"Because of this, I've changed my tune and I now recognize that a
straight key is not a beginner's tool, but is for the intermediate CW
operator."
Keith,
It's commendable that your kids have shown an interest in Morse. I learned
basic letter formation using a straight key, but only for the purpose of
sounding out dits and dahs before I became a novice in 1972 at the age of
12. But, I quickly progressed along a path that included a Vibroplex
Champion bug, then a Heathkit HD-10 single-paddle keyer. I believe it was
the HD-10 that escalated my high-speed abilities.
Had I been able to afford an iambic electronic keyer as a junior high school
student, I am sure I would have learned on that. But back in the early
'70s, there wasn't much product available and nothing like there is today in
the way of stand-alone keyers. And, look at the availability of high-end
paddles. We've never had it so good.
Looking back, the HD-1410 by Heathkit (and perhaps the Curtis 8044 chips)
probably did more to launch the popularity of iambic CW than all other
products combined.
That said, I see nothing wrong with kids gravitating toward the paddle and
keyer. The sooner, the better..
Pauil, W9AC
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