Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Eric J]

Knowledge of Morse code was an international requirement, but there was 
no speed requirement.

Anyone who remembers the "incentive licensing" debates of the mid-60s 
knows the Morse requirement in the U.S. was clearly intended to be 
restrictive by many hams if not most. Incentive licensing intentionally 
took away privileges with a code speed requirement that persisted until 
the fairly recent no-code licensing.

I've always been a cw op. I lived in Japan when I was 12 and heard hams 
talking on my SW-54. I had no interest in that at all until I learned 
about hams using Morse code. I've been 90%+ CW since. Definitely not by 
choice, but I took General, Advanced and Extra before FCC examiners in 
Boston and Long Beach.

Eric KE6US

On 11/13/2017 10:04 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> The purpose of requiring CW was perhaps not to be restrictive - but it 
> had exactly that effect.

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

I'm no sure I'd say it was to be "restrictive" but I will say there is a 
benefit to making sure someone wants a license vs. mailing in boxtops 
from their favorite cereal.


I'm probably one of the young guys here, at 60.

I made it to 5wpm and got my Novice, but never got past 10wpm.  Took the 
general written to get my Technician, and when the 13wpm requirement was 
dropped was "grandfathered" to General.  I currently hold an Extra Class 
license.


Going back to my Tech. days, I never fell in love with code, spent a bit 
of time on 2m FM, but very early got into RTTY.  Ran autostart on the 
SDTS repeater on 220 with a model 15 and later a 28KSR.  Was a TAPR beta 
tester, and probably still have my BETA TNC.


I like PSK-31.

So, when the CW vs. Phone arguments crop up, my response is pretty much 
always going to be NEITHER!


73 -- Lynn

On 11/13/2017 10:04 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
The purpose of requiring CW was perhaps not to be restrictive - but it 
had exactly that effect.

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Edward R Cole]

The purpose of requiring CW was perhaps not to be restrictive - but 
it had exactly that effect.


I was twelve when I discovered "hams" talking on 75m AM.  It was not 
the morse code that attracted me to ham radio - it was talking.


But I quickly found out that the gate to getting into ham radio 
required learning morse code.  I got 5wpm pretty easy and became a 
Novice at age 14.  A year later I took the General Class written exam 
and became a Technician.  Several attempts to pass 13wpm which 
involved a 68 mile drive to FCC in Detroit resulted in failure.


I started college as an EE student, way too busy for working on code, 
graduated to start my career which included nine years working for 
JPL-NASA where I became a senior engineer at age 32.  I got to help 
several missions to the planets, but I was "not qualified" to be a 
"real ham" because of code.


Finally in 1982 (age 38) I spent the effort to pass the 13wpm test 
(which then only required answering 7 out of ten questions vs 1 
minute perfect copy of five character random groups).  I took my 
Advanced test and passed (never had a General).  In 2000 FCC lowered 
speed requirement for Extra to 13wpm and I passed with two wrong 
answers.  BTW I took and passed the 2nd Class Radiotelephone in 1971 
(which is way harder than extra).


24 years I had to wait to become a "real ham".  Well the good result 
was that I got interested in 2m (where I could talk) and that lead to 
microwaves and eme.  EME required CW when I started in 1998 but 
fortunately digital arrived (JT44) in early 2000's which I have been 
using on 2m and a little on 1296.  I will eventually get up to 15wpm 
because I want to work eme stations that only do CW.


But as a boy, I just wanted to talk on ham radio.  Eliminating CW as 
a requirement does make it easier today.  Longevity of ham radio does 
not depend on it.  My local club has only 2-3 members that are not 
retired.  No youngsters under 35.


I am currently learning about using a Raspberry Pi in a autotracking 
system for my eme antennas.  Plans to install dual-yagis for 6m-eme 
and a 100w 3400-MHz system on my 16-foot dish.  Guess some of the 
engineer remains, as well.


73, Ed - KL7UW  _._

From: Jim Brown <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question
Message-ID:
<b89b5db6-b0d6-31d4-0b42-88a041688...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

On 11/11/2017 9:45 AM, dyarnes wrote:
> I don?t think it is accurate to suggest that CW was used to keep 
people out of the hobby.


For at least the last 20-30 years of the 20th century, CW was used as a
means of keeping the hobby "pure," a "rite of passage" that all current
licensees had had to take, and that, anyone else wanting to enter their
hallowed ground must also take. You had to be not paying attention not
to be aware of this. It was easy to not be paying attention -- many of
us, including me, were on and off the air for decades at a time as we
lived our lives with jobs, families, even other interests. This was not
unique to the US -- the CW requirement was from international
governmental bodies.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Jim Brown]

On 11/11/2017 9:45 AM, dyarnes wrote:

I don’t think it is accurate to suggest that CW was used to keep people out of 
the hobby.


For at least the last 20-30 years of the 20th century, CW was used as a 
means of keeping the hobby "pure," a "rite of passage" that all current 
licensees had had to take, and that, anyone else wanting to enter their 
hallowed ground must also take. You had to be not paying attention not 
to be aware of this. It was easy to not be paying attention -- many of 
us, including me, were on and off the air for decades at a time as we 
lived our lives with jobs, families, even other interests. This was not 
unique to the US -- the CW requirement was from international 
governmental bodies.


Our large contesting club includes at least a dozen no-code licensees 
who have developed into fine CW operators and serious contesters. 
Recently, I heard of a ham club a few hours away from me that developed 
out of the interest of a local community organization in emergency 
communications -- this is a low population density community in the 
Santa Cruz mountains north of me, where the potential hazards are 
wildland fires, winter storms, and earthquakes.


Here's a link to photos from this year's Field Da. Notice the number of 
young hams on the air in the photos of the stations.


http://www.sc4arc.org/groups/general/forum/topic/field-day-photos/

Some of the photos show a pretty serious effort with antennas, and 
communications on their blog show well organized planning. There's a 
photo of their score summary in one of the photos. All SSB and digital. 
Here's their home page.


http://www.sc4arc.org/

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[dyarnes]

Eric and all,

Will all due respect, I couldn’t disagree with you more!  First, I don’t think 
it is accurate to suggest that CW was used to keep people out of the hobby.  
The requirement for this skill was much less obtuse than that.  It was simply 
due to the fact that CW was/is probably the most basic method of 
communicating—at least it was for a long time.  You could touch two wires 
together and send a coherent message!  The device necessary to transmit such a 
signal was about as simple as it gets.  CW is still far more efficient and 
effective than voice modes unless you use considerably more power with the 
latter.  One shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that a dominant reason for us 
even being allowed to practice this hobby was that we could be a reliable 
alternative in case of emergency.  There was a lot of competition for our place 
in the spectrum.

I don’t disagree that “perfect code” isn’t a mandate, but I do think it should 
be an objective.  The farther away you get from perfect code, the less coherent 
it becomes.  The closer you get to perfect code, the easier it is to interpret! 
 Plain and simple!  

I hear a lot of crap CW on the bands.  Some of it comes from folks who are just 
not very good at it, but are trying to get better.  I’m not so bothered by 
that.  However, those who don’t do CW very well, and don’t care, and don’t have 
any intention of getting better at it, don’t interest me very much.  Trying to 
copy bad CW is a lot of work, and it is rather frustrating.  If I’m helping 
someone get better, it is worth it, but if I am just enabling someone to not 
get better, I don’t see the point of it.  

As to the comparisons to accents that Ron made in his post, I would suggest 
that there is a distinction as to degree.  It’s one thing to be “identifiable” 
because of some slight variation from perfect code, much like an accent in 
language is, but it is a completely different thing to be so far from perfect 
code that you become hard to interpret.  That’s not just an accent, but more 
like using poor grammar!  CW is, in effect, a language, and should be 
recognizable without excessive strain.  

My CW is far from perfect, but I try to make it sound as much “by the book” as 
I can.  I definitely don’t try to jazz it up like some people do.  Every so 
often someone comments that they find it easy to copy.  I’d much rather hear  a 
comment like that than have someone say they recognized my because of my accent!

Cheers!

Dave W7AQK


From: Eric J 

I'm with Ron. I've been in the hobby since 1957. CW has always been used 
as some sort of ham radio purity test. It was used to keep people out of 
the hobby altogether for decades. Many of those who persevered, learned 
the code under duress to get their license, then never touched a key 
again. And there's no evidence CW as a gatekeeper prevented lids as many 
of the worst offenders were General class or higher who had to have 
passed a code test.

As empty as the CW portions are now, except during any contest, I 
welcome anyone who knows enough code to make a QSO. Perfect code is not 
necessary for reliable communication. Besides, I love hearing all the 
various fists, and enjoy recognizing individuals by their fist.

Eric KE6US

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Eric J]

I'm with Ron. I've been in the hobby since 1957. CW has always been used 
as some sort of ham radio purity test. It was used to keep people out of 
the hobby altogether for decades. Many of those who persevered, learned 
the code under duress to get their license, then never touched a key 
again. And there's no evidence CW as a gatekeeper prevented lids as many 
of the worst offenders were General class or higher who had to have 
passed a code test.

As empty as the CW portions are now, except during any contest, I 
welcome anyone who knows enough code to make a QSO. Perfect code is not 
necessary for reliable communication. Besides, I love hearing all the 
various fists, and enjoy recognizing individuals by their fist.

Eric KE6US


On 11/9/2017 3:03 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>>> With respect, obsessing over perfect code is like demanding that no 
>>> one speak your favorite language without an accent of any sort.
>>>
>>> It's easy to do. Use a keyboard with pre-stored messages.
>>>
>>> But many of us prefer non-canned messages even if they involve some 
>>> oddities in the sending.
>>>
>>> I've encountered far more nearly-impossible or impossible to copy 
>>> fists from commercial operators aboard ships than I've heard on the 
>>> Ham bands.
>>>
>>> I certainly would never want to deter someone learning Morse from 
>>> using it on the air, even if the best they can do is a roughly sent 
>>> Name-RST-QTH-73 QSO. That was the whole point of the Novice 
>>> licenses: we learn faster with real-world experience on the air.
>>>
>>> I'm always ready to drop down to whatever speed the other station is 
>>> sending to help a new CW operator get "his feet wet" and have fun.
>>>
>>> 73, Ron AC7AC
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>>> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE
>>> Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 12:41 PM
>>> To: Dave Sublette; Elecraft
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question
>>>
>>> What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.
>>>
>>> There's precious little of it out there.
>>>
>>> What device is used to send it is irrelevant.
>>>
>>> Dave is right on all points.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Kent  K9ZTV
>>>
>>>
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Fred Jensen]

On the matter of spacing, I direct your attention to the October 1949 
issue of QST, pg 40: "The Humbug" by A. F. Scotten, W6ZMZ.  He noted 
that our keyers [they existed then, just fairly primitive] send the 
well-formed dits and dahs. The spacing is up to us.  His astounding 
discovery was that, if our keyers sent well-formed spaces instead, we'd 
have textbook quality CW on the air, the dits and dahs just fall out 
automatically!


He offered a test sentence, "Then after Richard had arrived, he and 
Clarence each kissed beautiful Annabelle and she ceased all resistance 
because in actual fact, she liked it better than ever."  Aside from this 
being a remarkably racy sentence for QST in 1949, it allegedly does not 
contain two or more consecutive dashes and, he posits, is very hard to 
send accurately with proper spacing.  It doesn't seem too hard for me, 
but then my keyer wouldn't exist for another 55 years although it still 
sends dits and dahs.


Since I ran across the miracle of the Humbug, I've often wondered why it 
appeared in October and not April, but nevertheless, you can work it out 
on paper ... send the spaces instead of the dits and dahs, use a keyer 
to make the spaces well-formed, and you get perfect code.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 11/10/2017 4:49 AM, Arthur Nienhouse wrote:
*/Often its because of poor spacing running everything together or 
sending the dah with half the

correct length, *timing and spacing* timing and spacing*.


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[Elecraft] Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Edward R Cole]

I've not been active with  CW since my Novice years but distinctly 
recall those with swinging gaits to their sending.  If you are 
musically oriented its an easy thing to slip into.


I haven't tried using a straight key since having my right hand 
forefinger shortened (partial amputation early Sept.) but think I 
will be OK with the straight key.  Paddle NO; my middle finger 
coordination is not anywhere what had with my forefinger:  Try 
clicking left mouse button with middle finger!  learning how to write 
with pen and pencil all over again (or make believe I am a doctor 
writing prescriptions scribble).  No more gun shooting with missing 
trigger finger.  Soldering seems to be OK as I always held parts with 
left hand.


So (probably) I will resort to keyboard sending CW.  For CW-eme I can 
have common scripts prerecorded for push button send.  But typing on 
querty keyboard with one finger missing is another challenge.  E-mail 
is a good training tool, as I can correct errors before sending.


Left hand sending - Ha Ha  I  am having to do things that require 
strength left handed (pressing spray can buttons).  No strength in 
middle finger (only good for Italian hand signals-capice?).


73, Ed - KL7U
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[w7aqk]

Hey Don,

If you want ultimatic, check out the little QCX kits that Hans Summers 
(QRPLabs) has been putting out.  It has ultimatic mode as well as Iambic A 
and B.  Pretty cool for a $49 kit!


I've never been a fan of ultimatic mode, but it was a really big deal some 
years back.  I probably never gave it a fair test.


Dave W7AQK 


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[Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Arthur Nienhouse]

On 11/9/2017 4:26 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
No, Ron, obsessing over sending perfect code is NOT like speaking 
languages with an accent.

*/Amen to that /*
Perfect code remains the goal because it conveys the greatest chance 
of 100% copy.

*/Yes Yes Yes/*
My post was not directed to beginners but to any CW operator so 
confident of his fist that he refuses to find out what the guy on the 
other end is hearing.
*/Often its because of poor spacing running everything together or 
sending the dah with half the

correct length, *timing and spacing* timing and spacing*.
The great Paul Hornung (Green Bay Packer foot ball player) would tell 
reporters when asked what made him so good answer was practice practice 
practice, the code reader in the Elecraft gear helps you to see your 
mistakes.


/*For the last ten years I have taught as many as three Morse Code 
classes every Saturday morning and have insisted that for code purposes 
the mantra is, "there are 27 characters in the English alphabet, the 
27th is a space, and that 27th is the hardest to learn."



The most important CW feature on Elecraft products is the decoder.
*/Yes Yes Yes very important watching to see if your sending is correct 
timing spacing spelling./*
Not for copying code, but for copying sending.  When used, one quickly 
realizes he's not the hot-shot code man he thought he was.  FISTS 
members suddenly tumble to the fact that all these years they've been 
sending "CQ FISB" instead of "CQ FISTS."  The first week I played with 
my K3, I was taken aback by how many times I was sending "CQ DEK9ZTV."


It's not the end-of-the world either way, but if Morse is worth 
preserving, is it not worth preserving correctly?

*/Yes you have nailed it completely Kent preserving it correctly..
Art ka9zap
/*


73,

Kent  K9ZTV



On 11/9/2017 3:03 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
With respect, obsessing over perfect code is like demanding that no 
one speak your favorite language without an accent of any sort.


It's easy to do. Use a keyboard with pre-stored messages.

But many of us prefer non-canned messages even if they involve some 
oddities in the sending.


I've encountered far more nearly-impossible or impossible to copy 
fists from commercial operators aboard ships than I've heard on the 
Ham bands.


I certainly would never want to deter someone learning Morse from 
using it on the air, even if the best they can do is a roughly sent 
Name-RST-QTH-73 QSO. That was the whole point of the Novice licenses: 
we learn faster with real-world experience on the air.


I'm always ready to drop down to whatever speed the other station is 
sending to help a new CW operator get "his feet wet" and have fun.


73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE

Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Dave Sublette; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.

There's precious little of it out there.

What device is used to send it is irrelevant.

Dave is right on all points.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Edward R Cole]

When I was studying for my Novice (1958) I did not have a code 
practise machine (did borrow one for a week), so I practised by 
sending to my self with a straight key.  I found a way to set my 
super-regen receiver such that by grounding a spot on the board 
caused it go into oscillation with resulting tone in the speaker.


I got very good at sending up to 20 wpm with the straight key.  I 
bought a Bencher about three years ago and have yet to master using 
it.  Guess its either straight key or keyboard.  Keyboard actually is 
better on eme because I can have several canned replies saved and 
click to send them,  Machine CW is perfectly formed.


eme'rs suggest 15-17 wpm as optimum due to fading off the moon.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Erik Basilier]

I normally use either a dual paddle Begali or Bencher, but recently I purchased 
a (dual paddle) Palm paddle for portable operations. At this point, I haven't 
had time to play with adjustments, but adjusted from the factory it feels 
distinctly soft under finger pressure, almost like the lever itself were 
flexible. What really surprised me is that this "softness" felt so natural. It 
is almost like it reduces my mistakes, and makes sending easier than with my 
other paddles. I suppose the Bencher has a slight amount of flexing too, but 
nothing like this. I wonder if any other paddle models also make softness an 
asset. Maybe there is a downside with the softness when one pushes the speed 
higher. I haven't tried that yet.

73, Erik K7TV


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Bill Johnson]

Isn't that missing space the truth, or fluxuating speed tough on my brain.  I 
haven't done much code for several years and haven't had the time to tune up my 
practice.  But as Ron states, I love the individual fist especially from a 
straight key.  You get a real personality from that form.  I have no desire for 
great speed.  Otherwise, can do with the built in code reader and a keyboard.  
And I love that method too.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 4:26 PM
To: Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

No, Ron, obsessing over sending perfect code is NOT like speaking languages 
with an accent.

Perfect code remains the goal because it conveys the greatest chance of 100% 
copy.

My post was not directed to beginners but to any CW operator so confident of 
his fist that he refuses to find out what the guy on the other end is hearing.

For the last ten years I have taught as many as three Morse Code classes every 
Saturday morning and have insisted that for code purposes the mantra is, "there 
are 27 characters in the English alphabet, the 27th is a space, and that 27th 
is the hardest to learn."

The most important CW feature on Elecraft products is the decoder.  Not for 
copying code, but for copying sending.  When used, one quickly realizes he's 
not the hot-shot code man he thought he was.  FISTS members suddenly tumble to 
the fact that all these years they've been sending "CQ FISB" instead of "CQ 
FISTS."  The first week I played with my K3, I was taken aback by how many 
times I was sending "CQ DEK9ZTV."

It's not the end-of-the world either way, but if Morse is worth preserving, is 
it not worth preserving correctly?

73,

Kent  K9ZTV



On 11/9/2017 3:03 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> With respect, obsessing over perfect code is like demanding that no one speak 
> your favorite language without an accent of any sort.
>
> It's easy to do. Use a keyboard with pre-stored messages.
>
> But many of us prefer non-canned messages even if they involve some oddities 
> in the sending.
>
> I've encountered far more nearly-impossible or impossible to copy fists from 
> commercial operators aboard ships than I've heard on the Ham bands.
>
> I certainly would never want to deter someone learning Morse from using it on 
> the air, even if the best they can do is a roughly sent Name-RST-QTH-73 QSO. 
> That was the whole point of the Novice licenses: we learn faster with 
> real-world experience on the air.
>
> I'm always ready to drop down to whatever speed the other station is sending 
> to help a new CW operator get "his feet wet" and have fun.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
> -Original Message-
> From:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE
> Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 12:41 PM
> To: Dave Sublette; Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question
>
> What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.
>
> There's precious little of it out there.
>
> What device is used to send it is irrelevant.
>
> Dave is right on all points.
>
> 73,
>
> Kent  K9ZTV
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Bill Johnson]

I agree with Victor.  The dual paddle allows you to squeeze when you want based 
on your ability, desire.  25 WPM would seem to be easier to me with a dual.  I 
have only used dual or the old mechanical keyers from Vibroplex.  To me it 
would seem easiest to learn a style if you start with it early in the process, 
regardless of what you decide.  I am going to pick a single lever in the near 
future, just for fun and adventure.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of rich hurd WC3T
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 9:00 AM
To: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP <k2vco@gmail.com>
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

Victor brings up an advantage of using a dual paddle; if at some point in the 
future, you want to use an iambic keying method, using a dual paddle would 
afford you that capability with the initial spend.

If you never do iambic, it's only a small incremental cost between a single and 
a dual lever paddle that you'll probably never miss.

He's sort of talking me into reconsidering my single lever paddle
purchase.   :)

---
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for 
Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*


On Thu, Nov 9, 2017 at 9:33 AM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP <k2vco@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Jerry,
>
> A real single paddle is nice, but you can still send non-iambically 
> with a dual paddle. Just don't squeeze it. You make a 'C' with four 
> back and forth motions instead of a squeeze.
>
> The connections to the rig for a single or dual paddle are the same. 
> The only difference is in the mechanical design of the paddle. A 
> single paddle cannot close both dit and dah contacts at the same time. 
> With a dual paddle, you can -- but you don't need to.
>
> 73,
> Victor, 4X6GP
> Rehovot, Israel
> Formerly K2VCO
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
> CWA Adviser
>
>
> On 9 Nov 2017 16:14, JEROME SODUS wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>>
>> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so 
>> have signed up to a course by CWops.
>>
>> They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done 
>> at 20-wpm.
>>
>>
>> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I 
>> think that a single paddle might work best for me.
>>
>> Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:
>>
>> 1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence 
>> with a dual-paddle,
>>
>> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.
>>
>>
>> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that 
>> the KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed 
>> something?
>>
>>
>> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I 
>> presume a single-paddle).
>>
>> In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with 
>> a straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any 
>> had a paddle.
>>
>>
>> TIA for any reply.
>>
>> 73 Jerry KM3K
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Nr4c]

Yes. Buy nice, not twice. 

I was fortunate to locate an N2DAN MERCURY for a reasonable price. It is 
smith!  It belonged to a very old friend of mine and he was moving into a 
"senior living" space. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Nov 9, 2017, at 9:31 AM, Clay Autery  wrote:
> 
> JUST finished Level 1 of the CW Academy here.
> 
> I chose the Begali HST Mark II.  They've moved on to the Mark III now.
> They are expensive, but I have absolutely zero regrets.  I love, love, love, 
> my key.  Worth every cent I paid for it.
> 
> When I pass 25 wpm and hopefully gain entry to CW Ops, I will treat myself to 
> a Sculpture Mono... just because.  Frankly, I'll never NEED another key.
> 
> IF you are serious don't muck around.  Get a serious key. "Buy the best 
> tools you can afford, and only have to buy them once." -My Dad
> 
> I can't help you with the KX3 questions...  My K3s works just fine with a 
> single paddle.
> 
> 73,
> Clay, KY5G
> 
> 
>> On 11/09/17 08:14, JEROME SODUS wrote:
>> Hello,
>> 
>> 
>> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so have 
>> signed up to a course by CWops.
>> 
>> They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at 
>> 20-wpm.
>> 
>> 
>> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think that 
>> a single paddle might work best for me.
>> 
>> Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:
>> 
>> 1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
>> dual-paddle,
>> 
>> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.
>> 
>> 
>> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that the KXPD3 
>> is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed something?
>> 
>> 
>> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I presume a 
>> single-paddle).
>> 
>> In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
>> straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any had a 
>> paddle.
>> 
>> 
>> TIA for any reply.
>> 
>> 73 Jerry KM3K
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> Thi

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Don Wilhelm]

I do wish the K3/K3S/KX3/KX2 had Ultimatic mode.  I have asked Wayne 
many times if he would implement it.  In fact I bugged him about it for 
the K2 as well.  That way, I could use dual lever paddles.  The way it 
is right now, only Iambic (mode A or B) is available.


For those not familiar with Ultimatic mode, the way it works is that 
there are no alternating dots and dashes.  When you tap the dot paddle, 
a string of dots is sent (nothing different so far), same for the dash 
paddle.
But if you have the dot paddle closed and then close the dash paddle, a 
string of dashes will be sent (not alternating) - same if the dash 
paddle is closed and the dot paddle is then closed.

In other words, the last paddle closed takes precedence.

This allows for symbol insertion, and the paddle operation is just as 
efficient (or more so) than iambic.  I believe this was the mode used by 
one of the older electronic keyers - the W9TO keyer if I recall correctly.


I learned some bad habits using a bug - I used one side of the paddle to 
push off the activation of the other paddle side.  I just cannot seem to 
break that old learned behavior.


The K1EL series of keyers includes Ultimatic, although I now use a 
single lever paddle to achieve the same behavior.  With a single lever 
paddle, it is not possible to close both the dot and dash contacts.


If Wayne would implement Ultimatic mode, I could use the dual lever 
paddles attached to the KX3 and KX2, but as it is, I just send garbage 
because of the alternating dots and dashes.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/9/2017 6:35 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:



The KX3 has an Iambic keyer that can be

set either mode A or B [or Ultimatic, or bug mode I think]

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Grant Youngman]

I guess the easy way to send “cw perfection” is a keyboard.  Or an AccuKeyer 
(but that’s not the issue)

If you use a key of any kind, it’s virtually impossible not to make a mistake 
from time to time. Telling someone not to get on the air until their CW is 
“perfect” just keeps folks off the air. 

Now I’ll admit that there is a difference between slop and the ersatz mistake 
all of us make. But ... if I had been held to the “perfection” standard in 
1958, I’d have never gotten on the air and tried to make a contact ... and 
still wouldn’t have.

Grant NQ5T

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 9, 2017, at 4:26 PM, KENT TRIMBLE  wrote:
> 
> No, Ron, obsessing over sending perfect code is NOT like speaking languages 
> with an accent.
> 
> Perfect code remains the goal because it conveys the greatest chance of 100% 
> copy.
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Fred Jensen]

You are going to get a big bunch of replies, I see you already have 
quite a few, not all of which address your questions.  I'll try and do 
that, in 12 sections:


a.  Regular practice is necessary to send Morse code well, especially 
when learning.  The flavor of paddle, bug, or key doesn't matter.  Once 
it's in your head, it will be there for the rest of your life.  I was 
QRT in the mid-60's for 4 years while in SE Asia.  Once I came home and 
got back on the air, I was back to my normal in a month or so.


b.  The only difference between single-lever and dual-lever paddles 
[aside from the number of levers [:-) ] is that you can close both the 
dit and dah contacts at the same time on a dual-lever.  With an Iambic 
keyer [i.e. "squeezing], closing both will send di dah di dah di dah di 
..., or alternatively dah di dah di dah ..., depending on which side was 
closed first.  You can use a dual-lever paddle just like it was a 
single-lever paddle however -- I do and always have, and many other 
non-iambicized hams do too.


c.  I described Iambic-A above in (b).  Iambic-B allegedly arose from a 
logic misteak in a keyer chip.  Iambic-B will send a single element on 
it's own when the paddles are released.  If it is making a dit when 
released, the extra element will be a dah, and vice versa.  
Incidentally, all of today's keyers are self-completing ... they will 
always send correct length elements.  If you're sending a dah and 
release early, it will go ahead and complete the dah.


d.  It seems that whichever mode you learn on will become "your" mode.  
Once learned, most people have a hard time using the other mode, however 
I've never seen any empirical evidence that one mode has advantages over 
the other.  With either mode, there are about a half-dozen or so letters 
that you can complete with fewer finger movements using Iambic.  I've 
never seen the advantage, but some do and to each his own.


e.  Yes, the KXPD3 is a dual-lever paddle, however it can be operated as 
a single lever paddle as well.  The KX3 has an Iambic keyer that can be 
set either mode A or B [or Ultimatic, or bug mode I think]


f.  Yes, the KX3 and practically all radios on the market today have a 
KEY input.  It is a two-wire circuit, and when in CW mode, short the two 
wires and you transmit for as long as they are shorted.  This is also 
used with external keyers [WinKey, Microham, etc] where the external 
keyer forms the code elements from paddle input or ASCII characters from 
a computer.  The transmitter things it has a straight key in the KEY jack.


g.  Yes, for CWA, you will need to be able to send to yourself. You can 
put the KX3 into TEST mode.  It will act as if it's working normally, it 
just won't make any RF.


h.  While the KXPD3 is perfectly good for the KX3, it is very small.  
I'd recommend obtaining a larger paddle [single- or dual-lever, it 
doesn't matter] at a reasonable price while you're learning Morse.  The 
Bencher BY-1 is a very good choice, you can find them in several 
finishes on eBay, eHam, and at swap meets.  I have 2, one black base and 
one chrome.  Last time I noticed, they were in the $40-50 range.  The 
Hexkey [also by bencher] is a somewhat more expensive choice, Elecraft 
used to sell them, they may still.


i.  "Normally," paddles are configured with dahs on the finger(s) and 
dits on the thumb, however there is exactly zero magic in that, it's a 
holdover from the pre-keyer days with mechanical bugs.  You could get a 
"left-handed bug" but they were special-order and very pricey.    Nearly 
every keyer today allows you to "invert" that connection with a menu or 
control character.


j.  There is one advantage to configuring your paddle in the "normal" 
manner ... that's how most stations are configured and if you are a 
guest op, it will be right for you.


k.  A lot of left-handed hams learned to send [and subsequently paddle] 
right-handed because in the olden days, keeping a log was a Really Big 
Deal.  Send right, write left.  Strangely, almost no right-handers 
learned to paddle left.  I'm a lefty, I learned to send right, but when 
logs ceased to be an RBD, I put a second paddle on the left which I tend 
to use in casual QSO's.  You can do whatever works for you and you're 
guaranteed to be "right." Being able to paddle right-handed is an 
advantage if you ever are a guest op too.


l.  I don't know your age but a combination of injuries to my hands in 
my 20's, a genetic condition [poor choice of Dad], and an accumulation 
of birthdays took a toll on my ability to send at 35 even though I could 
copy it.  I finally purchased an N3ZN single-lever as a fairly expensive 
experiment.  Fortunately, I find the combination of single lever AND 
very precise engineering and design of the ZN paddle has brought my 
reliable sending speed up to 25 or a little more.


I notice that you've gotten several replies that assert [I'm 
paraphrasing]: "You should never transmit Morse until 

Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[KENT TRIMBLE]

No, Ron, obsessing over sending perfect code is NOT like speaking 
languages with an accent.


Perfect code remains the goal because it conveys the greatest chance of 
100% copy.


My post was not directed to beginners but to any CW operator so 
confident of his fist that he refuses to find out what the guy on the 
other end is hearing.


For the last ten years I have taught as many as three Morse Code classes 
every Saturday morning and have insisted that for code purposes the 
mantra is, "there are 27 characters in the English alphabet, the 27th is 
a space, and that 27th is the hardest to learn."


The most important CW feature on Elecraft products is the decoder.  Not 
for copying code, but for copying sending.  When used, one quickly 
realizes he's not the hot-shot code man he thought he was.  FISTS 
members suddenly tumble to the fact that all these years they've been 
sending "CQ FISB" instead of "CQ FISTS."  The first week I played with 
my K3, I was taken aback by how many times I was sending "CQ DEK9ZTV."


It's not the end-of-the world either way, but if Morse is worth 
preserving, is it not worth preserving correctly?


73,

Kent  K9ZTV



On 11/9/2017 3:03 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

With respect, obsessing over perfect code is like demanding that no one speak 
your favorite language without an accent of any sort.

It's easy to do. Use a keyboard with pre-stored messages.

But many of us prefer non-canned messages even if they involve some oddities in 
the sending.

I've encountered far more nearly-impossible or impossible to copy fists from 
commercial operators aboard ships than I've heard on the Ham bands.

I certainly would never want to deter someone learning Morse from using it on 
the air, even if the best they can do is a roughly sent Name-RST-QTH-73 QSO. 
That was the whole point of the Novice licenses: we learn faster with 
real-world experience on the air.

I'm always ready to drop down to whatever speed the other station is sending to help a 
new CW operator get "his feet wet" and have fun.

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Dave Sublette; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.

There's precious little of it out there.

What device is used to send it is irrelevant.

Dave is right on all points.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

With respect, obsessing over perfect code is like demanding that no one speak 
your favorite language without an accent of any sort. 

It's easy to do. Use a keyboard with pre-stored messages. 

But many of us prefer non-canned messages even if they involve some oddities in 
the sending. 

I've encountered far more nearly-impossible or impossible to copy fists from 
commercial operators aboard ships than I've heard on the Ham bands. 

I certainly would never want to deter someone learning Morse from using it on 
the air, even if the best they can do is a roughly sent Name-RST-QTH-73 QSO. 
That was the whole point of the Novice licenses: we learn faster with 
real-world experience on the air. 

I'm always ready to drop down to whatever speed the other station is sending to 
help a new CW operator get "his feet wet" and have fun.

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KENT TRIMBLE
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Dave Sublette; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.

There's precious little of it out there.

What device is used to send it is irrelevant.

Dave is right on all points.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV


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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[KENT TRIMBLE]

What we DO need to obsess over is sending perfect code.

There's precious little of it out there.

What device is used to send it is irrelevant.

Dave is right on all points.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV



On 11/9/2017 11:43 AM, Dave Sublette wrote:

Don’t obsess over which paddle is best for you.  Which ever system you choose, it 
will take hours and hours of off the air practice before you "should” put it on 
the air.  Which ever system you start with, you will learn to love and prefer — if 
you get that far.

I use iambic B and a dual paddle, but don’t often use the squeeze feature.  If 
you start with this, as others have pointed out, you don’t have to squeeze.  My 
opinion is (and it is just an opinion) by starting with the dual paddle, Iambic 
B, you give yourself the most options to expand or change methods.

It is mostly timing and getting your internal “clock” to a place where you make 
proper, readable communication using Morse.  An automatic keyer doesn’t do this 
for you.  I hear plenty of people using keys who don’t send code that is 
comfortable to copy.

Pick something and start practicing.  You will never master it until you start.

73,

Dave, K4TO



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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Jim Brown]

On 11/9/2017 6:14 AM, JEROME SODUS wrote:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.


I started out around 1956 with a bug given to me by a cousin who had 
been in the Navy. Sometime in the mid-60s, I switched cold turkey to a 
keyer. Don't remember what I used for a paddle, but if it wasn't a 
Bencher BY-1, I soon gravitated to one. I now own 3-4 of them, all 
bought used from the great auction site. My fingers/brain learned to use 
a paddle before Iambic keyers had been invented, and I've never tried to 
change that.


Several years ago, I bought a used Begali gold paddle, don't know the 
model number. It cost as much as I paid for three of the used Benchers, 
and I find that my fingers/brain send better CW with the Benchers. All 
are dual-lever paddles.


BTW -- the cheapest way to buy a BY-1 is to buy a used MFJ keyer that 
has a BY-1 mechanically integrated with the keyer's electronics, remove 
the electronics and throw it away. :) One of my Benchers came that way.


One of my contesting buddies brings his N3ZN paddle to our contesting 
setups. It's a very nice paddle.


Why do I own so many paddles? In the shack, one is connected to a 
WinKey, which my logging software toggles between two radios. Each K3 
has a paddle attached so that I can program the memories. In our 
multi-station contesting trailer, the computer sends the programmed 
messages and the paddle sends fills.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Eric J]

This article answers the iambic question. Humorous and instructive:

http://www.morsex.com/pubs/iambicmyth.pdf

It's a fun skill, but saving nano-calories of effort is questionable for the 
majority of QSOs.

You can use either a single paddle or dual paddle without using the squeeze 
method. I wouldn't even try learning it until I was competent with a paddle 
without it. Once you are competent with any paddle, you will find it takes 
little effort to become accustomed to another. In fact, you will be surprised 
at how easily you can send either right to left handed or vice versa with 
little practice.

And once you're competent with a paddle, a week or so of practice and you can 
handle a bug. A bug isn't more difficult. It's just asymmetrical which takes 
some retraining. Once you are competent with that, you can handle just about 
anything you want to play with interchangeably.

I have more than a dozen different straight keys, bugs and paddles which I 
quick-change frequently. Sometimes during a QSO.

Sort of OT: The W6SFM Bug Roundup is Nov 17-19, next weekend. Its a bug-only 
version of Straight Key Night. I'll be there with my Drake 2B, Viking Ranger 
and homebrew left-handed bug (photo on QRZ.com).

Eric KE6US



On 11/9/2017 6:14 AM, JEROME SODUS wrote:

Hello,


I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so have signed 
up to a course by CWops.

They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at 20-wpm.


Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think that a 
single paddle might work best for me.

Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.


In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that the KXPD3 is 
capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed something?


I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I presume a 
single-paddle).

In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any had a paddle.


TIA for any reply.

73 Jerry KM3K
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

After more than 50 years "pounding brass", mostly with either a bug 
(semi-automatic) key or paddles I still make time for practice sessions - 
especially if I've been off the air for a while. My favorite is to send names, 
addresses and numbers from a telephone book (they are getting rare, but still 
around) with the goal of getting through one full page without a flub. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dave Sublette
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2017 9:43 AM
To: kd8...@aol.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; jso...@comcast.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

Jerry,

Don’t obsess over which paddle is best for you.  Which ever system you choose, 
it will take hours and hours of off the air practice before you "should” put it 
on the air.  Which ever system you start with, you will learn to love and 
prefer — if you get that far.

I use iambic B and a dual paddle, but don’t often use the squeeze feature.  If 
you start with this, as others have pointed out, you don’t have to squeeze.  My 
opinion is (and it is just an opinion) by starting with the dual paddle, Iambic 
B, you give yourself the most options to expand or change methods.  

It is mostly timing and getting your internal “clock” to a place where you make 
proper, readable communication using Morse.  An automatic keyer doesn’t do this 
for you.  I hear plenty of people using keys who don’t send code that is 
comfortable to copy.

Pick something and start practicing.  You will never master it until you start.

73,

Dave, K4TO 
> On Nov 9, 2017, at 11:36 AM, Mike via Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 
> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jerry,
> 
> I made the decision to use a single lever paddle and not learn the 
> "squeeze" technique needed to run a dual lever paddle. Several reasons:
> 
> The truly high speed guys use single lever paddles--they feel they 
> make fewer mistakes with the single lever.
> 
> If you learn the single lever technique you can use a dual lever 
> paddle and just not "squeeze"
> 
> The dual lever technique doesn't save that much time.
> 
> I think that a lot of the impetus to a dual lever is "CQ", both 
> letters are "squeeze" letters and if you are sending it a lot it is 
> easier to send repeated  CQ's with a dual lever paddle.
> 
> I think regular practice is needed with both single an dual lever  paddles.
> 
> I am fond of my Begali Sculpture single lever, along with my Tony 
> Baleno single lever.
> 
> If you go single lever, if you occasionally use a dual lever paddle 
> you will be happier with minimal space between the paddles; it's 
> closer to the distance your fingers need to move for the single lever.  
> Begali's Magnum  has
> a very narrow space and I use it as well as my Sculpture single lever.   
> Tony Baleno of N3ZN keys will make a dual lever with what ever spacing 
> between the paddles you want.
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> 73
> 
> Mike KD8RQE
> 
> 
> In a message dated 11/9/2017 9:31:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
> jso...@comcast.net writes:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a  "know-code-ham" and so 
> have signed up to a course by CWops.
> 
> They  require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done 
> at 20-wpm.
> 
> 
> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that  effort, I 
> think that a single paddle might work best for me.
> 
> Here are  the negative items which helped form that opinion:
> 
> 1. a comment that  regular practice is needed to maintain competence 
> with a dual-paddle,
> 
> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically  complicated.
> 
> 
> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it  seems to me that 
> the
> KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I  missed something?
> 
> 
> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an  external key (I 
> presume a single-paddle).
> 
> In the past, I recall seeing  photos of hams working KX3-portable with 
> a straight-key but, at those times, I  did not pay attention if any had a 
> paddle.
> 
> 
> TIA for any  reply.
> 
> 73 Jerry  KM3K
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Mark Petiford via Elecraft]

 Jerome,
I'm not sure why anyone would go through the process of learning to send CW and 
do it "single paddle".  Every radio in production supports one, or both, Iambic 
modes, and they are actually easier to LEARN than they are to UNDERSTAND!  Here 
is my 2-cents worth:

1.  The best method of sending will be the one you learn first.  This is true 
of MOST things we learn.  That doesn't mean you can't learn a second method 
later, but USUALLY the first method will come back to you the easiest.

2.  Reading about the differences in Iambic keying is far more complex than 
slowing the keyer down and listening to what happens.  Slow down to around 
10wpm, hold one paddle down and tap the other to learn how dit or dah insertion 
works and sounds.  Hold both paddles down and listen to what happens when you 
release them.  Play with it, but do it at slow speed so you can hear it.  I am 
NOT talking about learning characters yet.  That should happen at much faster 
speeds, and after you know what the paddles do to make dots and dashes at the 
right times.  After playing with this for as long as you need, speed it up a 
bit and play some more.  Eventually you can work up to the speed CW Ops 
recommends for learning the characters.

3.  Stop trying to decide between Iambic A and B based on the analysis of what 
they do or how many paddle movements are required.  You can listen to the 
differences as I have outlined in 2 above, but simply PICK ONE.  I happen to 
like Iambic B because I learned on a homebrew AccuKeyer which died years ago.  
I can switch to Iambic A with a few minutes of practice, but I prefer Iambic B 
simply because it doesn't seem to be as sensitive to paddle release after 
holding both paddles closed in the letter C.  Oops, there I go with too much 
analysis!

4.  Dual paddles can be used as a single paddle.  I suspect most of the single 
paddle operatiors were extensive bug users first (again, first learned is the 
easiest), but I couldn't afford a bug, so I learned Iambic B.  I find that 
transitioning from Iambic B to single paddle is easy.  I do that when necessary 
at events like Field Day.

5.  No more maintenance is required for dual paddle modes than for any other 
mode.  It all depends on what you learned first and what you use the most.  In 
aviation, a pilot's total flight time is important, but accident reports 
indicate that recent experience is also important.  Look at the aviation 
regulations for recent experience and you will see what I mean.  Same for CW.

Well, I went over 2 cents worth!

Mark
KE6BB


On Thursday, November 9, 2017, 6:32:28 AM PST, JEROME SODUS 
 wrote:  
 
 
Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think that a 
single paddle might work best for me.

Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.

  
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Dave Sublette]

Jerry,

Don’t obsess over which paddle is best for you.  Which ever system you choose, 
it will take hours and hours of off the air practice before you "should” put it 
on the air.  Which ever system you start with, you will learn to love and 
prefer — if you get that far.

I use iambic B and a dual paddle, but don’t often use the squeeze feature.  If 
you start with this, as others have pointed out, you don’t have to squeeze.  My 
opinion is (and it is just an opinion) by starting with the dual paddle, Iambic 
B, you give yourself the most options to expand or change methods.  

It is mostly timing and getting your internal “clock” to a place where you make 
proper, readable communication using Morse.  An automatic keyer doesn’t do this 
for you.  I hear plenty of people using keys who don’t send code that is 
comfortable to copy.

Pick something and start practicing.  You will never master it until you start.

73,

Dave, K4TO 
> On Nov 9, 2017, at 11:36 AM, Mike via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jerry,
> 
> I made the decision to use a single lever paddle and not learn the  
> "squeeze" technique needed to run a dual lever paddle. Several reasons:
> 
> The truly high speed guys use single lever paddles--they feel they make  
> fewer mistakes with the single lever.
> 
> If you learn the single lever technique you can use a dual lever paddle and 
> just not "squeeze"
> 
> The dual lever technique doesn't save that much time.
> 
> I think that a lot of the impetus to a dual lever is "CQ", both letters are 
> "squeeze" letters and if you are sending it a lot it is easier to send 
> repeated  CQ's with a dual lever paddle.
> 
> I think regular practice is needed with both single an dual lever  paddles.
> 
> I am fond of my Begali Sculpture single lever, along with my Tony Baleno  
> single lever.
> 
> If you go single lever, if you occasionally use a dual lever paddle you  
> will be happier with minimal space between the paddles; it's closer to the  
> distance your fingers need to move for the single lever.  Begali's Magnum  
> has 
> a very narrow space and I use it as well as my Sculpture single lever.   
> Tony Baleno of N3ZN keys will make a dual lever with what ever spacing 
> between 
> the paddles you want.
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> 73
> 
> Mike KD8RQE
> 
> 
> In a message dated 11/9/2017 9:31:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
> jso...@comcast.net writes:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a  "know-code-ham" and so have 
> signed up to a course by CWops.
> 
> They  require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at  
> 20-wpm.
> 
> 
> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that  effort, I think 
> that a single paddle might work best for me.
> 
> Here are  the negative items which helped form that opinion:
> 
> 1. a comment that  regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
> dual-paddle,
> 
> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically  complicated.
> 
> 
> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it  seems to me that the 
> KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I  missed something?
> 
> 
> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an  external key (I presume 
> a single-paddle).
> 
> In the past, I recall seeing  photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
> straight-key but, at those times, I  did not pay attention if any had a 
> paddle.
> 
> 
> TIA for any  reply.
> 
> 73 Jerry  KM3K
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Gary Smith]

Jerry,

I learned on a Navy key and when I got my 
license, Iambic was a new thing but those 
who used it, swore by it. There were a few 
interfaces that used what I think was a 
Curtis 8044 IC and it was a fantastic chip 
to learn Iambic with. I had a "Ham Keyer" 
which used it and later made my own using 
this chip. It had two settings for Iambic 
and one seemed more natural than the other 
so I stuck with it. 

I then bought a (at the time) new Corsair 
II from TenTec which had a keyer built in 
for Iambic but I never liked the way it 
felt or operated so I stuck with that 
Curtis chip. When I bought the K3 kit & 
checked out the built-in Iambic option and 
it was exactly what I had come to love all 
along so the Curtis is now on the shelf 
beside the Corsair for when I'll fire that 
up again in the future. FWIW, the K3s has 
that same functionality and I'm guessing 
the other Elecraft rigs have the same as 
well.

Iambic is efficient, it requires I think, 
less motions to accomplish the same 
character and it flows like water with 
such little effort. I also use a Begali 
Sculpture but I started with a Bencher 
Iambic paddle, moved to a Vibroplex Iambic 
and finally to the Begali. The original 
Bencher came apart easily and always when 
I was excited and I had to put it back 
together (easy to do but not an elegant 
thing). Maybe they've attended to this 
flaw by now? The Vibroplex worked very 
well but seemed to require occasional 
attention and could have been heavier to 
stay in place during my moments of 
exuberance. I ordered the Begali maybe 3 
years ago and never have had to touch it. 
I'm sure the other Iambic paddles made by 
hand are just as good. I will likely keep 
this one for what time I have left.

As the Iambic from the rig is spaced 
perfectly as regards timing, it is a 
perfect teacher as to how to send well. 
Set your speed, go into the test mode so 
you don't transmit and practice with 
headphones to your heart's content. You 
will find it intuitive and what you will 
need to focus on is not running your 
characters and words together as it is so 
easy to send, you forget the point of 
error is you and your not sending with the 
proper gaps between characters and words.

The way to best do this on the K3/K3s is 
to go to test mode! Now push the TEXT DEC 
on the front panel for decoding CW, select 
the TX ONLY option and you can read what 
you're sending on the LCD and this will 
help you get your character spacing and 
word spacing down just right.

Lastly, I'm sure that whatever key you 
get, you'll learn how to be comfortable 
with it. For me, & me being a musician, 
the timing is everything and again, for 
me... Iambic was the easiest way to do it 
right with the least effort.

73,

Gary
KA1J

 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so have
> signed up to a course by CWops.
> 
> They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done
> at 20-wpm.
> 
> 
> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think
> that a single paddle might work best for me.
> 
> Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:
> 
> 1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence
> with a dual-paddle,
> 
> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.
> 
> 
> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that the
> KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed
> something?
> 
> 
> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I
> presume a single-paddle).
> 
> In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with
> a straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any had
> a paddle.
> 
> 
> TIA for any reply.
> 
> 73 Jerry KM3K
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> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> 



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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Mike via Elecraft]

Hi Jerry,
 
I made the decision to use a single lever paddle and not learn the  
"squeeze" technique needed to run a dual lever paddle. Several reasons:
 
The truly high speed guys use single lever paddles--they feel they make  
fewer mistakes with the single lever.
 
If you learn the single lever technique you can use a dual lever paddle and 
 just not "squeeze"
 
The dual lever technique doesn't save that much time.
 
I think that a lot of the impetus to a dual lever is "CQ", both letters are 
 "squeeze" letters and if you are sending it a lot it is easier to send 
repeated  CQ's with a dual lever paddle.
 
I think regular practice is needed with both single an dual lever  paddles.
 
I am fond of my Begali Sculpture single lever, along with my Tony Baleno  
single lever.
 
If you go single lever, if you occasionally use a dual lever paddle you  
will be happier with minimal space between the paddles; it's closer to the  
distance your fingers need to move for the single lever.  Begali's Magnum  has 
a very narrow space and I use it as well as my Sculpture single lever.   
Tony Baleno of N3ZN keys will make a dual lever with what ever spacing between 
 the paddles you want.
 
Hope this helps.
 
73
 
Mike KD8RQE
 
 
In a message dated 11/9/2017 9:31:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
jso...@comcast.net writes:

Hello,


I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a  "know-code-ham" and so have 
signed up to a course by CWops.

They  require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at  
20-wpm.


Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that  effort, I think 
that a single paddle might work best for me.

Here are  the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that  regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
 dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically  complicated.


In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it  seems to me that the 
KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I  missed something?


I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an  external key (I presume 
a single-paddle).

In the past, I recall seeing  photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
straight-key but, at those times, I  did not pay attention if any had a paddle.


TIA for any  reply.

73 Jerry  KM3K
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[rich hurd WC3T]

Victor brings up an advantage of using a dual paddle; if at some point in
the future, you want to use an iambic keying method, using a dual paddle
would afford you that capability with the initial spend.

If you never do iambic, it's only a small incremental cost between a single
and a dual lever paddle that you'll probably never miss.

He's sort of talking me into reconsidering my single lever paddle
purchase.   :)

---
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
PA Army MARS, Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer
for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*


On Thu, Nov 9, 2017 at 9:33 AM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP 
wrote:

> Jerry,
>
> A real single paddle is nice, but you can still send non-iambically with
> a dual paddle. Just don't squeeze it. You make a 'C' with four back and
> forth motions instead of a squeeze.
>
> The connections to the rig for a single or dual paddle are the same. The
> only difference is in the mechanical design of the paddle. A single paddle
> cannot close both dit and dah contacts at the same time. With a dual
> paddle, you can -- but you don't need to.
>
> 73,
> Victor, 4X6GP
> Rehovot, Israel
> Formerly K2VCO
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
> CWA Adviser
>
>
> On 9 Nov 2017 16:14, JEROME SODUS wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>>
>> I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so
>> have signed up to a course by CWops.
>>
>> They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done
>> at 20-wpm.
>>
>>
>> Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I
>> think that a single paddle might work best for me.
>>
>> Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:
>>
>> 1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence
>> with a dual-paddle,
>>
>> 2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.
>>
>>
>> In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that
>> the KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed
>> something?
>>
>>
>> I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I
>> presume a single-paddle).
>>
>> In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with
>> a straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any
>> had a paddle.
>>
>>
>> TIA for any reply.
>>
>> 73 Jerry KM3K
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

Jerry,

A real single paddle is nice, but you can still send non-iambically with
a dual paddle. Just don't squeeze it. You make a 'C' with four back and
forth motions instead of a squeeze.

The connections to the rig for a single or dual paddle are the same. The 
only difference is in the mechanical design of the paddle. A single 
paddle cannot close both dit and dah contacts at the same time. With a 
dual paddle, you can -- but you don't need to.


73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
CWA Adviser

On 9 Nov 2017 16:14, JEROME SODUS wrote:

Hello,


I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so
have signed up to a course by CWops.

They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done
at 20-wpm.


Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I
think that a single paddle might work best for me.

Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence
with a dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.


In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that
the KXPD3 is capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed
something?


I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I
presume a single-paddle).

In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with
a straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any
had a paddle.


TIA for any reply.

73 Jerry KM3K 

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Re: [Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[Clay Autery]

JUST finished Level 1 of the CW Academy here.

I chose the Begali HST Mark II.  They've moved on to the Mark III now.
They are expensive, but I have absolutely zero regrets.  I love, love, 
love, my key.  Worth every cent I paid for it.


When I pass 25 wpm and hopefully gain entry to CW Ops, I will treat 
myself to a Sculpture Mono... just because.  Frankly, I'll never NEED 
another key.


IF you are serious don't muck around.  Get a serious key. "Buy the 
best tools you can afford, and only have to buy them once." -My Dad


I can't help you with the KX3 questions...  My K3s works just fine with 
a single paddle.


73,
Clay, KY5G


On 11/09/17 08:14, JEROME SODUS wrote:

Hello,


I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so have signed 
up to a course by CWops.

They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at 20-wpm.


Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think that a 
single paddle might work best for me.

Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.


In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that the KXPD3 is 
capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed something?


I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I presume a 
single-paddle).

In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any had a paddle.


TIA for any reply.

73 Jerry KM3K
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[Elecraft] kxpd3 question

[JEROME SODUS]

Hello,


I'm a "no-code-ham" determined to become a "know-code-ham" and so have signed 
up to a course by CWops.

They require a paddle for sending practice since lessons will be done at 20-wpm.


Having researched the topic of 'paddles' and from that effort, I think that a 
single paddle might work best for me.

Here are the negative items which helped form that opinion:

1. a comment that regular practice is needed to maintain competence with a 
dual-paddle,

2. iambic-a or iambic-b just seem physically complicated.


In reading my KX3-manual and Fred-KE7X's book, it seems to me that the KXPD3 is 
capable of only dual-paddle operating. Or have I missed something?


I understand that my KX3 has a second port for an external key (I presume a 
single-paddle).

In the past, I recall seeing photos of hams working KX3-portable with a 
straight-key but, at those times, I did not pay attention if any had a paddle.


TIA for any reply.

73 Jerry KM3K
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