I happened to see your video on the Porta-Paddle II - I purchased mine about 2 years ago and use it exclusively for portable and SOTA operation. It's small size and fairly light weight make packing (and backpacking) it easy. That and it's a pretty durable paddle - I wouldn't take any of my other paddles backpacking for fear of damaging them or snapping off a fingerpiece. There is an optional leg strap which I did not purchase (probably should have) so I have to hold the paddle to operate it. Other guys have mounted it to a clipboard (for note-taking) which I thought was pretty smart. Nice video - from over 6 years ago but still valid today!
great videos, i reload ammunition, and when someone asks me how to do it, i always tell them to watch your videos. They always say, hes a good teacher on that, straight to the point. hope your doing well, and thanks for the videos.
Royeh, Good to hear from you and glad the filter is working out; it was a very useful tool for me before I got the ICOM 7200 with the built in filters; a great rig. Actually your endorsement of the AME key you used, helped me make the decision to go with this one. I've really enjoyed using it, although it's a 'lot' smaller than my Bencher BY-1. 73/John
I enjoy all your videos very much. I just started learning CW myself so this is much appreciated. Those A-liners are quite nice. I camp in a popup myself. Keep the videos coming and enjoy Texas. KK4DJX Jim
Good to see you back on the tube. The SCAF-1 is working out nice. TNX again. Glad you like the AME. I have his single lever with the heavy base as well as the little straight key. Nice stuff. 73 W6REH
Thanks for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the reloading videos. When things settle down a little and we get moved I would like to continue the series. All the best, John
John, just like all your other subscribers, I am glad to hear from you. I was afraid something had happened. Glad to see you back on the tube. 73 AE5KW John
Always great to see a "Tinker John" video. Hope your having a great summer I missed that you had made the move to Texas, although I know thats home.Wishing you well with this venture. Ron KB3VEW
Thank you John, was looking for a good, travel, quality key to learn on that didn't break the bank or fall apart in my bag. I have a bencher at home and I think I will go with this one for travel. I'll make a small padded box or bag I think. 73! K5VOP
Frank, Thanks for following along and for your comment. Actually, I'm moving back to TX to retire. I am in the Tyler area but have not purchased a home yet, just in an RV park for now until our home sales. The paddle is working out really well, I just need to learn how to use it better! Hope to meet you on the air. 73/John
Jim, Thanks for following along. The Aliner makes for a pretty good home, just a little small for full time living. Hopefully the house will sell and we can move where I can have more space. Take care and hope to meet you on the air. 73/John
Matthew, Good to hear from you. I am currently in an RV park near Tyler. Hopefully we will settle down here once our home sells. Hope to meet you on the air. 73/John
John, still trying here to learn CW better and it can be challenging. Always enjoy your vids especially the CW ones. ( they are all good ) Once I learn enough to get on the air with it, I will be looking out for your call for sure. Hang tough in the "A". 73 KD8SKG
Good to see you back, John, Missed you. BTW, your CW sounds very good on that paddle. I've been on CW for 40 years, but I have a "glass arm", now known as carpal tunnel syndrom, so I have to use a paddle. I'm now trying to learn the mechanical "Bug"' since an electronic keyer hides the fist, or "voice" of the CW OP. You're doing great, just wish me the same, after 40 years of hamming. (That's half my life, BTW.) 73 de Dick, WB8MHE
Excellent idea with a male to male 3.5mm cable. I do the same! It's either $10 for an 1/8" jack to three leads, or you can spend less than $2 at a hamfest for a male to male extension/audio connector. Brilliant! :D
Dick, thx for the comments. It was a little difficult starting to use the paddle but with a little practice I think it will be fun to use. Good luck with your bug. Hope to meet you on the air. 73/John
I also am glad to see you back John. I have been waiting for your video. Welcome to Texas or is it welcome back to Texas? I enjoy all your videos and have been working my way through them all. My mom is out in E. TX not far from Tyler; i am in Dallas area. That paddle looks like a good one, maybe light enough for a little trail radio? I am working on building up my CW speed and using K7QO's morse training. seems to be wrking OK. Hope to see you on the bands. 73/N5TYD Frank
Nice vidoe Sir - looks like a nice little paddle -- wud you happen to have the link to that vid u mentioned of ur first contact - i cudnt see it on ur page thanks 73 VE7JYD
Thanks for following along with the videos. I don't think that key is still in production, however they do come up for sale occasionally on eBay or QRZ. 73
