In a message dated 5/8/05 3:56:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 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. > In my limited experience, using a straight key will usually help you learn the code in a way that other keys won't. I recommend starting out with a straight key, then moving on to a bug or keyer once you have mastered the code at a reasonable level. I wouldn't bother with the MFJ unit. There are freeware programs that do the same thing. Or you can simply tape-record yourself sending, put the tapes aside for a week or so, then play the tapes back and see if *you* can copy them. Another trick is to set up your code-generating software (such as the G4FON package) to send a known text, then try to send in step with it. As for the CFO: All the items you buy at this stage are learning tools. You wouldn't send a child to school with only half the required supplies.... It's a good idea to listen to real live off-the-air code as well as the machine-generated stuff. Off-air code isn't always perfect - I've known more than a few new hams who could do good copy from computer-generated code but fell apart on the "real thing" until they had some exposure to it. Most of all, remember that what you're learning is a set of skills, not just one or two, and that it takes a variety of tools to do that job. 73 de Jim, N2EY _______________________________________________ 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
