Many thanks to Steve (W1SFR) who writes:
Hi Tom,
Here’s a pic of the new “Station Base” for the portable torsion bar key. The rubber feet unscrew and can then be attached to the key base. It’s really solid on the desk but the whole thing only weighs about 12oz.
http://kx3helper.com/single-lever-portable-tb-key/#jp-carousel-596
72/73,
Steve—W1SFR
That’s one handsome little key there, Steve. I like the base addition. Thanks for sharing!
(Source: W1SFR)
New Portable Torsion Bar Key Announced by W1SFR
Jan 12, 2016—Sudbury, VT
Many of you know W1SFR from the End Fed random wire antennas that have become very popular with QRP ops around the world. The antenna design is not new and has handed down by many hams over many years, but Steve has managed to create quite a following due to his attention to construction and only using the best of materials…all at a very reasonable price.
Now he has applied that same attention to detail and high value to his new “TBP” (Torsion Bar Portable) key. Torsion bar keys use a unique combination of construction and design to provide the CW op with a different experience…one that users are saying very good things about. All of his keys feature a contact system that allows the key lever to make a “softer” contact allowing the very slightest movement when the contact post hits the stainless contact. That not only makes the key feel less “mechanical”, but also makes it much more quiet…a feature these keys are known for.
“ I make each key by hand and top them off with my trademark exotic wood finger pieces with a signature Mother-Of-Pearl dot on each finger piece…no CNC plastic here. The torsion system allows very close contact spacing and effortless CW. The TBP represents a much smaller version of my larger keys, designed to be at home in the field or in the shack.”
The new portable key follows W1SFR’s TBKII, a single lever key and the TBSK, a torsion bar straight key.
You can see all of the keys at W1SFR.com.
Note: Steve also tells me that he lowered his prices for the Christmas season and has decided to extend them for the month of January. Click here to check out his product line.
I recently purchased the KX3 helper from W1SFR and can report that I’ve been very pleased with this simple, affordable, non-slip tilt pad.
While I like the built-in tilt legs on the KX3, I prefer slightly more angle on my desktop. The KX3 helper allows you to chose a number of positions and angles for the KX3.
What I love most is the fact that it will not slip while you’re tuning or making adjustments to the KX3 (even if inserting Mic or Key plugs).
The little shelf on the back of the KX3 helper is the perfect place to hold your KX3 microphone when not in use.
At $13.45 US shipped, I believe the KX3 helper is a true bargain. Check out all of Steve’s radio accessories by clicking here.
Steve Roberts (W1SFR) has recently informed me about his new website, KX3helper.com where he sells an array of products for QRPers.
Steve’s product line includes:
I’m impressed that Steve tries to source all of his products and materials locally and that his items are quite affordable.
Check out Steve’s site by clicking here. Many thanks to Graham (G3ZOD) who also informed me about KX3helper.