I would like to add my 2 cents on the subject. Having the opportunity to being on the other end of the pileup periodically, it sometimes drives me crazy trying to pull out a call because the CW is almost undecipherable. It sure seems like the sender is using a straight key and hasn't mastered the correct duration and rhythm of dits and dahs. It would probably be easier if someone were having trouble with a straight key to switch to iambic keying. At least the spacing and length of the dits and dahs would be correct. I have been using an iambic keyer so long I would hate the thought of going back to a straight key. I have seen some folks who can send great CW with a straight key. But I would bet they are in the minority.
N2TK, Tony -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Steve Jackson Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 8:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] next up: advice about what girl to marry! > But, what is the best key to start with - > straight, iambic, > non-iambic? or > what. So many choices and I need advice. I echo what Don said and might chime in with a few other comments ... I hear SOOO many absolutely dreadful fists these days, most with new 2x3 calls - but not all!! ... I am simultaneously ecstatic about the recent, rapid re-emergence of Morse activity ... and appalled at the fact that most of these new hams must have come to the mode sans Elmers and straight-keys. Code is (as far as the brain's processing center is concerned) music, and all music has rhythm. You don't need a computer-aided drum to catch the beat when you are first learning, and in fact, using one to start with is probably a bad idea. Invest in a top-grade straight key (such as the Hi-Mound) and keep it for always ... and then add the iambic after you are receiving above about 10-12 WPM. Steve KZ1X/4 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Personals - Better first dates. More second dates. http://personals.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
