There’s one British army key which might be OK. I’ll post info a little later.
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So now we know the context you can think a little out of the box. As it’s a motorbike system for static chasing you don’t need a key. You need something to send Morse. So make up something with a Pi Zero and a waterproof keyboard. You listen to the Morse and decode it in your head and then type on the waterproof keyboard (in gloves if needed) and the Pi reading the keyboard drives the key input. There will be many more waterproof keyboards available than waterproof paddles/keys.
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I take it you work in IT then Andy 
Of course I know you do. Or maybe retired now. If you are please don’t rub it in! If I go down a mini-computer on the bike route you know that is like starting an arms race.
I’d rather waterproof one or two switches than an entire mini computer system (admitting that you could have a waterproof keyboard as part of that).
I was hoping someone may be able to point out a military key, or alternatively got sufficiently annoyed with water ingress into a normal key on a summit to have a solution. I don’t operate in the rain on SOTA summits as a rule, but have experienced some weirdness due to moisture. It can’t be an isolated incident, and given how resourceful SOTA activators are I thought someone might have investigated a solution.
It may be, as has been pointed out, that waterproofing and nice paddle feel are mutually exclusive.
If there are no offerings I may experiment with some options, suitable for the intended installation. Something like a momentary double throw switch with centre off might not prove too ham-fisted.
Cheers
Mark.
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David,
You probably know that the reason for the bathtub sealed keys was unavoidable fumes from the fuel. Leaks, and splashed fuel etc made the unpressurized bombers prone to a strong smell of fuel at best. In a worse case a spark could ignite this and that would be the end for all on board.
Most of these keys were I believe made in Canada.
WW2 airbourne traffic was usually sent at under 14 wpm so the straight key was more than adequate.
I might give mine a run when next I take my FT75 out to a summit.
73
Ron
VK3AFW.
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Ron
I can’t decode at more than 15 wpm so it does mean a straight key is an option for my purposes.An ex-Lancaster key would certainly be a talking point!
Cheers, Mark.
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What a really ingenious design:
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You can’t activate your local summits very often then!
I know this is of no use to your motorbike usage but I always have a tarp with me for SOTA. I don’t always use it but means that I can activate in wind and rain without worrying about my kit getting wet.
I’m in the fortunate position of not having to travel or book accommodation so can pick my activation days. I have used a tarp when operating on a specific date, such as the S2S events.
Mark.
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In the last 12 months you’ve done 7 activations - proves my point about Lake District weather! (I’ve done 71 in all weathers).
Anyway, back to the original question. Instead of having a fully waterproof key can it be kept inside a waterproof box mounted on the bike which can be opened to access the key when needed. This way the key just needs to be water resistant. I know nothing about motorbikes so sorry if this is a stupid idea!
Hi Mark,
The Army guys had to get to 22 WPM iirc and had only a standard straight key.
There are quite a few straight key ops on SOTA so you need something different like an ex Lanchester key. No need to worry about lack of movement.
73
Ron
VK3AFW
John @G4YSS uses a switch like that - I expect they are also available with a splashproof “boot”
The FT817 can be set to use the “DWN” and “UP” buttons as an iambic key, and so wiring this additional switch is relatively simple. I’m not sure whether the other Yaesu radios have the same option…
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Nice! Hadn’t thought of adding it to the microphone, and didn’t know about the button option. I suspect it will be the same on the 857. ATM I have a 3.5" stereo jack mounted on the handlebars that allows connection of a key.
I’ve ordered one of these just to have a play: (On)-Off-(On) Momentary Toggle Flick Switch with Waterproof Cover SPDT 12V 25A | eBay
Cheers, Mark.
Seems like a sledgehammer-to-crack-a-nut solution [and a bit soulless - most of us CW ops enjoy keying/paddling]. If the paddles/SK are mounted on the motorbike somewhere (rather than stowed when not in use), it seems Mark needs them to stay dry whilst driving in the rain. I would prefer Andy’s freezer bag for for the latter, then open the bag’s zip opening, and stick your hand in to operate the key,
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Daft question Mark.
Why do you need a waterproof key when you don’t have a waterproof radio?
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I was wondering that too!
Well, there we are, you’ve rumbled me. It would really just be to reduce the amount of trailing wires when I need to operate morse, if I could install a key on the bike and just leave it there. One less thing to setup. I’m thinking about the head unit and what I can do there, just not got round to doing anything.
M.
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I’ve spent more time on the motorbike than on the hills, which my belly will attest to!
That’s a really good idea, definitely one worth exploring.
M.
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I really just asked the ‘loaded’ question because I was curious as to whether such a thing as waterproof keys/paddles do/ever existed. When I think of your typical morse sending device I see lots of connection points, exposed mechanisms, etc, not something contained. Palm devices probably have the least exposed.
I could probably put my palm straight key in a balloon with the key itself showing and the balloon cabletied to the key arm and that would be a good waterproof solution, for example, with very little loss of feel.
Sorry if anyone thinks I’m wasting their brain power!
M.
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