What an absolutely stunning key! It's a decent size too - I always prefer a 'doorknocker' to the tiny little things some people go for. Nice to see it being put through its paces by a real expert. 73!
What makes John's workmanship stand out from the rest is his attention to detail, regardless of whether its his leather work or his engineering projects, they are all top quality.
Hi Darren, The length of cable can be any that you need. In my case about 4 ft of cable. Ideally it wants to be screened. The termination is a mono 3.5mm jack plug but again this will vary from rig to rig. John is a talented guy. ATB Sandy
Nice video Sandy, like to watch all of yours. That key is a lovely piece of traditional engineering and art and put through it's paces by an expert. Also licenced myself but never use it these days but still facinated by morse code. 73s and regards, Steve G6JEF.
Hi Sandy, great vid as always. Long time no hear here. Its a shame John no longer makes the keys. Just getting back into the hobby after major surgery, and got myself a Yaesu ft-450 and a Elecraft k2/100 with all the bells and whistles.. Hope to hear you on the bands soon , all the very best, Mac MOTXR
Hi Mack, Sorry to hear about the surgery. I wish you a speedy and full recovery. Yes it is a shame John packed up making them. He put a lot of effort into each one. All well here thanks. Still active on the bands using CW. Sandy
That's a really lovely key hes made OM. Thanks for the video and touchwood my 80m/40m dipole should be back up within two weeks. Ill no doubt catch up with you at the bushcraft show mate. :-)
Hi Sandy, I'm still trying to raise my morse speed on receive and I have a new radio that doesn't have a keyer. Is there a stand alone keyed that you would recommend? I have seen that ZLP does one in their devices, would this be ok or is there something else you would recommend? Would love to see more amateur radio videos! Kind regards, Simon M0SYS, Nottingham
One of the best external keyers I have used is called the Logikey, model K3 made by Idiom Press. I'm not sure if it is still available new but if you find one buy it. Good luck with your Morse code. I will hopefully be doing a few ham radio videos soon.
Sandy I have been watching ur videos for quite awhile, that is a nice key solid brass, beautiful, I owned one but I traded it in on another key I wanted more, I collect military keys. they make a nice combo key, paddle and straight, nice video as usual. Keep having fun. 73, Tony.
Thank you for your post. John certainly does beautiful work - it truly is a work of art. And you do the key justice: you've got a supple fist. I'm a new ham and just learning CW, but I would love to have one of his keys.
I'll touch base with him, but creating these keys is obviously a labour of love, not a money-maker. Thank you so much for getting back to me. I had the opportunity to visit Cirencester a couple of years ago and if opportunity brings me back to the area, I'd love to head up to Birmingham and meet the man. His kind aren't plentiful these days. Thanks again Sandy! 73, Tim VA1TIM
Hi agn Sandy, once again nice video. and excellent Key. I watched the video on the build of that key before. and its a beautifull key. I started collecting pieces to build the same design myself. but alas its still in the "collecting Parts stage" but it will get built some day. I'm a cw op but after 40+ yrs still learning. tnx fer the nice video ! 73 gud dx de Ellis WA1RKS
Wow, what a very talented man John is. He was so detailed in what he built. It looks like a museum piece. Thanks for sharing this. :) so cool. ATB Louise :)
Wow, it's more than 30 years ago that I learned the morse code, but really lost all the knowledge and for sure I won't be able to read and write this fast! Great video, Cheers Marc
Thanks for watching John. The Key that John Wellings made is superb. Perhaps this is something you could do in one half of a two car garage in Texas? Food for thought. 73 Sandy
As you can see morse code users use a form of abbreviated text to shorten the overall length of the transmission. If you want find out more google "ham radio q codes" etc
You are the person I would want in my Com station if shtf happens, well done sandy great video., I aware I see smoke sometimes from your fingers hehe.Atb Lawrence
Beautiful work of art. Thought about getting my tech no code license but didn't have the funds to get things rolling at the time. Thanks to one of your videos using a handheld, it isn't too awful expensive to maybe give it a try again. One thing at a time for now though. Get my fat trucker butt and my son outdoors for fun and adventure and then see what happens from there. Thanks for sharing your skills on such a beutiful piece
Oh my goodness.. she is a beaut. Thats another thing on my list... Basic design, executed perfectly. I broke my MFJ Iambic on Isle of Man trip, so will need to replace it soon.. Still have the Begali though ;-) 73 Dan
Hi Sandy even i can see that's the work of a artisan and i only ever done morse code when i was in the cubs many many moons ago but you were so smooth,Eddie.
this to me is a daunting thing morse that is im studying for my foundation licence and my test is on the 22nd of next month and the morse is the thing im most anxious about. but the key did look very nice. 73s
Well dang. Appears that John is no longer making keys as of 29 May 2017. Thanks for the CW QSO's in video fashion. I'll have to get back on the air. de W1ADE
WOW - I think I could get addicted to the telegraph - I love patterns and can memorize codes pretty well. Would someone be willing to advise a newbie on just how one start with education to equipment? Thank you!
Gerd DF9GU is a talented operator, I wish his situation was such that he would run a bit more power. John's key is a work of art, the finish if flawless and gorgeous. I have "Key Lust" over it. I agree three rubber feet best, but two at bottom? Maybe John will take on the Sideswiper Quest? Most interesting development is a Japanese design of a laterally moving tram system which allows an arm with contacts to move side to side always parallel with the sides of the base with adjustable tension centering springs. Noise and weight must be minimized but such a tracking tram is excellent. 73 de N1EA - David www.tinyurl.com/djringjr
djringjr Oh, my sorry to Bernd for putting down the wrong name - I can't trust my memory any more, but I do remember Bernd very well because I have spoken to him on Morse many times and always loved his fist (manner of sending) as being excellent and very readable. Sorry my friend Bernd, forgive me for calling you by another friend's name! Hello to you, Sandy, as always a great video. See you on the side swiper net. 73 OM = G0VQW DE N1EA +
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Nothing like the timeless click-clack of a straight key at work. The sound of civilisation. Beautiful instrument, well-keyed. Nice fist!
What an absolutely stunning key! It's a decent size too - I always prefer a 'doorknocker' to the tiny little things some people go for. Nice to see it being put through its paces by a real expert. 73!
Beautiful item, love the old world look of it. Great to know the Morse skill lives on. A most enjoyable video, thanks Sandy.
Johns work is sublime and he is also a super super nice guy, definitely inspired me to take morse more seriously as a skill to learn ~Peace~
What makes John's workmanship stand out from the rest is his attention to detail, regardless of whether its his leather work or his engineering projects, they are all top quality.
I hope to one day have a Wellings straight key but way down in the colonies the post is 6 months sailing either way.
The Empire is vast.
That is a BEAUTIFUL key! Very nicely done with plenty of attention to detail. Thanks for posting.
Wow that key is superb. I love Morse code. Thanks for the video.
Beautiful engineering by John, that key looks fantastic, very traditional.
Great skills by yourself too Sandy,
All the best,
Mark
exceptional looking key and the action sounds great.
that looks very nice - well done john
what is the length of cable from the key to the rig & what terminations are on the other end of the cable?
Hi Darren,
The length of cable can be any that you need. In my case about 4 ft of cable. Ideally it wants to be screened. The termination is a mono 3.5mm jack plug but again this will vary from rig to rig.
John is a talented guy.
ATB
Sandy
Nice video Sandy, like to watch all of yours. That key is a lovely piece of traditional engineering and art and put through it's paces by an expert. Also licenced myself but never use it these days but still facinated by morse code. 73s and regards, Steve G6JEF.
Hi Sandy, great vid as always. Long time no hear here. Its a shame John no longer makes the keys. Just getting back into the hobby after major surgery, and got myself a Yaesu ft-450 and a Elecraft k2/100 with all the bells and whistles.. Hope to hear you on the bands soon , all the very best, Mac MOTXR
Hi Mack,
Sorry to hear about the surgery. I wish you a speedy and full recovery. Yes it is a shame John packed up making them. He put a lot of effort into each one.
All well here thanks. Still active on the bands using CW.
Sandy
Excellent vid Sandy, I enjoy these radio vids as much as your bushcrafting vids. I'll try and catch you on the bands. KI5BQ.
Hola 🙋 Sandy !! Excelente trabajo de John !!. Felicitaciones. Un abrazo desde Tucumán-Argentina 🤗
That's a really lovely key hes made OM. Thanks for the video and touchwood my 80m/40m dipole should be back up within two weeks. Ill no doubt catch up with you at the bushcraft show mate. :-)
very nice,I just got back into the CB radio having fun,have a great day
Hi Sandy, I'm still trying to raise my morse speed on receive and I have a new radio that doesn't have a keyer. Is there a stand alone keyed that you would recommend? I have seen that ZLP does one in their devices, would this be ok or is there something else you would recommend? Would love to see more amateur radio videos!
Kind regards,
Simon
M0SYS, Nottingham
One of the best external keyers I have used is called the Logikey, model K3 made by Idiom Press. I'm not sure if it is still available new but if you find one buy it. Good luck with your Morse code. I will hopefully be doing a few ham radio videos soon.
I found John's video on making the key so inspiring that I made one myself. With help from my machinist friends, of course :) Great fun!
Sandy I have been watching ur videos for quite awhile, that is a nice key solid brass, beautiful, I owned one but I traded it in on another key I wanted more, I collect military keys. they make a nice combo key, paddle and straight, nice video as usual. Keep having fun. 73, Tony.
Thank you for your post. John certainly does beautiful work - it truly is a work of art. And you do the key justice: you've got a supple fist. I'm a new ham and just learning CW, but I would love to have one of his keys.
Not sure if John is making many these days. Each one took quite a lot of work by all accounts.
Sandy
I'll touch base with him, but creating these keys is obviously a labour of love, not a money-maker. Thank you so much for getting back to me. I had the opportunity to visit Cirencester a couple of years ago and if opportunity brings me back to the area, I'd love to head up to Birmingham and meet the man. His kind aren't plentiful these days. Thanks again Sandy!
73, Tim
VA1TIM
Hi agn Sandy, once again nice video. and excellent Key. I watched the video on the build of that key before. and its a beautifull key. I started collecting pieces to build the same design myself. but alas its still in the "collecting Parts stage" but it will get built some day. I'm a cw op but after 40+ yrs still learning. tnx fer the nice video ! 73 gud dx de Ellis WA1RKS
Wow, what a very talented man John is. He was so detailed in what he built. It looks like a museum piece. Thanks for sharing this. :) so cool.
ATB Louise :)
Wow, it's more than 30 years ago that I learned the morse code, but really lost all the knowledge and for sure I won't be able to read and write this fast! Great video, Cheers Marc
I love that key, I use a VibroPlex standard black straight key, I love the sound yours makes. I usually work 20m, 73! subscribed.
Quality piece of engineering by john sandy, just like your knives, the Germans aren't the only ones who can make good products. Atb.
Sandy,
Very nice key and excellent review. Good to see you in the ham shack.
73
John/W5CYF
Thanks for watching John. The Key that John Wellings made is superb. Perhaps this is something you could do in one half of a two car garage in Texas?
Food for thought.
73
Sandy
As you can see morse code users use a form of abbreviated text to shorten the overall length of the transmission. If you want find out more google "ham radio q codes" etc
I looked at John Wellings web page to order his classic key but there is no contact information. Do you have an email for him?
Thanks. Mik
Very nice way to dress up the ham shack. I have a TS-480SAT also. W9OLO
A masterpiece.
You are the person I would want in my Com station if shtf happens, well done sandy great video., I aware I see smoke sometimes from your fingers hehe.Atb Lawrence
Another interesting vid Sandy, you make it look and sound so simple.
Beautiful work of art. Thought about getting my tech no code license but didn't have the funds to get things rolling at the time. Thanks to one of your videos using a handheld, it isn't too awful expensive to maybe give it a try again. One thing at a time for now though. Get my fat trucker butt and my son outdoors for fun and adventure and then see what happens from there. Thanks for sharing your skills on such a beutiful piece
i want to start morse code but i dont know what eqquipment i need... what too i need.
Oh my goodness.. she is a beaut. Thats another thing on my list... Basic design, executed perfectly. I broke my MFJ Iambic on Isle of Man trip, so will need to replace it soon.. Still have the Begali though ;-) 73 Dan
Really nice Key Sandy that GAP would drive me bonkers but each to there own...Ha Ha 73's and thanks for the clip.
Thumbs up on the CW vid. Checked the URL and John has ceased producing keys as May this year.
Hi Sandy even i can see that's the work of a artisan and i only ever done morse code when i was in the cubs many many moons ago but you were so smooth,Eddie.
this to me is a daunting thing morse that is im studying for my foundation licence and my test is on the 22nd of next month and the morse is the thing im most anxious about. but the key did look very nice. 73s
How did you go ? :-)
all went well. passed got a hf set just got to get a key and get use to morse. M6JLM
Jay hld Now the fun begins. Hope to see you on code.
Sandy
Jay hld Well done Jay. And Welcome :-)
What radio did you buy and what antenna are you going to utilise ?
Ade Larsen I'm running a ts-680 and a half G5RV
Nice review, I'm on a wait list to purchase one of these and I look forward to having one to use. 73
You will not be disappointed.
Well dang. Appears that John is no longer making keys as of 29 May 2017.
Thanks for the CW QSO's in video fashion. I'll have to get back on the air. de W1ADE
The Morse key looks great. His standards look very high in his workmanship.
Thanks for this great extensive video and showing this very nice key! You've got a good fist.
VY NICE, SOLID STATE KEY! CONGRATS, 73! :-))
Nice video Sandy, looks a well made key 73
much better than the kent looks very sleek .. jeff ..
Hi nice video just having go at learning the old CW and having a nice fun time thanks from chris G7NPL.
christopher daniel Good luck learning the code.Sandy
nice video jhon!!! 73 from Argentina!
sad to say he's no longer making these :-(
Yes I agree. John is a good engineer.
Thanks Wiltshire Man, nice Video Cu on AIR.
Regards, 73! hihi. 45 years Straight key age of 13 years Army signal Sqdn Boy School
DE A61Q Abdullah.
WOW - I think I could get addicted to the telegraph - I love patterns and can memorize codes pretty well. Would someone be willing to advise a newbie on just how one start with education to equipment? Thank you!
It's a skill all I here is beeps not dash dot lol. I don't think I could ever learn morse.
Like the video. Very nice key. 73
Superbe clé
I had to do a double take when listening to the CW, I thought I was being pirated. I'm G0VQA, very close in CW.
+Pembury Woods Tes indeed. Just one dah. :)
73
Sandy
Nice piece of craft work.
73 de ON7AMI
Lovely looking key ... maybe you could branch out from knives 😉
73's de G8SYE
QRL ?
귀국은 교신 중입니까 ?
The Morse key with ball bearings, Shell bearings are more practicable, And esthetic. Over.
Gerd DF9GU is a talented operator, I wish his situation was such that he would run a bit more power. John's key is a work of art, the finish if flawless and gorgeous. I have "Key Lust" over it. I agree three rubber feet best, but two at bottom? Maybe John will take on the Sideswiper Quest? Most interesting development is a Japanese design of a laterally moving tram system which allows an arm with contacts to move side to side always parallel with the sides of the base with adjustable tension centering springs. Noise and weight must be minimized but such a tracking tram is excellent. 73 de N1EA - David www.tinyurl.com/djringjr
djringjr Oh, my sorry to Bernd for putting down the wrong name - I can't trust my memory any more, but I do remember Bernd very well because I have spoken to him on Morse many times and always loved his fist (manner of sending) as being excellent and very readable. Sorry my friend Bernd, forgive me for calling you by another friend's name! Hello to you, Sandy, as always a great video. See you on the side swiper net. 73 OM = G0VQW DE N1EA +