Telegraph Key Gallery
Here are some of my favorite telegraph keys. Keys are also called pumps because of the up-down action when generating the Morse characters. Truth be known, everyone today actually uses the International Morse code whereas the original code developed by Samuel Morse was called the Morse code. Morse code is what was used by Western Union and other telegraph companies in the 19th century and was well suited for the click sound of the Morse Sounder -- or receiver. It made clicking noises each time the telegraph key was pressed down and released.
Here are a few of my "straight" keys or pumps.
US Navy Key with Protected Terminals Very Small Hand Key
Telegraph keys can also be made with two paddles mounted vertically. One paddle is used to send dits and the other to send dashes. Instead of having the key cause the transmit to send directly, the dual paddle key is connected to an electronic module called a "keyer." The keyer is responsible for sending any number of dits or dashes depending on how long the levers are pressed. The nice thing about keyers is you can set how fast the Morse code is generated, measured in words per minute, and it sends perfect dits and dashes. Here are a few of my favorite dual paddle keys.
Paddle on right made by North American Telegraph NA-20 Close up of a Paddlette KP-3l paddle and keyer!
Presentation Key made by Vibroplex Signature Edition Key from Peitro Begali, a true work of art.
SKCC Club Key, NT9K Pro-Pump Paddle: K8RA P-4 Walnut
http://www.skccgroup.com/nt9k/keyconcepts/keys.html http://www.k8ra.com/