[CW] Sideswipers

Wed, 07 Aug 2002 11:03:24 -0400

Mike,
I had not really paid any mind to what I do during a sequence of
characters....I guess the only thing I really noticed was the very first
character.  Upon investigation just now, I find that I do the 3rd
option, but begining a transmission/new word using the second method.  I
have my paddle (Kent single lever) which is hooked to my AEA MM3 keyer,
by Speed-X bug (bought when I was 15), my Hymound straight key and my
Bunnell sideswiper all hooked up and on the desk.  I am fortunate that I
can switch from one to the other and not miss a dit.  Not sure how I
came about being able to do that, but maybe just pure stupid luck.

Catch you on the bands for a "cootie chew" sometime.

Tony, W4FOA

Mike Hyder -N4NT- wrote:
> 
> 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