BaMaKey TP-III Morse Paddle the first use
Introduction
Since my very first radio days CW is my favourite mode. Trough the years I used lots of different keys, starting with “Straight Key”, then “Bug” Vibroplex style and for the last 30 years one venerable Bencher paddle is sitting on my shack table at home.
When started SOTA activations my choice was a Palm Mini key.
For me it was always easy to adapt and handle any kind of paddle, but since two years ago things got a little twisted when I was diagnosed of Parkinson´s disease.
Altough I keep it “controlled” with a normal and active life, gym practice, daily walks and specific exercises for the disease, I haven´t tremor, but things goes slower than before in the right side of my body…
New paddle choice
Lately I started to have sometimes troubles to run the Palm Mini accurately, it is an excellent key, but I was the problem! After a failed test with a key made by me I decided to search for a new one from commercial manufacturing.
Fortunately Heinz HB9BCB wrote in the reflector about BamaKey TPIII that was very inspiring for me. Then, after lot of read and comparison I decided to buy the model TPIII becuase it looks strong, small size, lightweight and afordable price.
I bought it online; the proccess was quick ,easy and accurate, but, the wait time to receive the paddle really seemed a bit long, altough it arrived together with some sweets that my wife enjoyed… Well done Markus , always is good idea make a XYL happy!!
The package just opened
In the meantime I asked Markus DL6YYM that I wanted to use my paperboard writing pad to fixed the paddle to it, he kindly and quickly answered me with some ideas to do it using the magnets in the back of the paddle… Nevertheless I finally fixed the paddle with two small screws taking advantage of a little thread free from locking screws in the back side of TPIII (see photos)
Screws detail (select the length according to the tickness of notepad material)
Back side of note pad with paddle in place
BaMaKey TP-III field experience
Once the TP-III was ready I only did a check at home to see if it worked properly with dot/dash in the correct side so I didn’t need any changes to the factory settings.
The first use of the paddle was during our recent activation of EA2/NV-053 Mt Malkasko together with my SOTA mate Ignacio EA2BD who was the one who made the first ever QSO with it working S2S with DM3FAM/P.
After him, I then had a long operation to feel a new grade of paddle with magnet tension that I never used before because all of my previous paddles were with return springs system.
TP-III is mechanicaly strong to withstand my new pounding style to run a paddle but instead has soft and precise touch, without “bouncing” effect that due my Parkinson´s I sometimes had with the springs ones.
In conclusion, I was more than two hours running CW without fatigue, enjoying the precise and comfortable paddle in a summit enviroment that sometimes, ergonomically speaking, is not the perfect place to practice the radio operation.
For me the best feature of this “small jewel” is the magnet tension technique and his rugged construction excellent for /P backpak use.
BaMaKeY TP-III in action
Finally
I have no business relationships with BAMa Tech.
I write this report only to offer my personal experience and satisfaction improving my handle capabilities while using the BaMaKeY TP-III as Parkinson´s patient.
To buy or not to buy it would be your own decision.
I want to express my gratitude for the patience of chasers/activators with my mistakes in handling the key and one more time, thank you Ignacio EA2BD for sharing with me the SOTA activations, it’s always a pleasure talking with you when hiking to the summits.
Thanks you very much to all of you who read this and see you on the bands.
73s
Jorge
EA2LU
$50 to ship 3oz is outrageous. I just can’t bring myself to pay that.
But, they are at the mercy of the shippers, tariffs, and such.
