Feedback
Video Reviews
Review clip from Mark W7MBP who decides to try slamming the key on his desk!
https://www.youtubetrimmer.com/view/?v=UmcmVTkAuAE&start=419&end=457
Full videos: https://youtu.be/UmcmVTkAuAE and https://youtu.be/-THehEQDmHE
And lots of feedback including two videos from Josh (Hoshnasi) KI6NAZ from Ham Radio Crash Course:
https://www.youtubetrimmer.com/view/?v=NRC08yOWJYE&start=1875&end=1900
https://www.youtubetrimmer.com/view/?v=VFKLiowjNpo&start=581&end=695
Hi David, I got it all setup tonight, it is AWESOME. Nicely done!
I made a few contacts and it was AWESOME. Great feel!
Web Reviews
I own both the Spirit Dual Paddle Morse Key - Mark 2 Version with Taller Paddles, and the Spirit Dual Paddle Morse Key - Mark 2 Version with Standard Paddles. The engineering on both is flawless. With the included allen wrenches you can set both the gap and the tension (rare earth magnets) to whatever feels best to you. The design is interesting, a post pivot instead of a bearing, lubricated with copper grease. Incredibly crisp with stainless steel contacts to eliminate contact corrosion over time impacting the signal. Since the finger pad is machined onto the same arm as the contact, there is zero flexing from polycarbonate finger pads leading to incredibly crisp contacts. Modern design, high precision materials, incredibly close tolerances. Everything you want in a key. Best of all, it really stays put on the desk, so you don’t have to worry about it wandering as you work the key. Alan, W6AWD
Amazon Reviews
Rock Solid design and rock solid settings I actually met one of the two business partners that builds these keys and learned about the product from him when I told him I do Morse code. Long story short, I bought one of the single paddle models! After getting it adjusted to suit me I have now used it for about 5 weeks and love it! The settings have remained stable, you do not have to re-tweak the adjustments on this key like some I have had in the past. I've owned Schurr and Begali keys, and they are very good, this one is in that class! It is classy looking in an understated way and it does not move around on your desk at all. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with it.
The absoulte most HD key ever made! This code key is built like a tank, it's machined from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum. It's heavy, you're not going to take this on your back pack trips, but it's solid enough that you would not worry about it if you did. The weight of the key lends itself to sitting still on your desk when in use. You could literally drop this off of your desk and just pick it back up and continue to use it. I know, I have done it. (just watch your toes!) It's fully adjustable for distance as well as the resistance. It's pricey when you're looking at a photo of it, but when you open the package you'll understand why. You feel like you got your money's worth when you use it.
Built like a TANK Let me say this key is built well. It is a solid piece of heavy billet aluminum that has been milled out to accommodate the keys and wires. Fit and finish is very nice, pieces fit with aircraft tolerances. The keys adjust well and hold firm once set screws are tightened. I made a couple of videos of me smacking the key around a bit, just search w7mbp.
Email Feedback
David, Another follow up. The SS Paddle is the absolute best CW key I have ever owned and used (dating back to 1975). So good in fact, I am selling two Begali Keys I own. Thanks again…. Best, Michael N7QX
Greetings, David, Key # 0112 is back home at KW2KW-land and it's everything I hoped for. It's so accurate at 31 wpm, my current exercise speed for keying (not copying). Thank you so much. It's quite a different experience having the key do exactly what my fist is asking. 73, Lew KW2KW
David- The key arrived today and I hooked it up immediately. It works great! I have never used a paddle key before, so I have much to learn. Thanks so much for making such a beautiful little machine. The careful workmanship stands out. I just got re-active after a forty year hiatus from ham radio. I used to be able to send and copy CW at 20 WPM. I'm back up to about 12 WPM now, and am looking forward to not feeling sorry for the poor hams who are trying to decipher my shaky hand using a straight key! Jeff
Hi David, I received my Spirit key in today's mail. It arrived in great condition and you did an excellent job in packing. The paddle felt very nice during my initial test and has a modern look overall. Thanks very much for a quick shipment and answering my initial query! I'll go on-line and register the key today. Cheers, John K2JN
Playing radio on the patio. Wonderful key, solid feel and steady as a rock. Thank you vy much! Rich KQ9L
David yes it arrived! Excellent work and I am very pleased. Mike WS7DA
Hi David, I wanted to let you know I received the AF6L Spirit Dual Paddle Morse Key #126 on Wednesday. It is very, very cool. I like the feel of it, the smoothness and the heft of it. I think I’m going to have a good time re-learning how to send morse with this key. I’ll probably make some adjustments to suit me. Thanks to you and Erik for producing this fine instrument. 73, Steve N5PHP
Good evening David, I received your paddle this afternoon… I can only say WOW! This paddle is a pleasure to use, straightforward, beautifully machined and an artistic showpiece… Now, to increase my copy speed to match my sending speed… 73’s Vinnie Aceto W2NST (We Never Stop Talking)
I finally received it! Opened all the way by customs. If this little beauty could only tell us about its journey... Out of the box, it feels great! TNX. 73 Mitch DW1M (The Philippines)
Thank you very much! This is a work of art!
David, This is one of the best keys I have ever used.
You should be commended for the design.
Your key is equal if not better than my Begali sculpture for which I have a separate dust cover.
I believe that once the word gets out, you will sell every one of your spirit keys.
Thank you for a key that solves the reality issues of sitting on the radio desk.
Dr. Tim 73 de N6DIY
The Spirit key fits the bill nicely for me, it is very easy to adjust, and the settings stay put. One of the frequent issues with keys is that they “Walk”, or move when in operation. This has been addressed, and the Spirit really does stay put. Nice touch! As far as appearance goes, it looks fantastic on the desk, and there is no need for a dust cover. The key has a good feel, no fatigue after a long operating session. Highly recommended. Steve, K0JW
Hi, Dave, The Spirit key (#97) arrived today, and I immediately 'fired it up". Found the spacing adjustments for extremely close QRQ sending to be a bit touchy, but, once set, they stay that way and sending is a pleasure. I love the way it stays put on the desk, and will be that way even for somebody who 'slaps' the paddles with wider spacing than I like. It is attractive and built like a brick, ideal for travel as well as home use. I actually prefer it to the often acclaimed Begali paddles I own, so it is right there among the paddles I actually choose to use on the air most often: 9A5N Touch Solid State Paddle (a completely different beast), the Chevron by M0AYA, and the Hensley paddle made by AC4HW an improved iteration of the famed N2DAN design. Congratulations on a unique and fulfilling design. Good luck in your venture, keep me posted on any new products in the future. 73, Gene N9SW
I then asked Gene about the speeds he was using it at:
Dave, I used it comfortably at about 40WPM, and could have gone a bit faster if I found somebody to talk with at that speed, given the lousy propagation. I happen to be a member of both the HSC( #321) as well as VHSC (#16). My endurance and accuracy at those speeds at age 77 is admittedly slipping, and my error start getting worse and worse after about 20 minutes of trying to keep up. :)Take care, stay healthy! 73, Gene N9SW
David, Congratulations on completing your Kickstarter. You are off to a great start. Received my key today and you did a very nice job. Here is some feedback…. Aside: I’m a contemporary “mid range” key collector; I worked for HRO for seven years, so it was easy. I have the full Kent key collection, a Bencher BY1, a Bencher HexKey, a Vibroplex iambic key, and an American Morse paddle that I assembled from their kit. So I got them all out, adjusted the Spirit Key and did a side by side. The Spirit Key performed as well or better than the other keys. It has a smooth feel and is a piece of cake to adjust, although I’m still playing with the tension. It is in good company. I’m sorry I don’t have a Begali to compare it too but then my Morse skills might not be good enough to discern any difference. Plus, I like the rugged construction. If I need to take a key “into the field”, I’ll be reaching for the Spirit key. [...] In closing, I like the Spirit key and it serves its namesake well. 73 Logan, KE7AZ
#47 arrived in yesterday’s mail. It’s going to take a little bit of fine tuning and adjustment to get it dialed in just the way I like, but I’m very happy with it. Love the look! Black anodized base makes it look like a piece of spacecraft hardware. I’ll give you some additional operational feedback over time. Thank you and 73! — Ethan, K8GU
I just received now, it's excactly what I was hoping: Superb quality, finish like if it was Swiss Made! Tgank you guy for your great job. Olivier B HB9GUY, Geneva, CH.
I guess I should start learning Morse now. Ken G., Kirkdale, WA.
Great first impression. Need to reduce the paddle travel and tighten up the tension. Thanks for the wrenches. Logan R., Oro Valley, AZ.
Incredibly well made. I am impressed. Walter W., Marietta, GA.
Beautifully built -- I'm still learning the code, but looking forward David W., Seattle, WA.
It feels solid and sturdy. Thank you. Courtland R., Veneta, OR
Kind of fun to take it apart — I really like it — I am anxious to see what you all come up with next — the design and construction is pretty dang cool. David W., Bear Lake, MI
“I love it when a plan comes together”... Key arrived today. It’s very nicely done and I am a satisfied backer. Congratulations on completing your kickstarter. 73 Logan, KE7AZ
Hi David, No 89 finally arrived today after a considerable delay in UK customs, I have it set up and working I have to congratulate you on designing and building what I think is a work of art that is totally suited to grace any shack. 73 de Peter G3ML Peter W., Kent, UK
Just arrived this morning here in Geneva, Switzerland..... Really a great key. Nice and easy to use. [...] Thanks for this very nice piece of art. Great job, and very quick quickstarter I ever seen. Best 73 to all of you. Spirit Morse Key #0066. HB9GUR Philippe H, Geneva, SUI
Mine just arrived! It looks and feels amazing, strong work guys! J.B.S., Frederick, MD
Hi David! I just opened up the box. The key looks and feels terrific! You guys did a great job. Thank you again! 73 es TU! M. Tyler R., Pasadena, MD
Just got it and hooked it up to the Morserino. Didn't work. Finally figured out that one has to select external paddles... The key is a really sold build, and looks GREAT! Al F., La Mesa, CA
I was feeling brave and removed the top, marveled at the neat through-key adjustment design. Loving the key! Nice work! Charles M., Austin, TX