[CW] Sideswipers

[Mike Hyder -N4NT-]

Good morning--

Sideswipers are nifty, but using them is normally not done as you describe.
Jerry Bartachek has an article on the web on their correct use.  There are
other methods, but when I started using one I asked the best ops I could
find and all but a couple used the key as Bartachek describes.  The ones who
didn't said they wished they had learned it that way.

His article is at http://www.mtechnologies.com/cootie.htm  Note that the
most important thing is to begin each character with the fingers and never
the thumb.  Then alternate back and forth until the character is done.

73, Mike N4NT

----- Original Message -----
From: "Anderson Radioactivity" <ke6wyb@hotmail.com>
To: <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 1:44 AM
Subject: [CW] Sideswipers


> OM & YL's,
>
> Hi.  A quick rundown on me, and then a new thread for everyone's input.
> I've been a no code for five years.  I'm 43.  I've failed the 5WPM several
> times.  I'm determined to work CW, as I'm attracted by it's ability to
"get
> through", and I'm just intrigued by it.
>
> I do have a fairly severe case of dyslexia, eg: I've re-edited this post
> more than once to correct errors.  I have been told by several VE's that
if
> I did want to work voice, or data (yuck), I'm eligible for a medical
> exemption.  I DO NOT want to go that route.
>
> When I pass, and get on the air, practice making perfect I believe, I'm
> seriously thinking about a sideswiper.  I don't like the feel of iambic,
and
> honestly not a straight key either.  What feels natural to me is a dit
left,
> dah right movement, timing by my touch.  CQ then, would be left, right,
> left, right  pause  left, left, right, left rocking motion with the right
> hand.  I'm left handed, but the keys just feel better in the right.  It
> might be nice to have the pencil in the left hand for me too.
>
> What dop you all think??  Also, anyone got any good plans for a homebrew
> cootie??  I've seen the Spanish and the WhiteRook, but I'd kind of like to
> make one that's EXACTLY what I want.  Gotta be more comfortable.
>
> Thanks for the inputs and opinions.
>
> 73, DW, KE6WYB, SHASTA COUNTY, CA, USA, CN80
>
>    Trust in the Lord with all your heart,><>
>    <><And lean not on your own understanding
>       <><Proverbs 3:5><>