[CW] Straight key vs paddle

[Ken Brown]

I learned to send with a straight key. As a novice I often got 
compliments on my sending, both on the air and also from OT guests in 
the shack. For daily QSOs, or "fills" between canned keyboard messages 
in a contest, I use an iambic keyer and paddles. When conditions get 
tough and I think I need to send really slow code, I use a straight key. 
At my own station I always have both an automatic keyer and a straight 
key connected and ready. The speed control on a straight key is never 
set to the wrong speed when I want to send at some slow speed that seems 
just right for the conditions. I am really glad I learned to send well 
with a straight key before I learned to use and automatic keyer.

The choice is your's if you learn both. If you learn only one method....

DE N6KB

 Michiel Wories wrote:
> Hi I am starting to edge closer of finishing my Morse Code training 
> (10 chars left using Koch).
>  
> I'm slowly starting to consider what key I should use. I have a 
> straight practice key, but after watching some youtube videos I think 
> to skip that entire experience. Paddles feel much more intuitive and 
> easier to use.
>  
> I'm sure to some it is CW blasphemy ; ) -- anyone out there who 
> skipped the whole straight key experience?
>  
> Plan to get a German made mini paddle that goes with my FT-817. If you 
> have any other recommendations for a good paddle that doesn't empty my 
> wallet that will be great.
>  
> Thanks,
> Michiel
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