J-38 Telegraph Key - The OG of CW keys!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- I bought a J-38 telegraph key, to start learning CW with. This key was used before, during, and after WWII by the US military (and civilians). The key is very solid, made out of brass/stainless, and comes on a bakelite base.
NOTE: In the intro, I called it a JT-38, that's incorrect, it's just J-38
When I became a Novice in 1994, I was using a NCX-200 and the ham I purchased it from gave me the J-38. I have been using it for the last 28 years. I still love and use it weekly. It's a great way to learn the code and to practice spacing your words out. Straight Keys are a blast ! Good Luck in your J38 education ! and thanks for the great video !! 73
I've been licensed for almost 30 years and using CW for all of that time. Only recently have I decided to start looking for something besides my trusty Speed-X if I'm going to use a straight key. Thank you for your excellent summary on the J-38, especially the shorting bar. I thought it was for tuning up, and of course it can be used for that, but your explanation gave an option I hadn't thought of. Many thanks!
You did a damn credible job describing this piece of history, old son. Best of luck with your quest to learn the code! You're starting off right with the J-38.
72/73 de k6whp
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I have an original J-38 that is complete. All of the original screws on the plastic base. The brass bar at the top has the original thumbscrews. Got it for $1 USD at a thrift store when I was a kid.
I wish! One in decent condition is way more than a buck! Even half-decent at least 30-40$.
"Bakelite" base probably.
The key was actually a WW2 training key, the J-37 and J-44 and a few other variants were the ones actually used in battle, The J-37 used a leaf spring and was a much better design for battle conditions J
I'm expecting two of these next week from Ebay, one I bought outright, and the other I won on an auction. I also will be giving them some TLC upon arrival - Brasso is my friend!
It's a thing of beauty brother!
!♡♡♡
Excellent video Jim. A piece of history right there. I do not know CW myself but hope to one day. Looking forward to seeing future videos from you on this.
Dub-ya! That is a pretty sweet looking key 👍
the shorting bar is handy for initiating a tune cycle or metering for swr and power... hope your cw training is going well... i found that learning was easier with a paddle, and then a single lever (Vibrokeyer) for accuracy
that shorting bar is indicative of a landline; basically the T/R switch for a long serial path.