[CW] Ambidextrous Manipulation

[Ron Youvan]

   Ray VR2UW    vr2uw at netvigator.com wrote:

> Any member in this forum is capable to operate keys / paddles / bugs with both hands?  VR2UW would like to share pertinent experience for the betterment of ambidextrous manipulation.

   Personally I am right handed and my left had is too stupid to live without help from "Rightie."
My CW mentor Fred K4NT Keirstead {/SK} could send beautiful code with any key with either hand with 
the key oriented in either forward or reverse position.  (reverse is for mobile operation)

   He used the same BUG for 40 years, with alligator skin covered case and wedge.  He took the time 
to learn the iambic method, it took him about a year.  He taught cw classes for many years, finally 
for the BARS club, the "Brandon Armature Radio Society."  (Florida) He taught beginning and two 
levels of advanced Morse code.
   Just as everyone that I have put on to iambic keying, he said:  "I'd hate to have to go back."
   (to the old ways)
   When he used the bug he (a right hander) used his left hand, when he learned the iambic method he 
settled on right handed sending, but he didn't know why.
I told him it was probably because when he started he had to wright down the pertinent information 
from the other OM, with his right hand, then after 40 years he had enhanced his memory enough to not 
have to take written notes, he agreed that I was most likely correct.  (55 wpm was his top speed, he 
worked F. D. at 13 wpm)

   I preach and teach the iambic method, but I am struggling to pick up speed as I learn "head copy."
-- 
    73 Ron KA4INM - All E-mail sent to this address shall linger in the Google cloud forever!