[CW] Sideswipers

Wed, 7 Aug 2002 10:52:18 -0400

Hope to hear you and your Cootie on the bands, Tony.  When Hack made the
first Cootie for me, I began an investigation by asking every Cootie
operator I could find for advice on how to use it.  I wanted to learn it
'right.'

I found there were three methods employed:
1.  Beginning every character with the fingers as Bartachek and I do.
2.  Beginning every character on the same side as one would do on a bug.
3.  Beginning a character either way and then beginning the following
character on the opposite side from the side the last character ended with.
The fellow who used this method said it gave 'balanced code', but I couldn't
do it!  Every time I hit a new character, I had to THINK about how the last
one ended -- I don't do thinking very well.

Everybody I asked told me they either used the first method or wished they
had learned it that way with the exception of one Canadian who swore the
third method was best.  The first two methods were preferable to me over the
third one because with each of the first two there is one discrete set of
motions for each character.  That means that my mind and body can become
conditioned to send without having to think of the mechanics of it.

But, following the advice of the old timers, I chose the first method.  I
did it because I deferred to their experiences AND because I thought that
sending that way on the Cootie would be so very different from sending with
a bug or keyer that I could then switch between all the keys without so much
confusion.  For me that worked.

So, send as you will.  Anybody who takes the considerable time and effort
that it took me to learn to send with a Cootie has my respect, regardless of
the method they employ.

73, Mike N4NT (often QSX 7020.3 kHz)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Martin" <[email protected]>
To: "Mike Hyder -N4NT-" <[email protected]>
Cc: "Anderson Radioactivity" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 10:30 AM
Subject: Re: [CW] Sideswipers

> 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" <[email protected]>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > 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><>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > CW mailing list
> > [email protected]
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/cw