of the clothes and zipped up the suitcase. This meant that every single knock and tumble was hitting the key directly. But, because the paddles are suspended via springs instead of screwed it, they just disconnected and the unit survived totally fine. So bonus points for this design, its hard to break the paddles! I suspect the downside to this design is what I mentioned earlier about the adjustment. It makes it a little bit too loose. All in all, this is a great first Iambic key for the price. Use this to decide if you want to invest in a more expensive key.

Everything

It works well and can be adjusted for light touch but adjustment changes after 5-10 minutes of sending. The rear spacer adjustment backs out as you send. I will be using locktite to keep it in place. The two front post adjustments also back out as its used. The lock screws meant to tighten them down were already as tight as they would go when it arrived from the factory, so limited options there. It may be a good starting key except for the adjustment problems which keep you adjusting the key rather then practicing. For another $50-60 a good high quality key can be purchased.

Bought as gift for someone else. He was happy with it.

It works well and can be adjusted for light touch but adjustment changes after 5-10 minutes of sending. The rear spacer adjustment backs out as you send. I will be using locktite to keep it in place. The two front post adjustments also back out as its used. The lock screws meant to tighten them down were already as tight as they would go when it arrived from the factory, so limited options there. It may be a good starting key except for the adjustment problems which keep you adjusting the key rather then practicing. For another $50-60 a good high quality key can be purchased.

Everything

I picked this up as I needed a decent key to practice morse code. Initially it was great however very quickly I found myself having to adjust this constantly to maintain a consistent feel. Then the next problem was that the more I adjusted it, the harder it became to adjust correctly. I would say this is a perfect first iambic key for anyone. Its a great way to get into Iambic without laying out a lot of money initially. However if you stick with it, you will out grow the key quickly. I still have this and keep it as a backup, but its not what I use primarily anymore. I will say the method of construction is good. I needed to travel with this and I put it into my suitcase, wrapped in a bundle of clothing. During one airport trip the airport security decided they wanted to see what it was, and took a look, however they just put it back on top of the clothes and zipped up the suitcase. This meant that every single knock and tumble was hitting the key directly. But, because the paddles are suspended via springs instead of screwed it, they just disconnected and the unit survived totally fine. So bonus points for this design, its hard to break the paddles! I suspect the downside to this design is what I mentioned earlier about the adjustment. It makes it a little bit too loose. All in all, this is a great first Iambic key for the price. Use this to decide if you want to invest in a more expensive key.

Unfortunately, I read the reviews after I bought it. As a CW operator I dont need a QSO interrupted in order to realign the paddle... and a review said just that. My Vibroplex Brass Racer did that before I smashed the hell out of it and bought a Bencher Iambic. If your a serious CW op, you dont want this abomination. Read the reviews, youll see. They owe me stars for buying it. Oh, BTW I bought it through Amazon Prime. No shipping and no return costs.

The contact clamp screws do not prevent the adjustment screws from moving. I didnt have a problem with the spacing staying put, though. The other adjustment screws back out during use. I had to put some Loctite on them after I got the key adjusted. The base is not heavy enough to keep the key from walking around the desk. The paddles tend to dislodge from their pivots. The paddles are riveted on; there is no way to change them if they break. All together this is a terrible paddle set, but it is inexpensive. I bought a Begali. It is really nice.