[CW] Even more cootie stuff...

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

I think the reason for starting with the fingers is very subtle.  When we
grasp something, we use the fingers.  For this reason, I start every
transmission with a finger grasp.

I think - especially with higher speeds - that starting each character with
the same motion as using a bug (or keyer) is bad form for this reason:  You
loose your rhythm.

Let's start by showing how to send the callsign N1EAE - which has an
arrangement which causes the call to be sent on different sides when it is
repeated.

I am right handed, so I will handle the cootie with my right hand.  My
finger grasp will be called R for Right sided grasp:

N1EAE

DAH    R    FINGERS
DIT       L    THUMB

DIT       R    FINGERS
DAH     L    THUMB
DAH     R    FINGERS
DAH     L    THUMB
DAH     R    FINGERS

DIT        L    THUMB

DIT        R    FINGERS
DAH      L    THUMB

DIT        R    FINGERS

Now we continue the LR motion, but the next element to be sent is the DASH
of the N but this time it will be sent on the THUMB side of the key.

DAH    L    THUMB
DIT       R    FINGERS

DIT       L    THUMB
DAH     R    FINGERS
DAH     L    THUMB
DAH     R    FINGERS
DAH     L    THUMB

DIT        R    FINGERS

DIT        L    THUMB
DAH      R    FINGERS

DIT        L    THUMB

This makes sending on the Cootie very much easier, because all the attention
is just spent on making the LR motion - and that is the important thing -
especially as speed increases.

I get confused if I were to start "all dot starting letters on the THUMB
side" and "all dash starting letters on the FINGER starting side" - too much
thinking and decision making - and what happens (invariably) is that I make
an error in sending.

A variation on this is to start sending on the "correct" side (dot for
THUMB) or (dash for FINGER) but then just continue to go LRLRLRLRLR until
the end.

NOTE:  This isn't the same thing as starting each character with the "bug"
finger, but just the transmission!  Only the first element might be finger
first!

This is very acceptable especially if you wish to retain your bug and keyer
fist - I can send on all keys.
However - it is just ONE element that is sent this way!  So it is just about
the same as I mentioned above.

73

David Ring, N1EA