new n3zn key

ctate243

This is a bit OT but wanted to share.  I just got a new single lever key to use with my Flex 6700 from Tony N3ZN.  the Mechanical quality and craftmanship of Tonys keys is amazing and is a great compliment to my flex contesting setup.  If you are in the market for a new Key I would highly recommend checking these out.

Michael Coslo

Single lever paddle - most interesting. How does it compare to an iambic? I've thought of making one to try out before buying one.

Charles - K5UA

Congrats Chris. I finally went single lever paddle, same key a yours, and have never looked back at the variety of quality iambics I own. I just wish the finger piece was the same width as the distance between the iambic keys. I guess my thumb and middle finger muscle-memory is too ingrained after all these years. It finally dawned on me that there is no real reason to use an iambic key unless you are using iambic fingering. I think you will like the N3ZN single lever key.

W9OY

I have 2 ZN single lever paddles Superb  My latest is 9A5N

http://sdr-w9oy.blogspot.com/search?q=paddle

73  W9OY

Andrew Thall

I have a modified P-6 single paddle key made by K6RA (extra heavy base) and I absolutely LOVE it. Congrats on getting a great key.

Jim KJ3P

I thought I was the only one who wanted the iambic finger-spacing, but without the iambic contacts.  I bought a Begali Simplex Mono Basic (with optional snazzy red aluminum paddles) for just that reason...a fantastic key.

W9OY

I bought a custom wood finger piece from Sal IK1OJM  ik1ojm@libero.it for my 9A5N paddle which I am really happy with.  You might be able to contact him to design a "fatter" finger piece solution.  

I would also contact Tony N3ZN.  He used to make only iambics and I contacted him back in 2008 about designing a single lever paddle.  I had Begali and Kent but I was not happy with the performance of those paddles.  The mechanism was too convoluted.  He couldn't understand at first why I wanted single lever and I told him I wanted a simpler, less massive mechanism.  He was open to my suggestions.  We collaborated on the design and the ZN-SL1 was born, out of my need for a better paddle and his machining genius. 

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7778

I have the prototype as SN#1.  He later went on to refine the design with a heavier base which expanded into a whole line of single lever paddles.   He may be open to an iambic spaced alternative finger piece.  I hear him on 40M CW all the time, good guy.  

73  W9OY

Stan VA7NF

Made various comments about single paddle vs iambic - here is my circa 1962 - Ham basics - Making a paddle from an old semi-automatic chrome plated key and a highly varnished wood finger piece.  Used with a 3-tube keyer with a weather balloon ultra-light relay.  Good for constant 60WPM cathode keying a "new" DX-40.

This is still my favourite paddle - The wide well varnished wood feel is ideal for soft stroking action.

And yes - Those are the "original" Mecano brass nuts.

Kevin

I grew up on Iambics, the first being a Heathkit like this one:


Since then I've been through Ten Tec, HamKey, Bencher, Kent and Begali to name a few. Once in a while I have the opportunity to try the single levers but never quite get it. It has to be a matter of what I was raised on I think. I am able to do a fair job with semi-autos (bugs) but the Iambic is the key for good code at any speed for me.

Another observation... there are some beautiful keys out there these days! I love window shopping the various vendor and manufacturer sites looking at their works of art. The N3ZN key above would look great on any ham shack desk. 

ctate243

10 meters open here in W6 this afternoon and took the ZN for a drive in a few ragchews.  This is a wonderful key.  already adjusting to the single lever spacing, ok at about 30wpm for now..  nice error free CW sending is a wonderful thing.  thanks for all the comments!  I will use in CQWW cw for sure. (with my 6700!)

NM1W

love my N3ZN-SLR cootie!