Having worked CW for some years......I would say stick with a straight key
until you have at least reached 7-10 WPM with no problem. Going to a
Vibroplex key then would be "OK" as even I find it difficult to send really
good CW on a bug or an automatic key at less than 13-15 WPM. Once competent
at 15 WPM or more, then you can "graduate" to a single or iambic paddle
automatic key. I have heard a lot of garbage sent on automatic keys by
inexperienced operators. It is awful to copy. Also usually full of errors.
I'd much rather have a QSO with someone at 10-12 WPM with no errors than
have someone trying to race along at 20-25 WPM and every third word is
messed up!
I have heard sent and sometimes have sent almost "tape machine" quality CW
at 20-25 WPM with a really good straight key (in this case a Marconi Marine
type 365 straight key). But it does get tiring at the higher speeds!
Nothing is worse than chopped up sending with an automatic key. It's kinda
like someone talking with a mouthful of food. The more perfect the sending
and spacing, the easier it is to copy.
As for sending with a keyboard, I compare that with using an automated
computer program to make contest contacts.....what's the object of the
exercise? The keyboard won't make a better CW op out of you and the robot
contesting program won't make a good contester out of you. (In reality)
73,
Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message -----
From: "WILLIS COOKE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 10:30 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs
It seems that there is some disagreement as to whether
a beginner should start with a Straight Key or Paddles
and Keyer. I favor the Straight Key, but I can see
some merit to the Paddle position. If you are just
getting started with CW, by all means, don't let the
disagreement prevent you from picking one and getting
started. Just don't try to learn with a keyboard, it
will not teach you anything except how to type, and
leave the Bugs alone until you approach 20 wpm, the
minimum code speed for which they were designed.
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ
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