I would be VERY surprised if the code reader could outperform a decent CW man. And to be a decent CW man, you have to spend the time copying CW without an electronic assist such as a code reader. I would say pass on the CW Reader. The only REAL use I see for it is hooking it up for demos to non-hams so they know what is going on. Otherwise, I just don't see it. I'm voting with the First Mate on this one.
I really don't see it for code practice either. Listen as much as you can to good code and try to emulate it. Code is AURAL, not visual. Not sure why you want to see what you're sending. You already KNOW what you're sending. Just listen to it and learn the music and rhythm of CW. Because I started on a straight key 48 years ago, I would say learn on a straight key. I think it helps develop essential timing, but I'm not so sure any more that it matters all that much how you learn it. A good keyer takes care of the timing for you as long as you resist screwing with the weighting to "customize" your fist. And your ear will pick up good timing from constantly comparing yourself to good (and bad) CW. But there is nothing more satisfying than a straight key to me. I always use a straight key with my Rock-Mites. It just doesn't seem right to use a paddle/keyer with simple rigs. Most of the time I use a straight key with my K1, particularly when backpacking or daypacking because it is more rugged and holds adjustment better in adverse conditions than a paddle. I can sit in a canvas chair with the key in one hand and tap out Morse code with the other. Life does get better than that, but not often. At home I always use the internal keyer in the K2. Not sure why. The skills are slightly different. Once you have one (straight key or paddle/keyer) it really isn't all that difficult to go to the other. And you'll automatically adjust going back and forth with time. I wouldn't agonize over the decision too much. Whatever strikes your fancy now will serve you in the end. It's great to see a new ham already looking forward to CW. Somewhere I saw a slogan, "Without CW, it's just CB." Welcome aboard. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005 12:56 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles? Comrades, I'm working on my code to get my licenses soon. I will want to do CW with the k2 I will buy and build on board our trawler. 1st mate and CFO watches expenses like a hawk and will catch me if I (gasp) buy two things which appear to do same thing. You can't hide much from her on the 36 boat we live on. I intend to get the $80 MFJ code reader because some of you have convinced me that it is a good detector of unreadable output. I'm hoping to get my speed and accuracy up by sending to the MFJ. If I ultimately intend to use paddles as most of you appear to be doing, why is it a bad idea simply to start with a set? I can understand that what I'm really wanting to do is to train my "fist" and ears, but it looks like paddles involve somewhat different monkey motions and maybe it would make more sense just to buy a set and get on with it. comments? regards, John Ferguson - M/V Arcadian (now in Norfolk,VA waiting for wave amplitude reduction in Chesapeake Bay before continuing northward) _______________________________________________ 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
