[CW] Types of Keys

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

You are correct - that's what we call that type of key here in the USA.

Fully Manual keys would be:  Straight key, and Double Speed Key (cootie) -
as all code sending is done by hand.  The straight key is also called an "up
and downer" and other names like "axe" (pioche) in France! This - of
course - was the original way of sending!

Semi-automatic keys would be what we call "bugs" - like the Vibroplex,
McElroy, Hi-Mound, GHD and other makers types that have a vibrator which
makes the dots.  There are other keys that were semi-automatic which had
clockworks to make dots.  These would also be semi-automatic because you
still had to make the dashes manually.  Also in this category would be the
"el bug" or electronic bug which uses electronic timing for the dots and
manual dashes.

Automatic keys - would be those like the  Melehan Valiant, Hitchcock
Automorse, Simplex Deluxe Autobug, and the GHD GD907WS "fully automatic bug"
(current production),  type of keys, and all paddle and electric/electronic
keyer combinations that make dots and dashes.

There are still more keying devices - like the dual straight key wired as an
dual electronic paddle - where does this go?  Some people say that this is
the best way to send high speed morse.  However it is a radical idea that
hasn't been financially successful, even though several manufacturers have
tried.  For what it is worth - one of the BEST operators I've ever known -
the late Barney Norris (FN) who sent for hours on two J-38's mounted next to
each other (that is, NOT back to back, but just like two keys side by side.)

Finally, there is a keyboard, or tape machine, or computer - all sending
automatic code by a "letter press" of a key on a keyboard.

One last word - the word "keyer" was originally a word for ANY device that
was intermediary between a telegraph key and a transmitter.  Thus a vacuum
tube whose purpose was to key the high voltage, high current of the cathode
or primary winding of the plate transformer was called a "keyer", as were
relays that did the same job.  Later when a electronic unit was inserted
between the telegraph key and the transmitter, it was called the same:  a
keyer because its job was to key the transmitter "for" the telegraph key.

73

David Ring, N1EA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Harriman" <kc5gxl@sbcglobal.net>
To: <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 3:59 PM
Subject: Re: [CW] Bugs on SKN ??


> Heh,
>
>   I just thought that 'straight key' meant just that-straight key.
> You know, the kind of key where you push down on the button
> for a certain amount of time and a continuous wave would eminate.
> To make the dits and the dahs, you hold the button down either
> 1/3 as long or 3 times as long to make intelligible code.
>
> Happy New Year
>
> 73,
>
> Dan Harriman
> Orange, Texas
>
>
>
> At 08:42 12/31/2003, you wrote:
>
> > From another list I saw this post :
>
>...........................................................................
...
> >...........................
> >So break out your straight key, sideswiper and / or Bug and make a few
> >contacts.
> >
> >Yes I did say Bug. I checked last year with the ARRL Contest Bureau
> >and for the purposes of SKN a Bug is considered a straight key.
> >
> >The objective is for participants to use traditional manual or
> >semi-automatic
> >mechanical keying instruments as opposed to electronic keyers or
> >keyboards
> >so Bugs are within the "Spirit" of the event.
>
>...........................................................................
...
> >..................
> >
> >I wonder what is the consensus on this ?
> >Are bugs welcome on SKN ?
> >
> >                                   gl   jim  N5KY
>
> .
>
> If at first you don't succeed, maybe you shouldn't try sky diving!
>
> dit dit
>
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