Sending Morse by foot isn't so rare. It's common enough that a Q-code
was developed especially for it.
Most of us started on a straight key (62 years) where wrist action is
more important. The bug was developed to minimize destructive wrist
action. Operators learned to roll their wrist, but not really flex it in
any way. I've noticed most of the high speed ops on youtube
demonstrating Begali (what else?) keys use two fingers and thumb with no
wrist movement. I've only seen it on youtube as nobody I've known since
the Army ever sent that fast!
Eric KE6US
On 3/28/2020 3:47 PM, Jim Danehy wrote:
Well I have been sending CW for 70 years now. I am not the most accomplished
Morse operator you will copy. But I wonder why someone would think it is
improper procedure to move your wrist ? I have watched musicians play guitars
and bass instruments. They all move their wrists. I am not a musician myself.
But when I do send Morse I get into a rhythm like musicians do. With 70 years
of experience I have evolved into a competent operator.
Many years ago my XYL told me that I also send Morse with my vocal cords when
i send CW. She noted that when serving me food during my contesting. She was
correct. My speed might be higher than the average Morse operator. I started
with a straight key in 1950. Went to a Vibroplex bug in 1954. Up Graded to an
electronic keyer in 1966. During that 16 year period I always moved my wrist. I
probably own two dozen keys and paddles. I don’t get over 35 wpm very often.
But if I find that rare operator who can copy QRQ I can crank it up. I can send
with either hand too. The one thing I do is not think about what I am doing. It
is all reflexes. I am a member of several CW oriented clubs. The German High
Speed operators are excellent users of Morse. Google that organization.
To say that moving your wrist is incorrect procedure might appeal to some. Not
me. By the way I decided years ago to put a paddle on the floor and use my
foot. Really! That allowed me to use both hands. I have not done that for some
years. I think I can still do that. using your feet: LF operating. In my case
it was RF (right foot). That was just a challenge. It did take some practice.
I sure beats some of these current modes which do not require any operator
skill.
73
Jim
W9VNE/VA3VNE
Sent from my iPhone
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