I don't think it matters that what you practice on matches the KX3 key
either. Almost any paddle that is comfortable for you should be fine.
There's a difference between dual and single lever paddles, but even
then, if you learn on one, it won't take much to adapt to something else.
Dual levers are needed for so-called iambic keying. Single levers can't
be used for that, but they work exactly the same except you can't do
squeeze keying for alternating dits/dahs. Take a look at this:
http://www.morsex.com/pubs/iambicmyth.pdf
That site is a great source of info on keys and will let you compare a
large number of them.
You can use ANY electronic keyer without ever learning squeeze keying or
even knowing it exists. You can ignore Iambic A vs B in your KX3 as they
are irrelevant if you don't use squeeze keying.
No need to start with a straight key, however, it will teach you more
about proper timing than an electronic keyer, and that will translate to
better timing on an electronic keyer. You're relearning a skill, not how
to operate a specific device.
If you skip the straight key, you skip a very useful, traditional and
interesting skill. You can also skip learning a bug, but it is a
fascinating device and another interesting skill. In almost 60 years
I've gone from straight key to occasional bug to electronic keyer to
straight key to bug. Currently, I'm about 95% bug using a lefthanded
homebrew one I made several months ago. I can switch with relative ease,
sometimes within the same QSO from that bug to my commercial righthanded
bugs to a straight key to the internal K2 keyer. Your brain works it all
out with only a little effort to shake off the rust.
You'll easily adapt from almost any paddle to the KX3 paddle in no time
once you regain your skill with one of them.
Eric KE6US
SKCC 86
On 6/24/2016 9:21 AM, rick jones via Elecraft wrote:
Could someone recommend a desktop key that is close to the size and action of
the key attached to the KX3? This Advanced class ham has not sent code in
decades and I would like to start sending on my K3 so can someday use a KX on
CW from a remote location. I will be practically starting from scratch but I'm
guessing there's no reason to start with a straight key right? Thanks for your
thoughts! Rick N3IKQ
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