My 'New' NATO straight key

[GM0LVI]

I passed my morse test on one of these many years ago but sold it in order to by a twin paddle and I've regretted it ever since. These have a lovely action, the gap is easily adjusted and the spring is a leaf spring.
In the original state the cover acts like a resonator and pumping out morse sounds like a skeleton doing a tango on a tin roof, but strip away the case and innards, mount on a heavy base (white marble here) and one has a very nice straight key.
These are seldom seen on Ebay and when they do come up are usually expensive. I was lucky and found this at a sensible price.

Dave
http://s48.photobucket.com/user/davenlucy/slideshow/NATO%20Key%20Aug%202016

[ve3lyx]

That is a pretty serious Key!
donVE3LYX

[GM0LVI]

You wouldn't want to drop it on your foot Don - it weighs just over 1kg. Wouldn't want to take it /P either!!

[ve3vvf]

Very nice and very unique.  Something to be said for a heavy solid key.  Nothing worse than a key sliding around the desk.