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I am not learning Morse code very fast, but I continue to try. Adding to my Westinghouse Bunnell AT&T straight key and a used Bencher BY-2 I got good deal on . I will continue to learn morse code at my own speed using training methods such as LICW club, an Oscillator and now also with this Kent Key. Below is more than you will ever want to know about this key.
From a post I made to LongIslandCWClub@groups.io
"From late 2019 I wanted to buy the Kent Double Paddle TP1-B kit but did not want to pay this much for a key when I was still learning code and had others I could use. But the Kent key has always been a goal key for me. When I recently looked at it again I found out this kit is no longer available directly from Kent now being exclusively sold by WinMo, but with very high shipping rates.
I could take it no longer. All the parts can currently still be ordered from Kent with very reasonable shipping. So I bought only the parts I needed to assemble a custom key for me. Most notably, I did not purchase the black plastic paddles, but I got the BamaTech burgundy anodized paddles to add some color to the brass with two bright cherries sitting on my little reward.
I still struggle when I practice, but now I have even more motivation to continue learning code.
My other keys are a MFJ straight, 2 plastic paddles, a Western Union/ATT Straight and a Bencher BY-2. The collection has begun."
THE KENT TWIN PADDLE MORSE KEY - TP1-B
THE KENT TWIN PADDLE MORSE KEY - TP1-B
Dec 4, 2019 I asked for some suggestions for a paddle upgrade once I prove to myself I can use the plastic one. At Slow Speed CW Net a couple of the guys were telling me how they liked a couple of the Begali paddles but they are priced way out of my budget. Another fellow put me on to the Kent Twin Paddle which is still expensive to me, but doable. The kit is £98.50 and gives you the fun of assembly, and $20 off. The price is around $140.00 in March 2023 w/post from Germany, but from what I keep hearing it takes months to get. This key is well liked at eham.net product?id=1286. It gets high consideration but first I have to prove to myself I can learn to use a paddle by using the ons I own. Finishing my goal gets a nice a piece of brass as a reward. I went ahead and bought the BamaTech Burgundy anodized paddles as an incentive and they will add to its brass like a bright cherry on top if I ever get the paddles. I have set myself up for a future fine key for the long time goal to be a 'know code' ham.
It is not a sure thing that it will happen as I am a slow learner and have found it difficult learning Languages, Music and skills I would love to learn. Some would say "just go ahead and buy it, if you can pass the Tech, General and Extra exams you can also learn code." The thing is, sure I have crammed knowledge for a limited time, but once you have taken the exam who but a few, including me remembered all that stuff. To use code, it is not just learning code to pass a test, it has to be learned to a whole higher level for keeps. It is a skill I will not only be able learn, but to be able keep as a skill to use? If so then the Kent Twin Paddle key is mine with pride with all its brass and burgundy paddles. I may even attach my call on a brass painted dust cover I built as it would be sure to be shown proudly in a row of keys on my station desk.
UPDATE 3/28/23: By the time I wanted to order it you had to go through €129.41 from WinMo supplier +€66.10 FedX = €195.51 =$211.85 to get the kit and could not get it direct from Kent or anywhere else at the time. But you could still buy its parts direct and at a MUCH better price and shipping fee. I saved $17.90 from buying the complete kit but also saved $72.16 in postage. Yes, that is $72.16 in postage the kit would have cost through the normal supplier. Yeah, saved a LOT by buying just the parts I needed direct from Kent. Yes, I bought only the parts I needed to assemble the key just for me on 3/28/23. I did not get the assembly tools, plastic paddles or Kent badge plate to save $17.90. I was able to get it shipped($14.56) for $147.26, close to the original pricing of Dec. 4, 2019. I have still have the burgundy aluminum paddles I plan to use use with it. Actually this process of customizing my own personal key kit to get only what I need to assemble it has made my dream of owning and using this key all the more enjoyable. It took 28 days from 28 Mar 2023 to April 22, 2023 for shipping. I assembled it on April 22nd but had to order a 1/8 phono plug as I found I did not have one to finish the key and finally received that May 1, 2023.
May 2023 - I did a FINE job soldering the 1/8 plug on and found out the nice metal gold colored one I chose is cheap and not built to fit correct so tip connection does not connect. I have not had the heart to unsolder it and search for a replacement plug from some other more reliable source.
June or July 2023 - I did at some point replace the cheap plug. It now works great.
See also two duplicate posts at: Our Hobby Tech Blog: My brief history and a new Kent Twin Paddle and qrz.com/db/K7VIQ
I made my own badge as I skipped buying one to save $5.89
The BaMaTech burgundy aluminum paddles I am using with my key. They add a bit of color like a Morserino(Maraschino) cherry on top.
To the right is a photo carousel of my dream paddle once I prove to myself I can finally learn code after a lifetime of wishing I could do it. I had an animated .gif graphic of my goal key made by Arunaji on Fiver.com that shows the four bearings for smooth paddle movements in action.
I bought the parts to assemble a key for me. No paddles, and I paid much less in postage direct from Kent.
My custom Kent badge as I did not buy one. I saved $17.90 from buying the complete kit but also saved $72.16. Yes, that is $72.16 in postage the kit would have cost through the normal supplier. Yeah saved a LOT by buying just the parts I needed direct from Kent.
The BaMaTech burgundy aluminum paddles I am using with my key. They add a bit of color like a Maraschino cherry on top used with my Morserino.
Just a few old man shots
Just need my brass colored 1/8 plug at this point.
My Morserino in a 'Morserino Complete it! Case by Rollin WA7BFN' resting on top of my Kent case and Key.
My brass Kent key is sporting a set of BaMaTech burgundy aluminum paddles that add a bit of color like a fun dessert served with a bright Maraschino cherry.
Both cases are also painted Brass Rust-Oleum Imagine Craft & Hobby Metallic Spray Paint the best brass I have found.
With my favorite key from Kent and my new Morserino I hope to know a Dit from a Dah.
One day I hope to get on the air with my IC.7300 and Isotron Antenna EFHW Antenna.
Or a low power QRP radio.
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