Moment of Inspiration 3D modeling for designers and artists
BeeKey Dual-Lever Paddle   by "Majik" Mike Maynard - K4ICY         View full size

Here's a little industrial design practice for me: It's a dual-lever Morse code paddle modeled with bee-inspired styling. Final renders done in Kerkythea Boost using a custom material approximating fluorescent acrylic. A key like this would be milled from either steel or aircraft-grade aluminum (depending on the weight needed to prevent shifting on a table-top) with chrome-plated accessories. Contacts would be a non-oxidizing silver alloy. Two swing-arms are affixed by quite robust trunnion bearings for smooth operation with movement associated with a final electrical contact gap of 0.05mm. A 3.5mm stereo jack is provided for convenience in station use. Each paddles, left and right, are "squeezed" in exact combination and timing patterns to queue and electronic "keyer" for producing Morse code in an "iambic" pattern. Code speeds can typically reach 60 words per minute without any of the Repetitive Motion stress ("glass arm") caused by straight keys. A key functions literally as a simple electronic switch, but even in modern days, radio operators prize their keys for craftsmanship and the haptic (kinesthetic)feel their keys provide to enhance the communications experience.