 Milestone Technologies |
 a division of Milestone Technologies, Inc. "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast!" |
 |
 |
| Milestone Technologies |
a division of Milestone Technologies, Inc. "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast!" |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
PLA
Keys
Chinese
Military!
| The K4 keys are sold out, at least temporarily. Due to complications with imports from China, we don't know whether or when we might be able to offer these keys again. Meanwhile, we'll keep this page current for reference purposes. |
D117/K4
Heavy Key
Click the thumbnail images above
to view
in full size!
|
Variously known as the D-117, the K4, or just the "Chinese Army Key" these heavy duty straight keys were made for the Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) in factories owned by the PLA, from the early 1960s to the present time. The Chinese phrase on the key's nameplate "changshu dianxun qichai chang" translates as "Changshu Telecommunication Equipment Factory," which was the last of several factories to make telegraphic equipment. In 2000, Morse Express obtained remaining stocks which were purchased direct from the PLA as surplus. They were mostly in factory new condition, with some showing a bit of "warehouse wear" such as deteriorated packaging and dust. Supplies were limited, and apart from being a good heavy-duty straight key, they are also very collectable. See our Collectors' Corner page for some of the "varieties." In 2004 we were able to
get
in touch with a factory agent in China, and were delighted to
discover that the keys were still in production. And
by going direct to the factory, we were able to get better
prices.
They are still expensive to ship from China, of course, but we are
happy
to pass the s The keys have chrome plating, , hard silver contacts, and a felt pad on the base. They weigh around two and a quarter pounds each! Approximate base dimensions are 2-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches. They're 2-1/2 inches high and the center of the knob is forward of the base about an inch. A heavy cable is attached internally, with a 1/4" mono plug. Some users have said that the spring tension is too heavy, but it can be adjusted by stretching the spring and/or clipping off a turn. But the orthodox approach (first described to me by a professional ship's radio officer) is to close the gap until the contacts are touching, then back off until there is the tiniest perceivable gap. With that adjustment, the K4 will key with the slightest touch and you might even need to increase the spring tension a bit.
The D117/K4 keys are excellent value at $69.95 Comments from users: "The D117 key is the best value in a key purchase I have made over the last twenty five years. Morse Express does it again." --Mario, W6OH "The D117 is a great key-- China's loss and my gain. Thankyou Mr. Chou En Lai!" - -Don, KB8KRD "Excellent key, Sir. Thanks again, 73!" -- Adam, KE8DNU |
K7
"Big John" Training Key
This is the key the PLA uses to train its new Morse operators. If he survives the three months of training, the "Big John Soldier" (recruit) is given a K4 or D117 for operational use. These are inexpensive keys, on heavy composite bases, but they are well made, fully adjustable, and feature nice touches like genuine needle bearings and seats for the trunion. Cord with 1/4" phone plug on the end is included. The cord attaches to binding posts, and the wiring on the base is recessed into routed channels. The base measures just a bit smaller than the D117/K4, and the total weight of the key is a mere 8 ounces. Other Products
from The factory also made a K5 key which is identical to the K4 except that it has HPb59 hard brass contacts instead of silver. They cost about $20 less than the K4. Manufacture of the K5 key was discontinued in 2010 and our last shipment of them arrived in 2013. Earlier the factory made headsets and a K65 semiautomatic bug key. Here is a scan of the factory's last brochure. |
or call 303-752-3382 for more information |
Back to Home Page 
avings
along to our customers.
