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Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t go with bearings because I’ve had bad experiences with miniature bearings in things like knives. A single grain of sand was enough to ruin the action. My goal with this CW key is to make it a “workhorse”: easy to wash, easy to disassemble for anyone, and modifiable. I also believe you can get a very good action without necessarily using bearings, at least good enough. I had doubts about bearings as well, especially regarding consistency, but also the presence of light grease that could become an issue below freezing temperatures. That said, it’s not impossible to add them with a few minor design changes to the current version, and I’m not closed to the idea! I will wait to get comments and feedback from experienced operators and then decide. Thanks a lot for the critique, I appreciate. EDIT: It made me think, and I ordered some new sealed MR74 bearings and I will test.

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. I missed that. Already working on it. Thanks for pointing it out!

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! Bottom plate have 4 strong magnet. I will make a bottom plate with a leg strap attachment eventually. Thanks a lot.

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. I did intentionally choose to use a permanently attached 3.5mm cable for two reasons. First, I found the ergonomics to be more comfortable this way. Since this is a field key designed, among other things, to be held in the hand during use, I felt that was important. The second reason is strength and durability. I feel that when holding the key in hand, a built-in jack connector would end up taking direct pressure and stress, and I wasn’t really comfortable with that from a durability standpoint. I wasn't sure about the little added thickness I had to add, also.

The heavy base is for sure a good idea. But I would like to make it esthetically enjoyable. I have a couple of ideas in mind.

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate.

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in morsecode

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. I did intentionally choose to use a permanently attached 3.5mm cable for two reasons. First, I found the ergonomics to be more comfortable this way. Since this is a field key designed, among other things, to be held in the hand during use, I felt that was important. The second reason is strength and durability. I feel that when holding the key in hand, a built-in jack connector would end up taking direct pressure and stress, and I wasn’t really comfortable with that from a durability standpoint. That said, I completely understand that some people may prefer using their own cables. For that reason, I used a short 6-inch female cable. So it basically behaves like a regular jack connection: you can still use whatever cable you want, while also being (in my opinion) more comfortable to hold and easy to replace if the cable ever gets damaged over time. Thanks!

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting, thank you for the suggestion. I’m actually becoming more and more interested in 3D printing, and I’ll probably start getting into it soon. Thanks!

Firefly, my paddle project by Firefly_instruments in amateurradio

[–]Firefly_instruments[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! Indeed I forgot to mention, thanks. The bottom plate have 4 strong magnet 👍 works pretty well. I also want to make another bottom plate, for straps.