[CW] Flavours of Morse

[Danny Douglas]

One of the reasons, and probably the most important, that I teach cw classes using an old navy flame proof key is that I want the students to be able to copy somewhat less than perfect cw.  That is not to say that I key badly there, and in fact any computer reader that I have used to copy my own code has been almost 100 percent readable.  I ran as a Novice for a year, and for the next several years continued to run with that old key, but contesting is simply easier using the old Vibroplex and eventually the Iambic.  Later, in contesting I used a MFJ cw keyer with built in memories, but no longer do that.  Its mostly the Iambic.  Its easier on Mr. Authur Ritic thumbs. 

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As to homebrew, I simply got tired of replacing tubes, a long time ago.  Then it was on to transistors then chips, and frankly not as much fun.  Sure nice to use the TS570 now, the TS430 before that and the Sommercamp 200 back before that (even though it had tube finals).  I still have the DX60 (my first NEW rig) and also a couple of homebrew transistor things with homebrew boards.  Even the pair of Yaesu FL/DX 400  separates I used in Hong Kong.  It all still works, but havent been used in years. 


I still try DX, but at 340 count right now, Its not new ones , but yes indeed its nice to meet someone who sits and is willing to just talk awhile.  With the new rigs, keyers, built in keyboards, etc. it has simply become too easy to rack up one after the other, and I havent been in a real contest in years, other than a few contacts here and there.  No longer sit for hours listening to 599 reports, when they have asked me my call, my state over and over again.  Even when I do use the keyboard, I have set up reports for 59 - 57 - 55- 53- 45, etc etc. so I can give the proper report.  Its useless to tell someone he is fivers, when you barely copy him.  In days past, we actually told the truth.   I guess the politicians get it from us, with the alt truths.  hi. 

N7DC at ARRL.NET
Ex WN5QMX,WA5UKR,ET2US,ET3USA,SV0WPP,VS6DD,N7DC/YV5/G5CTB
QSL Bureau, DIRECT, LOTW Preferred, eQSL used but upload at a courtesy only, as do not use the system for awards.

> On February 22, 2017 at 11:41 AM Donald Chester <k4kyv at charter.net> wrote:
> 
> 
>     Back in the early 1970s I worked Hack on 40m CW quite regularly.  I eventually inherited his National SW-3 regenerative receiver, via a 3rd party friend after both he and Hack had gone SK.  Hack and I traded a few vintage transmitter components while he was still active and I
> 
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