NAQCC Sprint Tuesday night!

Our December sprint is this coming Tuesday evening local time which is Wednesday
0130-0330z time.

I will refer you to the proper URL:

http://home.windstream.net/yoel/sprint201011.html

There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and also a special
prize.

This month's Special Prize goes to the winner, to be decided by drawing among
all who submit a valid log, gets a choice of paddle handles, straight key knobs,
and/or K2 knob inserts donated by Gregg WB8LZG.

This is a monthly event that caters to the CW veteran, the CW newcomer, straight
key and bug fans. All are welcome to participate (this includes QRO); but you
must use QRP power levels to compete for awards.

If you are not already a member of NAQCC... membership is FREE!  Just sign up on
the NAQCC website and you will receive a handsome certificate, with your
membership number which is good for life, plus a starter kit.

Come join us and have a real good time!

72/73 de Dave VA3RJ
NAQCC #0004

Good day

I'm wanting to buy a Brooklyn metal stamping bug, I'll pay a price that reflexs
condition, I have a number of bugs for trade if need be.

Cheers!

Michael - MM1EWA/KD0LEJ

--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "mm1ewa" <mm1ewa@...> wrote:
>
> Good day
>
> I'm wanting to buy a Brooklyn metal stamping bug, I'll pay a price that
reflexs condition, I have a number of bugs for trade if need be.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Michael - MM1EWA/KD0LEJ
>
Michael,
I don't have a BMS bug nor have I ever seen one in person. Have you ever
oparated one? I am interested to know if there is any difference in the feel
with the dit spring mounted on the post rather then the spring arm. Good luck in
your serch.
Tom AC5JH

--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "Tom" <ac5jh@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "mm1ewa" <mm1ewa@> wrote:
> >
> > Good day
> >
> > I'm wanting to buy a Brooklyn metal stamping bug, I'll pay a price that
reflexs condition, I have a number of bugs for trade if need be.
> >
> > Cheers!
> >
> > Michael - MM1EWA/KD0LEJ
> >
> Michael,
> I don't have a BMS bug nor have I ever seen one in person. Have you ever
oparated one? I am interested to know if there is any difference in the feel
with the dit spring mounted on the post rather then the spring arm. Good luck in
your serch.
> Tom AC5JH
>
I have that I had 20 some years Speed -Bug(BMS), but way too fast for me. I
think I'm hanging on to it. Made very nice. This the  only one I seen. I think
someone in Arizona may have one.
Take care
Railroad

Our December Special NAQCC mW Sprint will be held this coming Wednesday evening
local time which is Thursday, December 30, 0130-0330Z time.

I will refer you to the proper URL:

http://naqcc.info/sprint201012mw.html

There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and other important
information.

Power: 999 mW or less to be eligible for any awards or prizes. Others welcome to
participate and submit check logs.

Certificates: SWA (simple wire antennas) certificates by call area, VE, DX, and
if anyone has a 160M gain antenna, a certificate in the GAIN category as well.

This is a special sprint, for the month of December, that caters to the CW
veteran, the CW newcomer, straight key and bug fans. All are welcome to
participate, even QRO!

Come join us and have a real good time!

73 de Dave VA3RJ
NAQCC #0004

Tonight is the first RFTB for 2011.

I hope that all Flying Pigs and QRPers will take this opportunity to get on the
air and have some fun.  Maybe if we heat up the ionosphere enough, the cold
weather will take the hint and scram!

The time is the same as always:

East coast - 9:00 to 11:00 PM local time
Midwest - 8:00 to 10:00 PM local time
Rockies - 7:00 to 9:00 PM local time
West coast - 6:00 to 8:00 PM local time

The rules are at:

http://www.fpqrp.com/fpqrprun.php

73 de Larry W2LJ
FP# 612
QRP ARCI# 4488

NAQCC Sprint Wednesday night!

Our January sprint is this coming Wednesday evening local time which, is
Thursday, January 20, 0130-0330z time.

I will refer you to the proper URL:

http://naqcc.info/sprint201101.html

There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and other important
information.

Certificates: SWA (simple wire antennas) certificates by call area, VE, DX, and
if anyone has a 160M gain antenna, a certificate in the GAIN category as well.

Prizes: ARRL Operating Manual (2 - 4th edition 1993 and 7th edition 2002),
awarded by 2 random drawings from all those who submit a log for a sprint from
January 1, 2011 to February 28, 2011 and March 1, 2011 to April 30, 2011. Winner
of the first drawing gets his/her choice of the two and is not eligible for the
second drawing. Winners to be announced.

This is a monthly event that caters to the CW veteran, the CW newcomer, straight
key and bug fans. All are welcome to participate (this includes QRO); but you
must use QRP power levels to compete for awards.

If you are not already a member of NAQCC... membership is FREE!  Just sign up on
the NAQCC website and you will receive a handsome certificate, with your
membership number which is good for life, plus a starter kit.

Come join us and have a real good time!

72/73 de Dave VA3RJ
NAQCC #0004

hello
Just a couple of days ago we bought an  Apple MacBook Pro MC024LL/Afrom ! this website:  www.xmaswholesalers.com .
It is indeed a fantastic machine, though it will take some time to get used to the new system.  Wireles mouse and keyboard. Nice design.
and I love it. I paid $1260US all charges included   the chose to use the Core 2 Duo but that's not all bad. This is a stable, cool running, capable processor.   I use this mostly for work where stability, battery life, portability, and longevity are the most important things to me. I rarely play games. I especially like the backlit keyboard.   if you want to get one. you can check it out .

hope you had a happy holiday....

Regards,

Earl Needham

Ah -- NO!  This is trojan/spam/virus, so do NOT click on that link!

Earl


--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, Earl Needham <earl.kd5xb@...> wrote:
>
> hello
> Just a couple of days ago we bought an  Apple MacBook Pro MC024LL/Afrom !
> this website:  www.xmaswholesalers.com .
> It is indeed a fantastic machine, though it will take some time to get used
> to the new system.  Wireles mouse and keyboard. Nice design.
> and I love it. I paid $1260US all charges included   the chose to use the
> Core 2 Duo but that's not all bad. This is a stable, cool running, capable
> processor.   I use this mostly for work where stability, battery life,
> portability, and longevity are the most important things to me. I rarely
> play games. I especially like the backlit keyboard.   if you want to get
> one. you can check it out .
>
> hope you had a happy holiday....
>
> Regards,
>
> Earl Needham
>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the cw_bugs
group.

   File        : /BugNapper 6.pdf
   Uploaded by : richard_meiss <wb9lpu@...>
   Description : Another approach to slowing a bug

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs/files/BugNapper%206.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

richard_meiss <wb9lpu@...>

Hi, All -

      As usual, I am a day late and a dollar short for the discussion on ways to
slow a bug, but herewith is what has just come out of the workshop.  In the
"Files" section of the group I have uploaded a description of this new approach
to slowing down a bug into a speed range that is more accessible to many hams
that you meet on the air. There are also a couple of photos in the "Photos"
section that are taken from the write-up. A YouTube movie of the device in
operation is being prepared.

      I have called the device the BugNapper, because all of the better
names, like BugTamer, were taken. Please let me know if this term has been used
by someone else - my XYL has come up with a few names is this one is taken.

      73 de Rich, WB9LPU

KD5XB -- Earl Needham http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs Quoting from the Coast Guard: ZUT Posted via Blackberry

Hi Rich, very interesting BugNapper! Its
nice but toooo much trouble for me to do all
that stuff. Been using wooded clothes pins for
30 years to slow down a bug.....or just switch
to a straight key.....grin!
73....Walter - K5EST - Missouri


--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "richard_meiss" <wb9lpu@...> wrote:
>>      I have called the device the BugNapper, because all of the

-----Original Message-----
From: k5est
Sent: Jan 20, 2011 9:02 AM
To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [cw_bugs] Re: Another way to slow a bug

 

Hi Rich, very interesting BugNapper! Its
nice but toooo much trouble for me to do all
that stuff. Been using wooded clothes pins for
30 years to slow down a bug.....or just switch
to a straight key.....grin!
73....Walter - K5EST - Missouri

--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "richard_meiss" <wb9lpu@...> wrote:
>> I have called the device the BugNapper, because all of the

Just ran across this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Slow-Down-Vibroplex-Telegraph-Key-Morse-Code-Ham-Radio-/1206\
73220026?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c18af35ba

Anyone care to comment on this item?

73,

Tony W7GO

Hi, Tony -

      I met this fellow (at least I think that was the same person) at the Fort
Wayne (IN) Hamfest in November.  He had some samples there, and they were nicely
finished and worked well, and he was willing to "talk shop".
      Actually, its hard for the mass/extension approach not to work.  What may
make a difference for some folks how "finished" it looks and how easy is it to
adjust (and whether it requires any permanent changes to the bug).  This device
passes all these tests.

      73 de Rich, WB9LPU

--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, Tony Morgan <1desertdweller@...> wrote:
>
> Just ran across this on ebay:
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/Slow-Down-Vibroplex-Telegraph-Key-Morse-Code-Ham-Radio-/1206\
73220026?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c18af35ba
>
> Anyone care to comment on this item?
>
> 73,
>
> Tony W7GO
>

You can make your own very easily using brass rod and brass tubing from a
hobby shop for very little cost. I have several on my bugs. I have a picture
of one I made in the photo section.

73,
Troy, W6HV

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Morgan
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:47 PM
To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [cw_bugs] Slow Down Vibroplex

Just ran across this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Slow-Down-Vibroplex-Telegraph-Key-Morse-Code-Ham-Radio-/1206\
73220026?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c18af35ba

Anyone care to comment on this item?

73,

Tony W7GO






------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

>From: TroyW6HV <w6hv@...>
>Sent: Jan 20, 2011 8:43 PM

>You can make your own very easily using brass rod and brass tubing from a

I made one as well out of a common electrical grounding bar. Cheap and the
screws are included. Just cut a couple pieces off the aluminum bar. I used a
knitting needle for the extra shaft but peg hooks (for hanging stuff on a
perforated board) can be cut down and work great.

See the photo album under my call.

73,
-Pete
WB2QLL

----- Original Message -----

From: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com

To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 8:35 PM

Subject: [cw_bugs] New file uploaded to cw_bugs

 

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the cw_bugs
group.

File : /BugNapper 6.pdf
Uploaded by : richard_meiss <wb9lpu@...>
Description : Another approach to slowing a bug

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs/files/BugNapper%206.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

richard_meiss <wb9lpu@...>

Hi, Dick -

       I guess that it took a bit more nerve that I have to attack the
mainspring of a bug, especially since it is riveted in place and your
modification was pretty permanent.  But if it worked for you, then it
did its job.  A potential problem with reducing the dimensions of the
spring from the top and bottom is that it reduces the strength of the
spring to bear the downward force of the weight on the pendulum.  One
way around this is to use a Dremel tool with a small abrasive wheel and
remove a "slot" of material from the center of the spring.  This
preserves its width and reduces its lateral stiffness with little effect
on the vertical strength.  But it is still not reversible.

      I took some time to clean up the bug before taking the photographs,
because it is my pride and joy.  My father gave it to me in 1957 as a
combination General license and birthday present.  Actually, he brought
home a Lafayette Radio bug (aka Skillman, "coffin bug", Hi-Mound, etc.).
It was a nice bug in its own right, but my father saw in my face that I
had really had my heart set on a Vibroplex, so he traded it in for one.
It has stayed with me for many moves and escaped being cut down to make
a CW paddle.  To shine it up without damaging the chrome, I used a Mr.
Clean Magic Eraser sponge.  That item leaves no residue and has no
abrasive effect either on the chrome or the crackle finish of the base.
I would be careful about using it on one of the "Japanned" bases of the
older Vibroplexes.

       A YouTube video of the BugNapper is in the works and should be
finished before too long.

       73 de Rich, WB9LPU


--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "F. Richard Burt" <BrazosValley@...>
wrote:
>
> Good Afternoon, Fellow Buggy Hams:
>
> My father and I liked to Rag Chew with other hams, even the Novice
boys
> who were still having trouble with 5 words per minute speeds.  In a
pick-up
> equipment issue from Texas Army MARS, I obtained my very own Vibroplex
bug
> for my very own.  The positioning spring was VERY stiff, and the
ditttsss
> ran way too fast, even with the weight as far out on the pendulum
movement
> as I could place it.  So, handy man that I can be, sometimes, I
thought
> about it overnight, and work up from a dead sleep with the "solution."
>
> Fetching a fine-toothed metal file from my toolbox, I took careful aim
> at the top edge of the spring and filed a notch in the spring.  Then,
> I fired up the transmitter and "tested" it.  For semi-automatic keying
> at slow words-per-minute, that flat spring was still way too stiff.
So,
> I turned the bug over and used my file on what was then the bottom
edge
> of the spring, (being up-side-down, I could gently press down with
each
> file-stroke and the amount of vertical mass at that point of the
spring
> was now beginning to "look" narrow.  Better test again.  The
performance
> now was quite good for a speed of about 10 words-per-minute speed.
Since
> my goal was to bring it down to 5 words-per-minute, I continued to
file
> the bottom edge of that spring, and tested after each set of about six
> strokes of the file.
>
> Sure enough, when I reached the place where the spring was "proper" to
> rebulate the ditttssss evenly with the DAHs, the amount of steel left
> was visible no more than about 1/8-inch.  Fatigue might be a
possibility,
>  but this adjustment in physical properties was inexpensive,
interesting,
> and successful in 1958, and it is still in good shape.
>
> Richard Meiss, WB9LPU, your bug is beautifull, ...and shines quite
well.
> The Government didn't attempt to protect their stuff.  All it had to
do
> was work when plugged into a transmitter.  Let me pose my opinion,
with
> no hands-on experience with your proposed corrective action using
magnets.
>
> The "natural" feel of the corrective action with my bug has no
quirkiness.
> All of the physical properties "slowed" equally as I filed the steel
> spring for less top-to-bottom mass.  Just an idea worth consideration,
> since I am now a reporting committee of one, uninvited to comment on
the
> subject. <grins>
>
> 73s
>
> Dick
>
> F. Richard Burt
> W5QQM
>
> Garland, Texas
>
> BrazosValley@...
>
>
> .
> which I think could make placement and regulation of the
counter-forces
> necessary to compensate for too-rigid a return/restore spring
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
>   To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 8:35 PM
>   Subject: [cw_bugs] New file uploaded to cw_bugs
>
>
>
>
>   Hello,
>
>   This email message is a notification to let you know that
>   a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the cw_bugs
>   group.
>
>   File : /BugNapper 6.pdf
>   Uploaded by : richard_meiss wb9lpu@...
>   Description : Another approach to slowing a bug
>
>   You can access this file at the URL:
>   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs/files/BugNapper%206.pdf
>
>   To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
>
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
>   Regards,
>
>   richard_meiss wb9lpu@...
>

----- Original Message -----

From: richard_meiss

To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 7:51 PM

Subject: [cw_bugs] Re: New file uploaded to cw_bugs

 

Hi, Dick -

I guess that it took a bit more nerve that I have to attack the
mainspring of a bug, especially since it is riveted in place and your
modification was pretty permanent. But if it worked for you, then it
did its job. A potential problem with reducing the dimensions of the
spring from the top and bottom is that it reduces the strength of the
spring to bear the downward force of the weight on the pendulum. One
way around this is to use a Dremel tool with a small abrasive wheel and
remove a "slot" of material from the center of the spring. This
preserves its width and reduces its lateral stiffness with little effect
on the vertical strength. But it is still not reversible.

I took some time to clean up the bug before taking the photographs,
because it is my pride and joy. My father gave it to me in 1957 as a
combination General license and birthday present. Actually, he brought
home a Lafayette Radio bug (aka Skillman, "coffin bug", Hi-Mound, etc.).
It was a nice bug in its own right, but my father saw in my face that I
had really had my heart set on a Vibroplex, so he traded it in for one.
It has stayed with me for many moves and escaped being cut down to make
a CW paddle. To shine it up without damaging the chrome, I used a Mr.
Clean Magic Eraser sponge. That item leaves no residue and has no
abrasive effect either on the chrome or the crackle finish of the base.
I would be careful about using it on one of the "Japanned" bases of the
older Vibroplexes.

A YouTube video of the BugNapper is in the works and should be
finished before too long.

73 de Rich, WB9LPU

--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "F. Richard Burt" <BrazosValley@...>
wrote:
>
> Good Afternoon, Fellow Buggy Hams:
>
> My father and I liked to Rag Chew with other hams, even the Novice
boys
> who were still having trouble with 5 words per minute speeds. In a
pick-up
> equipment issue from Texas Army MARS, I obtained my very own Vibroplex
bug
> for my very own. The positioning spring was VERY stiff, and the
ditttsss
> ran way too fast, even with the weight as far out on the pendulum
movement
> as I could place it. So, handy man that I can be, sometimes, I
thought
> about it overnight, and work up from a dead sleep with the "solution."
>
> Fetching a fine-toothed metal file from my toolbox, I took careful aim
> at the top edge of the spring and filed a notch in the spring. Then,
> I fired up the transmitter and "tested" it. For semi-automatic keying
> at slow words-per-minute, that flat spring was still way too stiff.
So,
> I turned the bug over and used my file on what was then the bottom
edge
> of the spring, (being up-side-down, I could gently press down with
each
> file-stroke and the amount of vertical mass at that point of the
spring
> was now beginning to "look" narrow. Better test again. The
performance
> now was quite good for a speed of about 10 words-per-minute speed.
Since
> my goal was to bring it down to 5 words-per-minute, I continued to
file
> the bottom edge of that spring, and tested after each set of about six
> strokes of the file.
>
> Sure enough, when I reached the place where the spring was "proper" to
> rebulate the ditttssss evenly with the DAHs, the amount of steel left
> was visible no more than about 1/8-inch. Fatigue might be a
possibility,
> but this adjustment in physical properties was inexpensive,
interesting,
> and successful in 1958, and it is still in good shape.
>
> Richard Meiss, WB9LPU, your bug is beautifull, ...and shines quite
well.
> The Government didn't attempt to protect their stuff. All it had to
do
> was work when plugged into a transmitter. Let me pose my opinion,
with
> no hands-on experience with your proposed corrective action using
magnets.
>
> The "natural" feel of the corrective action with my bug has no
quirkiness.
> All of the physical properties "slowed" equally as I filed the steel
> spring for less top-to-bottom mass. Just an idea worth consideration,
> since I am now a reporting committee of one, uninvited to comment on
the
> subject. <grins>
>
> 73s
>
> Dick
>
> F. Richard Burt
> W5QQM
>
> Garland, Texas
>
> BrazosValley@...
>
>
> .
> which I think could make placement and regulation of the
counter-forces
> necessary to compensate for too-rigid a return/restore spring
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
> To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 8:35 PM
> Subject: [cw_bugs] New file uploaded to cw_bugs
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
> This email message is a notification to let you know that
> a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the cw_bugs
> group.
>
> File : /BugNapper 6.pdf
> Uploaded by : richard_meiss wb9lpu@...
> Description : Another approach to slowing a bug
>
> You can access this file at the URL:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs/files/BugNapper%206.pdf
>
> To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
>
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
> Regards,
>
> richard_meiss wb9lpu@...
>

Hello to all,

  I would like to do some experimenting with telegraph keys
incorporating magnets and sealed magnetic reed switches
similar to those used in the beautiful keys designed by group
member Richard Meiss (wb9lpu). I've looked through his
very well done web site explanations but didn't see any
references to the reed switch source/s or p/n.

  Does anyone have a source for the reed switches? I've seen
a few websites but with so many versions to choose from, I'd
sure like some direction before ordering.

  Richard, many many thanks for posting your designs through
photos and explanations, what a treasure!

  Thanks for any help.

    73
    Tom
    W4TMW

Hello Dick,

    Nope, not in that area, I live in Hartwell, GA. a small town
situated on Lake Hartwell at the headwaters of the Savannah river.

  Also, not aware of Robert, but then I'm only a little guy among
the DX crowd.

    73
    Tom
    W4TMW



--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "F. Richard Burt" <BrazosValley@...> wrote:
>
> Good Morning, Tom:
>
> CQ  W4TMW de W5QQM K
>
> Tom are you anywhere near Montecello Florida?  I have a
> long-time ham friend named William Robert Moody, W4WSZ
> who is a big DX addict, and, although W4-land is a huge
> area, I was just curious if you all were close enough to
> actually know each other. <grins>
>
> 73's  Dick
>
> F. Richard Burt
> QTH Garland, TX  U.S.A.
> W5QQM K
>
> I'm an N-scale model railroading addict.  Confession is
> good for the soul. <grins>
>
> BrazosValley@...
>
> .
>

Good morning Richard,

  Thank you, thank you for all of the excellent info. I'm excited to get going on
this voyage, especially after your comments. I can see now, that I will need to
do some exploring with adjustable parts just as you did when you got into the
magnetic/switching area. Thank goodness I saved many of your photos and
explanations since it was reported that they were all lost during the switchover
to this new group website.

  Yes, I intend to report my progress, but for now it will probably be all
questions. :0)

    73
    Tom
    W4TMW



  "richard_meiss" <wb9lpu@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Tom -
>
>       Welcome to the world of magnets and reed switches.  Good rare-earth
> magnets are available from several places on the web.  I am a customer
> of  K&J Magnetics (http://www.kjmagnetics.com
> <http://www.kjmagnetics.com/> ) and Magcraft (http://www.magcraft.com
> <http://www.kjmagnetics.com/> ).  Both of these companies have proved to
> be fast and reliable.
>         Satisfactory reed switches are a bit harder to find.  I have
> acquired a lot of them at hamfests - the ones that I find the most
> useful are about 1/2" long and 3/32" in diameter.  One place to find
> them on the web, or by mail, is at All Electronics
> (http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/RSW-27/SMALL-REED-SWITC\
> H-N.O.//1.html
> <http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/RSW-27/SMALL-REED-SWITC\
> H-N.O.//1.html> ).  Their stock varies from time to time, so I get a
> bunch of them when they are available.  Some places sell them for use in
> alarm systems, but these types tend to be pretty large.
>        There are a few things to keep in mind when working with the
> glass-encapsulated reed switches.  They are fragile, so I mount mine in
> brass tubes (5/32" diameter) for protection.  This size of tube will
> accept the switch and allow for passage of connecting wires.  The
> switches are surprisingly tolerant of soldering to the leads, as long as
> you are quick, but bending the leads (especially near to the switch
> body) is asking for trouble.
>        Some other things to be aware of.  Magnetic reed switches show
> hysteresis - that is, the point in a magnetic field where they turn on
> is different from where they turn off (they become slightly magnetized
> themselves).  This is great for use in bugs, where there is a fair
> amount of pendulum movement - the hysteresis completely eliminates the
> "scratchy dits" problem.  But in a straight key or paddle, this can pose
> a little problem.  If you have a magnet on the key lever, as you push
> the key down the switch will close at some point (which you can set to
> be the end of the stroke).  But as the key lever moves back up, the
> switch will stay closed for a small space.  This means that you might
> not be able to set the travel distance to be as small as you would want
> - especially in a paddle.
>       The switches also have "hot spots" that you can map by moving a
> small magnet around them.  The sensitivity falls off with distance
> differently depending on the hot spot chosen.  I have also found that
> the switches work predictably as long as the current switched is quite
> low (as it is with a modern keying circuit).  If you try to switch a
> higher current, the flowing current changes the characteristics of the
> switch in a rather unpredictable way.  So if you are trying to key a
> "boat anchor", a keying relay is in order.
>         Most of these properties can be turned to your advantage with
> careful design.  Best of luck with your experiments, and let us know
> what develops.
>
>        73 de Rich, WB9LPU