I got a bit of cash for my birthday last month and it was burning a hole in my pocket for a few weeks. I decided I needed a good set of CW paddles for my station, since the only keying devices that I have (that work) are all straight keys. It was a bit of a toss-up to decide what brand of key to get until I saw the Begali name mentioned; then I remembered lots of hams saying good stuff about their keys. There was enough goodwill on the Internet that I figured I would take the plunge and give the base model Simplex (with a palladium finish) a try. It took about 3 weeks for the paddles to get here, but it was well worth it. Here’s a little visual tour of my Begali unboxing experience.
Yes, I know, an “unboxing” blog post makes me an even greater geek. I’m at peace with that. Anyway, on with the show…
Let’s open the box…
Now to open it up
Some extras included
Christmas wishes
Two different sets of aluminum finger pieces sent along, although I only ordered one. A nice extra!
First peek at the key
The key together with the dust cover
Here it is unwrapped and with the stock finger pieces installed
Now to add the nice blue aluminum finger pieces…
I’m blinded! The palladium finish with gold accents is incredible.
A macro shot of the engraved logo
Finally, here’s the key with my cable installed, sitting next to the AA0ZZ EZKeyer
I hope you got a little vicarious enjoyment out of that! I haven’t made a QSO with it yet, but just from using it on the keyer with sidetone, I can tell that it has an incredible feel. This one will be a keeper for the rest of my ham radio days.
Looks like a real beaut. I quite fancy the Simplex Mono (even though it sounds like something you catch.)
Congratulations. That looks super. I’m hoping my CW will someday be good enough to justify buying a nice paddle like that.
My CW isn’t that good, but I’m thinking that I had better get it into shape now that I’ve dropped some dough on the Begali! 🙂
Simply gorgeous… bet it feels as good as it looks. Congrats! Hope to catch you for an eyeball when we are in Vancouver, WA. Are you planning to come down here for Hamcation?
72 es 73,
Kelly K4UPG
I’ve had a Simplex for a couple of years now. It’s a great paddle
K4RQZ: Buy one of these paddles and your CW *will* improve. I guarantee it! Seriously. Having the right equipment for any endeavor will improve your efforts at that endeavor, no matter what it is. Plus, just seeing it at your operating position will make you want to use it, and the more you use it, the better you’ll get.
73!
Dan KB6NU
@AA7EE
That’s hilarious! 😀
@K4UPG
Hi Kelly,
Sorry but with my work schedule (3rd shift) it’s pretty difficult for me to get out much to events. I’d love to come to Hamcation (or any other big hamfest), but it’s just not in the cards for now, with a baby coming and all that.
73,
Jason
Dan, that’s exactly the logic I used to justify my purchase. Now I just need to live up to it. LOL
There is something to be said about having a quality tool to help you perform you job better.
Looks really nice! My one word of advice is operate in CW CONTESTS to improve you code. Have fun with it lots of contacts at a good speed….
How do you connect the cable to the key?
There are solder terminals on the underside of the paddle.
Do you still enjoy the Simplex key? I am thinking of purchasing my first paddle.
I haven’t been on the air much lately, but I’ve never changed my mind that it’s a great paddle.