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CW-500 Opinions

 

Hi everyone,

I was contemplating buying the CW-500 key when it's in stock :) but before I place the order was looking to see if you would recommend buying it. ?I have the Begali traveler key which is great but I think the direct connection to the socket of the TX-500 would be nice, but I could be wrong. ?Does anyone in the group have one?

Thanks in advance,

David
 

I wouldn't recommend. It's essentially just one if the cheap keys that can be had from Amazon and eBay for ?30 to ?50 or so, but manufactured with built in GX12 connector. Far better option is something like the BaMaKey TP-III. a truly fantastic key, which you can secure magnetically to a small clipboard by sticking a metal disc onto the board.
73 M3KXZ
 

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I love mine. Especially with the battery on the back to elevate it slightly above working surface.?
Nick Smith?
KJ7NWK?
5035803604

On Mar 22, 2024, at 1:18?PM, Pete Millis <pete.millis@...> wrote:

?I wouldn't recommend. It's essentially just one if the cheap keys that can be had from Amazon and eBay for ?30 to ?50 or so, but manufactured with built in GX12 connector. Far better option is something like the BaMaKey TP-III. a truly fantastic key, which you can secure magnetically to a small clipboard by sticking a metal disc onto the board.
73 M3KXZ

 

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Mine sits on the shelf of unused equipment?

I don't have the battery and would need to lay the radio flat to use the key

Marc

On Mar 22, 2024, at 10:29?AM, Nick Smith NT3S via groups.io <KJ7NWK@...> wrote:

?I love mine. Especially with the battery on the back to elevate it slightly above working surface.?
Nick Smith?
KJ7NWK?
5035803604

On Mar 22, 2024, at 1:18?PM, Pete Millis <pete.millis@...> wrote:

?I wouldn't recommend. It's essentially just one if the cheap keys that can be had from Amazon and eBay for ?30 to ?50 or so, but manufactured with built in GX12 connector. Far better option is something like the BaMaKey TP-III. a truly fantastic key, which you can secure magnetically to a small clipboard by sticking a metal disc onto the board.
73 M3KXZ

 

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Sorry. I forgot to update my call on this signature

Nick Smith?
KT3S
5035803604

On Mar 22, 2024, at 1:36?PM, KC9WIB - Marc via groups.io <marc.rosen@...> wrote:

?Mine sits on the shelf of unused equipment?

I don't have the battery and would need to lay the radio flat to use the key

Marc

On Mar 22, 2024, at 10:29?AM, Nick Smith NT3S via groups.io <KJ7NWK@...> wrote:

?I love mine. Especially with the battery on the back to elevate it slightly above working surface.?
Nick Smith?
KJ7NWK?
5035803604

On Mar 22, 2024, at 1:18?PM, Pete Millis <pete.millis@...> wrote:

?I wouldn't recommend. It's essentially just one if the cheap keys that can be had from Amazon and eBay for ?30 to ?50 or so, but manufactured with built in GX12 connector. Far better option is something like the BaMaKey TP-III. a truly fantastic key, which you can secure magnetically to a small clipboard by sticking a metal disc onto the board.
73 M3KXZ

 

Thanks Nick. ?I too have the rare BP500 so you answered my question if the key would sit too high with the battery attached.

73
K9AT
 

I also have the?BaMaKey TP-III. Glued a washer to my clipboard and away I go. The sensitivity and operation of the key is very good.

Jim W3APC
 
Edited

There is another version of the Lab599 key, the CW-500U:?
It has a 3.5mm jack that allows using a standard 3.5mm cable to the TX-500, so it does not require using the radio in any particular position. I was interested in that version but could not find it in the US (e.g. HRO does not carry it). I think they should have added a magnetic base or an option for one. Instead there are holes/slots in the frame so you can fix it with screws or perhaps add your own base.

I ended up getting the BaMaKey TPIII which has a very nice feel and magnetic base.
--
73, Norm/KC1BMD
 

It's less wires, which just wins in my book. I don't have the strong attachment to some other keys that some folks do. Is it nice Yes. is that life-changing no
 

On Sun, Mar 24, 2024 at 09:17 AM, Norm - KC1BMD wrote:
BaMaKey TPIII
Thanks Norm. ?I saw that option on the Dessert Wireless site. ?I think I'll wait until HRO Milwaukee has them in stock again so I can try them out with their TX-500 that they have on display.
 

On Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 09:18 AM, David Holmgren K9AT "Ruffers" wrote:
I think I'll wait until HRO Milwaukee has them in stock again so I can try them out with their TX-500 that they have on display.
HRO only carries the CW-500 direct connect key. That could work for me unless I used the battery with legs to angle both for easier viewing. For me, a 1-ft 3.5mm cable is no big deal to carry.?
?
--
73, Norm/KC1BMD
 

overpriced, but handy once you acquire a bp-500

thumbs up on the bama key, which cost $20 less
 

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David,

I have ordered from Desert Wireless it takes a little longer to receive the order ?it’s a repeatable company.?


Ammed Ismail?
KN6STX

On Mar 25, 2024, at 6:41?AM, kg4zqz <kg4zqz@...> wrote:

?overpriced, but handy once you acquire a bp-500

thumbs up on the bama key, which cost $20 less

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