[CW] Sideswipers

[Tony Martin]

Whoooooa there Mike,
Surely you don't think you could make a comment without a certain amount
of disagreement...now did you?   8-)

I am a "self taught" cootie user (I'm fortunate enough to have a couple
of Bunnell sideswipers).  Took me several months to get to where I was
comfortable enough to get on the air with the cootie.  While it is NOT,
repeat NOT, a big issue, I wanted to point out that I learned (taught)
myself to begin the character with the finger/thumb I normally would if
using a paddle or bug.  I'm not sure why you or the other fellow stress
always beginning with the index finger.  In all honesty, it seems it
would be less confusing if you were to begin each character as you would
with the bug or paddle.  I'm sure there must be some reason for
stressing using the index finger, but I honestly can't see it.

It would be interesting to hear from other "self taught" (not using any
reference material while learning) cootie users.  For anyone that is
thinking about making or buying a sideswiper/cootie, I can only tell you
it is great fun...FRUSTRATING to learn but well worth the effort.  When
I get on the air with mine, and if CQing, I think it reminds me of
fishing....if you are using "crank bait" or "plugs" you are most likely
looking for bass, or if "fly fishing" you are probably looking for
trout/bream, or "dough balls/worms" fishing for Mr. Catfish.  Well,
CQing with a cootie is similar....often I am answered by another
cootie...makes for a wonderful/fun QSO.  Give it a try if you are so
inclined....you might just find some of us around 14099 or 10134...73

Tony, W4FOA
Chickamauga, GA
K2 #2213
CFO 550



Mike Hyder -N4NT- wrote:
> 
> 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><>
> 
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