My original key from 1982

My HK-708 in all its glory

I got this key while I was still at school, in around 1982, to use for learning to send CW. It was all I could afford at the time, and must have been quite cheap. I've had it, and used it, for over 40 years now, and it's still my main straight key for most QSOs.

Inscribed with my original callsign in about 1983

I didn't like the original small plastic disc-like knob and at some point, in around 1985, I exchanged it for the channel select knob from a Decca Voyager HF SSB Marine transceiver that I had which had been stripped for parts. This is a much larger and heavier aluminium knob which make the key feel much more solid.

The replacement Decca Voyager knob mounting details

The axle (trunnion?) ends are supported by ball bearings, tensioned with springs and the key, for all its cheapness, feels nice and smooth. I've often toyed with getting rid of it and getting something “proper” (a Marconi 365, a PS213, a Junkers, a NATO, something modern and handmade) but I keep coming back to it and don't see the need to replace it. Of course a small collection of keys is still an option, for interest and variety, but not a necessity while I have this one.

— John Pumford-Green 20/06/23 05:45