[CW] Definitions??? key, keyer etc.

[Ken Brown]

Hi all,

I read some of the posts about the "misuse" of the word "KEYER".

It is my understanding that a key is a mechanically actuated switch. A 
keyer is an automated switch that is activated by a pair of keys. A pair 
of keys, set up as the  control input switches for a keyer is called 
either a key or a keyer paddle.

A semiautomatic key (bug) is a key. Is a bug also a keyer, since it 
automatically produces a string of dits from a simpler mechanical input 
command? Or is is just a key?

I remember when I was a Novice, the other novices had transmitters and 
receivers, or in a few cases transceivers. Anybody, including non hams 
might have a radio. Even CBers had transceivers. Technicians and other 
hams who operated primarily two meter FM were the only hams who referred 
to their (not there, not they're) transceivers as radios. HF operators 
used their transceiver to get on the radio, and VHF operators used their 
radio get on the machine. I guess they are all wireless sets regardless 
of how much wire is inside of them or how much wire they are hooked up 
to for power and antenna purposes, but then so is a cell phone.

Hams had amplifiers first, and then when SSB became more common it was 
necessary to have linear amplifiers, which eventually became linears. 
CBers also had some amplifiers, which are often not linear, yet are 
called linears just the same.

Remember when you built a business and did not grow it?

I have never operated SSTV or FAX, nevertheless, I hope to "see" you all 
on the CW bands.

DE N6KB