I still have my original straight key that I bought in 1958 when I
was practising for my Novice. I didn't have the luxury of a code
machine to send my practise sessions (cassettes had not been
invented) so either I listened on my little 3-tube receiver or I
spent hours sending to myself. I think that resulted in a pretty
good "fist". In the day I could send 18-20wpm easily with the
straight key. I guess I favor learning with a straight
key. Learning what proper sounding CW sounds like one should use
tapes or practise programs. Do an hour a day for a month and you
will absorb it.
Many years later I bought a Bencher-2 but never got very good results
as the K3 keyer only does Iambic. I guess I am too set in my ways
wanting to control the dots and dashes to get hang of Iambic. I
should say I was off CW for decades so having to get back into
it. My straight keying is a little rusty and not as smooth as I used
to do, but In time it'll come back. I wonder if there are any keyers
that just work like a bug but using a paddle?
I tried CW skimmer and the K3 CW text decoder but I'm not too
impressed as it takes strong, very clean signal to work well. Brain
works better.
For CW-eme I set up some message scripts where I fill in the other
stations call sign and let the computer send. Eme keeps one quite
busy keeping the antenna pointed, tuning Doppler shift, and listening
to extremely weak signals. Having the transmitting time to fulfill
these other tasks without being tied to the key helps a lot.
Of course I may still need to send a non-standard reply so the old
straight key is right handy. Setting the spring tension and gap for
fast CW is required using a straight key-most beginners have too wide
a gap setting. Motion of the hand is in the wrist moving up/down
with fingers lightly touching the key. Beginners usually try taping
the key. I can see repetitive motion stress being a problem
especially for us older hams. Why I like computer keying for
repetitive calling.
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[email protected]
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