About Steve Roberts

Owner of W1SFR.com featuring handmade Torsion Bar morse code keys.

Compendium of Automatic Morse..new book by N3CW

https://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Automatic-Morse-Code-Goss/dp/0764351311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493586921&sr=8-1&keywords=automatic+morse

Check out page 150 and you’ll see a full page devoted to the Torsion Bar single lever key made by yours truly!

Trace the evolution of automatic Morse code devices from the early 1800s to today through this informative text and over 1,100 photos. Beginning with an overview of telegraphy and early key history, fifteen sections explore the equipment used to send messages over long distances. Featured are code readers, oscillators, Morse trainers, electronic keyers, single- and dual-lever paddles, portable paddles, automatic mechanical keys, accessories, and more. Each device is presented in text and images, some with classic advertisements; this combination allows the reader to appreciate device development and better understand the thinking that went into the design. Paddle and key maintenance and adjustment are also examined, as well as computer interfacing and use of the Internet. The book also includes the results of patent studies and historical research, with many new findings presented, making it a must-have for collectors, ham operators, or anyone interested in the history of these communication devices.

Ed Goss has been a licensed amateur radio operator (N3CW) for almost 50 years. He operates almost exclusively using Morse code, and collects unique telegraphy devices. Ed is a retired engineer and lives in Palm Coast, Florida.

 

Shack/Convertible Key #54 out the door

I can’t believe I’ve made 54 of the “portable” keys with brass bases already. Seems like just yesterday I was noodling around with the design on a napkin at my friends house over the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks to all for taking a flyer on something new and reports continue to come in praising the Torsion Bar action and the tactile feel of the hand formed wood finger pieces. Onward and upward!

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1945 Vibroplex Lightning Restoration

Got this key on eBay from a Pawn Broker. He didn’t have any real clue about what it was so I got it cheap. The key is in incredible shape and so is the storage case that came with it. I cleaned it up and then made a “dit tamer” which screws in to a small hole I tapped in the existing pendulum weight. That got me down to about 18 WPM. With the weight off the dit speed is about 22 WPM and with the arm removed all together, the dit speed is about 30 wpm. That’s why they called it the Lightning!

Close up of the homebrew dit tamer.

Close up of the homebrew dit tamer.

1945 Vibroplex Lightning Bug Restoration

1945 Vibroplex Lightning Bug Restoration

 

Overhead view of 1945 Vibroplex Lightning restoration

Overhead view of 1945 Vibroplex Lightning restoration