[CW] ELBOW ROOM

[Donald Chester]

I had the same problem.  I simply shelved all the keys I don't regularly 
use, leaving only one, a vintage Vibroplex bug, on the operating desk.  Even 
so, it sometimes gets in the way, and I am always having to be careful not 
to bump into it and knock off the bakelite finger paddle. Extra keys on the 
desk make too much clutter.  I suggest you get in the habit of using one 
favourite key and shelve all the rest.

Another problem is that stuff accumulates on the operating desk, despite my 
best efforts to "organise". I solved the microphone problem by using a boom 
that suspends the mic at about eye level, and allows it to be moved out of 
the way when not in use.  I believe a desk microphone stand with attached 
PTT switch is absolutely the worst possible arrangement imaginable for phone 
operation.  My manual T/R switch is on the end of an old spiral microphone 
cord, and I keep it in my lap or elsewhere within easy reach but out of the 
way, whether operating phone or CW. Nevertheless, I have extreme difficulty 
keeping things like a notepad and pencil and my little electronic card file, 
where I can instantly put my hands on them when I need them.  Just as nature 
abhors a vacuum, nature also abhors a flat surface.

Sometimes this gets very frustrating.  If I ever give up ham radio entirely, 
it won't be because of dumbed down standards, poor operating practices, 
idiotic FCC rules or no-code; it will be because one of these days I am 
going to become fed up with having look for everything I own before I can 
use it, every single time.

Don K4KYV

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