My love of CW, history of radio communications using Morse and interest in keys were the motivation for this page. When was, or is, the first or last time a ham anywhere in the world had the opportunity to have a key built just the way you want it; and how often does the manufacturer let you know every step of the process from design through production, reserve a serial number for you and send photos across the pond so you can see your key being built? Not often? No, Never!
Such, however, is not the case with two diligent, customer caring hams - Kevin, MØAGA and Alan, G4HCD doing business as Chevron Morse Keys in the UK. By all means visit their interesting website, Click the navigation button to visit Chevron where Morse keys are built with plenty of TLC "Tender Loving Care".
See user observations and comments below...
Kevin, MØAGA
Alan G4HCD
Visit Chevron Website - Click the gray button.
A brass base with underside protective finish applied
Alan inspecting #15 base after Kevin applied elbow grease
Alan inspecting base #15
Alan providing #15 more TLC
First production run of brass bases
#15 Brass base
A brass base after polishing
July 19, 2006
Brass Chevrons in work, #15 on the far right
July 23, 2006
#15 Assembly Fit Test
#15 Initial Assembly
#15 Bottom of base
Kevin receiving an "attaboy"
from Chevron CEO - Ann
In mid July, I overheard several QSO's in which Chevron Morse Keys were being discussed and everything I heard was very positive; then, e-mail threads started to appear comparing favorite paddles. Next my very good friend Tommy - W6IJ, informed me he had just ordered a Chevron. Tommy provided me with Chevron's website URL and once I saw pictures of the paddles, read about them and started salivating I received a challenge from Tommy stating I should go after Serial #14 since he is registered for #13. All my willpower to resist the temptation to order a Chevron even though I had only seen pictures and never touched one was gone.
Despite the time difference between North Carolina and the UK, Kevin replied to my e-mail order about an hour after it was sent. Kevin went on to tell me some history of how Chevron developed from an idea to the first production run and I had missed getting Serial #14 by four hours. Pictures are worth 1,000 words so now lets watch as Chevron #15 migrates from the incoming parts box through to shipping across the pond...
Chevron Morse Key #15
Use Observations and Comments
Jack WØUCE
#15 Rear view - July 23, 2006
#15 Rear - Side view - July 23, 2006
Never before have I been allowed the privilege of selecting component material, finger plate color and a personalized name badge for any hand key, bug or set of paddles. Purchasing Chevron #15, anticipating its arrival and putting it to work on my operating position has truly been a most unique and delightful experience.
Every one of Kevin’s e-mails from order confirmation to his response, when I advised him #15 arrived safely, exhibited his sincere dedication to producing the best keying device ever made and, to the absolute and complete satisfaction of his customers. Kevin kept me informed of the assembly process and progress by providing periodic updates and photos as my key went through Chevron’s build and quality control steps. I can honestly predict that Chevron and only Chevron will go to such lengths to make a customer feel not only special but bring buyers together as a family of users.
I knew from photos and specifications that the key would be solid but when the package arrived I was brought to reality; this key is something very special. I was like a kid at Christmas as I carefully opened the well protected key package then holding it in a soft cloth so not to put finger prints on its beautiful finish; I simply sat down and stared at this magnificent piece of machinery in all its beauty. Pictures do not do justice to this device.
Every CW operator wants and expects something special from their key as each device must be set to meet the user’s feel and touch. Using my Chevron quickly made every other set of paddles I own obsolete. The only problem I encountered while setting up and now using #15 was caused by my well established fifty-two year old bad habit of slapping bugs and paddles versus caressing the finger plate. Adjectives to include “smooth, unique, easy to set, comfortable and simply outstanding” do not justly represent how #15 feels.
After a very few adjustments to spacing and tension settings to match my touch and feel preference, I immediately noticed my sending speed increased even if keyer speed was not changed. Once my caressing skill improved to overcome slapping the finger plates my sending errors declined and after a week’s use I am now close to achieving #15’s sweet spot adjustments. My Chevron key is everything Kevin said it would be.
Now the rest is up to me to improve my sending skills to match #15 inherent capabilities. I now have two most prized possessions, the original hand key from the Ocean Liner Queen Mary and Chevron Morse Key #15. Thank you, Kevin and Alan, for a most enjoyable buying experience and the finest keying device I have ever used.
