Al, The issue isn't "nostalgia" - it's technique and timing. Paddles cover a multitude of sins: as long as you're hitting the paddles somewere close to the right point you'll get nice even CW. With a straight key any technique or timing issues are immediately obvious.
The "old timer" WWII radio ops that I've known (in particular my dad) always stressed mastering the straight key before ever trying to use paddles. And if you've heard those OTs on the air, a large percentage of them illustrate the wisdom of learning (and mastering) the straight key first. 73, Al On Tue June 28 2011 5:31:10 pm VE3GAM Allen McRorie wrote: > after having operated both a straight key and a paddle, > I'm not really sure that the two are comparable > > I don't think being able to send using a straight key does > anything to help you send better than using a paddle, but > using a paddle is much easier to me than using a straight key and > if you take nostalgia out of it, I would think starting with > a paddle is what I would recommend to anyone just > starting out. I just don't understand the fascination with > straight keys, they are hard to use and tiring if you don't > use them correctly > > anyway my .02 cents worth > > al ve3gam > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <n...@n5ge.com> > To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:01 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 in the Media > > > Hooray for the Elmer! ;o) > > > > 73, > > Tom > > Amateur Radio Operator N5GE > > ARRL Lifetime Member > > QCWA Lifetime Member > > > > On Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:16:12 -0700 (PDT), KF4VTT <kf4...@mebtel.net> wrote: > >>I'm not sure if the actual video shot was of Christopher in action on > >> they key or staged, but he prefers the straight key and *can use one*. > >> His elmer will not let him move to a paddle yet. :-) > >> > >>73, > >>Doug > >>KF4VTT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
