CW Vertical Key
While browsing through HAM-related sites I came across a CW Morse key made out of a paper clip
(W0PWE Paper Clip Key).
After a couple of attempts at building paddle keys (ugly but usable) I wanted to give a try
at building a vertical key.
First of all, I am not fond of mechanical homebrewing and I have a very limited set of tools: if I made
it, you can build yours too!
What you need to build such a key is:
- A paper clip size "6" -the biggest around-
- Wodden base at least 7 cm long, 4 cm wide, 1.5 cm thick
- Two screws with matching nuts, slightly longer than base's thickness (I picked 2 cm)
- Two washers
- One knob and its screw
- Four rubber spacers
- Some decimeters of bipolar wire
You will also need the following tools:
- A screwdriver
- A drilling tool
- A saw (to cut your key base)
You certainly have everything you need at home!
I won't insult your fantasy with a step-by-step description of how to build this simple key.
Pictures should be enough. Just keep in mind that
it might not work (mechanically speaking) at the first attemp: I had to
disassemble my key a few times before I could get it working properly. Just some hints:
- connect the wires on the bottom side of the key, between the nut and the wodden base
- if you screw the contact screw from the bottom up you can control the key run (this is actually the only adjustment you can make to this simple accessory!)
- use a light base for portable use, and good rubber feet for stability
- be gentle when bending the clip or you'll get too much run
Created on July 07, 2003