Whiterook Mini-Key
Testimonials!
Whiterook Mini-Key
Testimonials!
The following letters are all UNSOLICITED comments made by happy customers. I hope they will convince you that our Mini-Keys, Mini-Paddles, and Mini-Keyers really are an excellent value and very fun to use. I absolutely GUARANTEE you'll think so too!!
73, -Jack Roblin WA6KYO ElectronicsUSA.com - Whiterook Products Company
Hello Jack!
Your keys are GREAT!!! I bought 3 of them and an Antenna Center when money was really tight. I couldn't afford a set of paddles, but I had enough to buy all of that stuff from you. I am very glad I did because the MK-44 is my favorite of any key/paddle. The MK-32 was so much fun learning and using the side swipery of old, I added a switch to it so I could use it as a single lever paddle also. And the little MK-11 is really cool, it's my TOP TOP secret spy key :) really it makes a GREAT key to toss into a bag with the 30 Meter SST and not take up any space, but work really well.
72 es 73,
James Fielden, KU4QW
As I own 7 of your keys and talk about QRP on the site it seemed fair to give you credit!
Great products! I have set a link here from: http://homepages.go.com/~k2pgb/index.html
Chris K2PGB
My MK-44 works great! Cool little key!
Kevin, K6RXL
Hi,
I bought the MK-44 a month ago and thought I'd drop you a line to tell you that I love it! I now use it for my station's main set of paddles.
Good job! -Patrick Franzis N1OCJ
Hi Jack,
Just a line to say I received the MK44 key lunchtime today 29/5/02 and got on air with it this evening with my FT817. Feels great and nice size for portable operating. Many thanks for your prompt service.
Regards, Paul GU4YBW
Hello Jack,
I've been a ham since '78 - the MK-44 is the best new bargain I've ever purchased.
I am really enjoying my new paddle (MK-44). It's so cute - and it works so well! ! ! My xyl stitched some velcro onto some elastic so I can attach the key to my leg. Oh, when I went to RS for the plugs, I found an audio cable with 3.5mm plugs on both ends for $3.99 - just the plugs are $2.49. The ready made, 6-foot cable (a bit long) works great with the 817 and the MK 44 - RS part # 42-2387A for those who might be interested.
The MK 44 is a marvelous, quality built instrument. It has also helped reduce the weight of my QRP bag by about 2 to 3 pounds since I am not lugging around a BY-1 or MFJ 564 paddle anymore. . .
Cheers,
Terry, KMØU
Jack:
I got my MK-64MB yesterday and could hardly wait to tell you how pleased I am with the little critter. It's smartly constructed and obviously well thought out. Sure thing that I'll be placing more orders with you in the future and recommending your products to fellow amateurs. Feel free to use the above as an unsolicited testimonial.
73,
Raymond L. (Woody) Woodward, K3VSA
Hello Jack!....
I've ordered from you before, and am very happy with the quality and construction. I'll be ordering one of your mini-lights soon, and probably also the MK-88! Keep up the excellent ideas!
I'll stay tuned to your site, you can count on that! You certainly may use my comments on your testimonial page; my feelings are sincere, and you are to be admired for bringing highest quality ideas to the ham community.
A very 73 to you sir,
Bill Vanstralen KI0HL
Hello Jack!....
Just received my MK-44 mini iambic paddles with optional velcro leg strap. Excellent feel to them. A very clever little design!
73, AL, VE6BPR...dit dit
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the quick ship on the MK-44 and MK-36 leg strap. I love them! These are very handy for QRP operation.
73, Pat N3GWZ
Thanks!! I got the MK-44 just in time for the ARCI FALL QRP Contest... I didn't know what to expect from the MK-44. Boy was I surprised, it is a super little paddle...I used them for the entire contest. What Fun!!! I will be ordering it with the Tick Keyer soon...
Thanks again for making a very affordable AND quality product.
Tim Cook, NZ8J
Jack,
Thanks for the prompt service and the MK-22 and MK-44 Keys. They are wonderful! Have a great day and keep me informed of new items..
73s
Steve, N4TKP
I really appreciate your website and like the MK-22 and MK-44 paddles I just purchased.
Fred Finster
WB7ODY Sunnyvale CA
Hi,
I got my new MK-44. Wow! Its really cool...I think is bigger the stamp of the parcel than the key hi...I think I will have tooo much fun with this and my FT-817. Im very happy with the paddles. Its so small!! hi I like it!
Thanks,
73, Miguel EA1BP
Got my MK-44 paddles today. Must admit, I'm surprised and thankful for the very fast delivery. Couldn't believe they were in my mailbox today! I have them hooked up now, and again, I'm really surprised. The quality and function of the little paddles is unbelievable, and for $14.00, a steal. I have sent my order in for the TICK keyer, hope that comes as quick!
Thanks much.
Perley Urquhart, N1YUK
This comment was taken from the QRP-L Internet Mailing List.
It is one of our favorites:
Merry, Happy Gang:
Those who know, know. I just wanted to tell those uninformed folks of the neat things Whiterook Products offers. I have used two of their products now: the MK-22 Pocket Straight key, and the MK-44 Mini Paddle. Both work great, are extremely lightweight, and offer a jack providing plug and play convenience. The MK-44 Mini Paddle works smooth as silk, I really love the way this critter feels. Perhaps the neatest thing about the Whiterook keys is their simple, yet brilliant construction. When you look at them, you kind of smack your head with one of those "Why didn't I think of that" kind of thoughts. John has done a marvelous job, and you can't beat the prices! They are now offering a great T-shirt for us mighty QRPers. I won't give away any secrets, but it's a real collector's item and a keeper, for sure! Usual disclaimer - I'm a very happy customer and want to see John and many other small companies prosper in '97 and beyond.
Happy Holidays, folks. Be safe and have fun on the air!
73 de Dave NR3E nr Dallas, TX QRP-L #25
Prior to the above comment, Dave e-mailed this kind letter directly to us:
John:
Just a note of thanks to you for sending the MK-44 paddle to me so quickly. I hope you've received my check by now. My friend is very pleased with the paddle and SO AM I!! The idea and design is simple, yet brilliant! Kudos to you on such a neat little product. The paddle feels great, I like it BETTER than the MFJ (bencher clone) my friend has. I will be ordering the straight key version for myself (MK-22) as soon as pay day rolls around again (believe it or not, even $9.95 is hard to scronge up when you have two kidos (5&2) running around). Fantastic products you have, John. If you ever need an endorsement, count on me.
73 de David Kreinberg NR3E
Another comment from QRP-L, the QRP Internet Mailing List....
Hi gang. I've been playing with this little MK-88 paddle/keyer I got in trade for one of the OCXO's I shipped out. It is so fun and an excellent addition to my Trail Friendly station. I'll be leaving the Vibroplex bug at home from now on :) ..........
Ed Loranger WE6W
Jack,
The MK-65 is a great little keyer. Looking forward to many contacts. The tech support is excellent. I would reccomend your products to anyone. Keep up the gud wrk..
72,73 Jack W0WNX
HI,
Just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I like the MK-44 dual-paddle key. I ordered it several months ago and it sat on the workbench until last night. I finally made the cable to connect it to my NorCal 40A with the KC-1 keyer. Boy, what a combination. It didn't take me very long to get used to working with the keyer. I did make one modification to the key. I mounted it on a piece of wood about 3 by 8 by 3/4 inches by drilling a hole in the base and installing a screw into the wood. That way I can rest my hand on the board and the keyer doesn't move around. My keying speed is between 15 to 20 wpm. So far I have made 5 contacts and my CW is pretty good, ie, no mistakes. My other key is the dual paddle Bencher. It is very nice but not as much fun as your MK-44. Thanks for the fun!
73, John, KI6PU
Howdy Jack, tnx fer reply and:
Yep, you can use any or all of my testimonial; you make good stuff which is priced right, and holds up under use, a somewhat rare find and nice departure from the mass-produced and touchy electro-mechanical devices that often plague us, empty our pockets, and don't perform or last.
I have 3 of the MK products and love 'em. I particlarly like the MK-88 mini iambic keyer/paddle for my QRP mobile operation because there's virtually nothing to go wrong. I tried conventional paddles, and found them constantly going out of adjustment, etc. in the mobile environment, plus the conventional paddles needed 'yet another keyer box' which cluttered up my car. The Mk-88 keyer/paddle combo satisfies my need for a compact, rugged self-contained mobile keying unit.
The Whiterook keyer/paddles combo is simply tie-wrapped to a sheet of 1/4" plastic that is tucked under my armrest, and they just keep on keying no matter bumps, grocery bags dropped on them, heat, cold, etc. A frend uses Velcro mounting to his armrest. Either way, a great sturdy and compact paddle/keyer combo.......
During recent FYBO contest, the MK-22 mini straight-key was the 'S-K' alternate to my computer logger's keying port for sending the occasional QSO-specific message. Nice, light, small and sturdy for taking to the field........
I plan to build the new TiCK keyer chip into my MK-44 set of paddles as another keying alternative, and as a fun, simple homebrew project.
All 3 products are sturdy, well-built, and hold up well under field and mobile conditions. No connection, just another satisfied customer........
72,
Jack, WA8GHZ /5
Just dropped you an order in todays mail with a bank check for speedy processing. It is for the model MK-88 and a battery. I have enjoyed my MK-22 very much and have told a lot of people about it.
Thank you for your products...
John Dorson K2JHU
And, yes, I do have (2) MK-22's that I use mobile. They work great. No problem with dirt in the contact with those little micro-switches as with regular keys and paddles.
Thanks for sending me the E-Mail.
73, Geno AL7GQ
I have been very happily using one of your MK-44 paddles for quite some time, into whose base I built an 8044 keyer with a tiny 12V alkaline battery. Although the "TiCK" has since come out and is yet tinier, I still enjoy my MK-44/8044 project to this day.
Thanx!
73, Dave Feldman WB0GAZ
Re: MK-44
Jack,
Thanks for the quick reply. You were right, they arrived today (Monday). I pulled them from the box and hooked them up. I am impressed. They are fantastic. Looking forward to many years of use from these. In this time of expensive HAM equipment, it is nice to know that you can get quality products for not a lot money.
Keep up the good work. Thanks for everything and 73,
Matt Burke, KD5CJS
All the way from Germany, we received this E-mail about the MK-44:
Thanks for the MK-44 iambic-keyer, it's a fine QRP-like keyer and works very well! It looks very well with my qrp-rig NorCal 40A! I told my local Hams about this key!
Gunter, DJ6NC
The next few comments are about our popular and MK-64 and MK-65 Mini-Keyers:
Greetings,
I thought you would be interested to know that your MK-65 keyer/paddle arrived a few days ago and I am very pleased with its performance. I found it very easy to use. Its construction is straight forward but solid. It took only a minute or two to get used to its action and best of all, surprisingly, I found that using even 100 watts resulted in no negative (rf) effect on the Tick keyer performance. A job well done.
I'm using the MK-65 with my "hotel room" set-up which consists of a Yaesu FT-840, MFJ-945E tuner, 6 amp power supply and 50 feet of wire. I am able to pack it all into a very small suitcase for lots of ham radio fun on those out of town business trips.
Sincerely,
Peter Pavlovich, N8EVJ
All the way from Japan, we received this comment about the MK-64:
Dear Jack / WA6KYO
I have received the key a day before yesterday. It is so cute that I can hide it in my palm. It will definitely be my companion for my backpacking.
Thank you, and 73 de Yasuyuki Hashida, JM3CYK
Re: MK-64
Thanks, Jack. The package arrived yesterday (9/02) in good working order. Impressive lil' package. You did good job. Carried it around in my pocket at work today - had to show it off! Everybody amazed at simplicity & features.
72/3's Gary
Gary Bonebrake W5BI
Re: MK-65
The little bugger is doing a great job! Also for as small as it is, it's a very rugged keyer. I hope the plastic case doesn't turn others away from it. I don't treat it like a baby and the case is really bomb proof.
Bob Leck WA2HOQ
MK-65MS Review on QRP-L 2-24-99
I just got he MK-65S 2 days ago and I really like it. It is a single lever keyer that uses tick super chip in it. The whole thing is about 2 inches square. It's made out of plastic except for the lever. To program it you push down a single button and wait for a "A" to be sent. After that you release it, wait a second and push the button down again. It will send a "I". Release again for second then push it down again. It will now send a "1" for memory one and if you want to program that memory release the button and input the message you want to send. If you want to program message "2" wait for the "2" to be sent and then do your message. After you input our message hit the button again and you are done. It will now send the message you programed in. To save your messages for future use you just leave the unit on as it's standby current is really low. The battery that use is a lithium 3 volt button. Susposed to last a long time. For the unit being as small it is easy to operate. Has a rubber feet that do a good job of keeping it in one place. So it doesn't dance all around as you are using it. I would reccomend it to any body who needs a cheap little keyer with memories!
72!
Jeff Jones, AB6MB
In a follow up message after this posting, we received this e-mail from Jeff:
I received it 2 days ago and am very happy with it! It is my first lever keyer. Love the memories and the feel of it. Just have to get used to using it as I have never used a lever or iambic keyer before. So far I have made a couple of QSO's with it. So the learning curve isn't too steep. I will reccomend it to all my fellow hams!
73!
Jeff Jones, AB6MB
Re: MK-64MS
Jack,
Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the "Super 64" Mini Keyer/Paddle. It works great and feels solid. I'm used to using a very well made Schurr paddle and from the first time I sent CQ with this little gem it worked great. I've already told 5 hams to get one. Now I want to check out the led lites to put on top of the QRP rig at night in the field.
73, Jack W6ABC
Re: MK-64
I really like my MK-64. I plan to use it in the upcoming Bubble Bee event.
72 Arth W6AGS
Hello Jack,
Just got my MK-44. Very nice paddle. I am going to ues it on a mobile CW rig. Right now I am useing a Bencher paddle on an old military knee brace ( this set up is very heavy) I took the bencher off the knee brace. I put Velcro on the knee brace and on the bottom of the MK-44. Now all I have to do is pop the MK-44 on the knee brace at any angle that I want for comfort and pound away.( With the Bencher I could not adjust the angle). The MK-44 is an EXCELLANT paddle for mobile CW. It's light weight and size make it the best paddle I have ever used.( I work 100% CW). I will probably get the MK-88 very soon and do away with the big MFJ keyer(407B) that I have next to my Alinco DX-70 mobile rig. That will really be something. I was also looking at the MK-64. But the specs do not say it has a built in speed control. Could you please tell me what speed does the MK-64 send at. I am very satisfied with MK-44 and its very low price. I look forward to getting the MK-88 (or the MK-64). If any of your customers want to know how the MK-44 will work on a mobile station please forward my comments.
73 es CUL de Mike N8UJZ
Re: MK-22
Just got your key in the mail yesterday and tried it on the air for the qrp-l fox hunt. Never did find the fox but had a ball with my new key. I am amazed how good it feels for such a lite key. I have already told a few friends about this key and have given them the information on it.
I expect you will be hearing from me again.
Aron Brown, N1ODL
And, you know what, we did hear back from Aron!
Re: MK-99:
Got the MK-99 keyer and am having a ball with it. Put the other one in the car and use this one in the house. Thanks again for making a wonderful product for us QRPers. You will probably hear from me again when new products come out.
73's
Aron Brown, N1ODL
Hi Jack,
The MK-44 arrived Friday and I had it on the air that evening working a VE2 with my Scout cranked down to 5 watts. Really a nice little light weight product you have there, beats having to lug a brass keyer around for portable operation.
Thanks Again.
73,
Gene
WA4HHP
This appeared as a comment on the QRP-L Internet Mailing List in response to an inquiry about our Model MK-44 Pocket Mini-Paddle line of products:
You have to try the Whiterook Paddle, I bet it is just what you're looking for. It's really light weight, made out of plastic, small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and works really good. It's Model MK-44 Pocket Iambic Mini-Paddle and sells for "$12.95" check it out at http://www.west.net/~wpc/mk.html or give them a call 805-339-0702, I've only been using it for about a week now and it's really GREAT!!!
73,
Jim -- KU4QW
I recently got your Mk 44 iambic paddle. Its a nice little paddle - I really like it !!
I ordered the MK 44 and really expected it to be junk ! I was wrong ! I found the MK 44 to be a very light iambic paddle with a very nice feel ! I have been pounding the Holy Brass for over 40 years so I am particular ! An excellent choice for QRP operation in the field .
Josh N7XM
Hola QRPer's!!
Been using a Winterook paddle model MK-33 with the tick chip for about 5 months. Was able to get 4 months service out of the little 3 v lithium battery, and that's using the piezo speaker most of the time too! Very pleased with the little keyer!
72, Tom WB5QYT
And this great comment appeared on the QRP-L Mailing List regarding the MK-64:
Just recieved my Whiterook MK-64 mini paddle and keyer a few days ago and really enjoying it...have been using it more and more in place of the Bencher here on the desk, has a great "feel" and pretty neat to operate also. Highy recommended.
After following up on the above comment, we received these nice remarks:
Hi John, thanks for the mail, its a rare thing to see a vendor that is truely concerned with the satisfaction of the person on the other end after the check is received. Please use my info in any way you see fit to promote your product, I'm very impressed and tell everyone I QSO with about the tiny paddles I am using. Will be going to the local hamfest this coming weekend and am taking to MK-64 along to show off. Keep up the good work!
Arch N8EAG
Fairmont, West Virginia
Re: MK-88
The key (MK-88) has arrived and I used it this weekend and really like it. Thank you very much. Its a great key and very easy to use. I'm new to iambic keying and found it easier to use than my friends Bencher. You may use this recommendation for PR if you wish. Again thanks for the great service and key.
Dan, WA6IRO
Your line of paddles/keyers are really clever. I have one of the paddles and it works great.
73, Ron N7EA
Just received your MK-33 paddles and really like the little job.
Thanks 73
Heinz Broweleit W5UIP
The keyer is such a pleasure to use I am looking at the webpage deciding on which one to try next :-) I guess I have an old-fashioned fist (years on a bug) and I was a bit afraid of the IAMBIC jobbies - so I started with the familiar single lever model. It feels smooth and virtually jam-proof. I was concerned about spacing adjustments and now that I use the keyer I see that it is so well engineered I have no problems with lever travel at all.
Happy Holidays from N9VV 30M QRP :-)
QSL on Jim Campbell's order. I met him on the plane coming home and couldn't keep myself from telling him about the great MK-64. I operated as ZK1KBS on Rarotonga, South Cook Islands from Jan1 to Jan5 and only had your paddle/keyer for CW. Worked great on Rarotonga es worked great for 2 weeks of mobile HF work in New Zealand prior to going to Rarotonga - even fell on the floor of the van from my knee a bunch of times with no damage whatsoever.
Cheers es all the very best for 1999.
de VE6KBS, KARL B. STADDON, CALGARY, AB
......Anyway, your little product will see the summit of a peak in the Andes this summer! Good luck, and thank you for a neat little product.
73---Bonnie KQ6XA
Hello ...
My POCKET MINI MK-48 received yesterday. A very beautiful key.
72, Helmut DL4SH
Hi, Jack-san,
I received the MK-44. It is far better than I imagined. Very nice touch. I found it is possible to key without heavy weight. Fantastic paddle I've never seen. If possible I would like to have another color in future. Really thanks your low cost shipping. Always this is the barrier at foreign order.
72!
JL1KRA Junichi Nakajima
Hi Jack...
The key (MK-33) is great. It will work out well with my IC-706 when portable.
73's...Jim....K9WYB
Hi Jack,
I got my MK-44 today. It's my first iambic paddle(or any paddle for that matter!) and I really it. I made a lot of mistakes in the first two QSOs I made with it. Within a half-hour I was used to it. It is very well made and looks great! Thanks for the fast shipment and I will be buying from you again!
73, Andrew (KD7GLV)
Hi Jack!
The keyers are cool--they are now integrated into my award winning "rovermobile"--I probably should have got the iambic paddles, but the single level design works fine for me!
73, Brian ND3F
Well, I hope these comments help convince you that our line of Pocket Mini-Keys really are a good value! Give them a try....I GUARANTEE you'll like them!
73, Jack Roblin WA6KYO
Whiterook Products Company - ElectronicsUSA.com