[CW] "THE SECRETS OF CW" by Frank Merritt, VE7FPM

[Bruce Prior]

I learned to copy the Morse code completely the wrong way: memorizing a dot/dash chart as a Boy Scout. That method slowed me down for years. I didn't realize that I was introducing a visual element into both my copying and my sending.


I learned first to send on a straight key, because I didn't have access to a bug, and electronic keyers didn't exist. When electronic keyers became available, I took up a dual-lever paddle and I learned to use it with Curtis B logic. Only years later did I acquire a single lever paddle and I found that I enjoyed it. Now I use both single-lever paddled and a dual-lever ones, and I enjoy switching back and forth.


At home I use an excellent-quality single-lever paddle: the Begali Sculpture Mono, and a hybrid single/dual-lever paddle: the Begali Leonessa, generally in dual-lever mode. If beginners can afford it, the Leonessa is a fine option, since it can be used in either single-lever or dual-lever modes without buying another paddle. In portable situations I prefer the dual-lever Begali Adventure, which I find I can adjust more satisfactorily than the Begali Adventure Mono. Some hams invest their money in real estate and excellent antennas. That's not an option for me, so I content myself with high-quality paddles. 8=))


Thinking about beginners, I don't see any point in burdening them with a straight key before they are exposed to electronic keying with a single-lever paddle (say, something like the American Morse Equipment Bushwhacker). An alternative is using a dual-lever paddle in slap fashion. International-class Morse speedsters generally prefer mechanically-superior single-lever paddles with extremely-tight contact spacing. After an operator becomes proficient with electronic keying, tasting yesteryear with a straight key is a fine diversion, but totally optional. I do that only for Straight Key Night, quite badly, and I'm relieved when I return to electronic keying.


Once we become proficient, how we do our sending is totally optional, including with high-quality straight keys.  Even using a keyboard is fine. I'm focused on recruiting new CW operators. That's why I'm suggesting that the best way to do that is suggesting they use electronic keyers and single-lever paddles. An important advantage of single-lever paddling is that the logic of the keyer is irrelevant.


73, Bruce Prior N7RR


________________________________
From: CW <cw-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Ron Youvan <ka4inm at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 2:16 PM
To: CW Reflector
Subject: Re: [CW] "THE SECRETS OF CW" by Frank Merritt, VE7FPM

On 01/31/2017 08:55 AM, D.J.J. Ring, Jr. wrote:

> Hello Bruce,

> Many people use straight keys today, the club SKCC is thriving.  They're
> dedicated to straight key use.

> I'm wondering if you also learned Morse in what was the traditional
> profession, straight key to semiautomatic key, then perhaps go
> electronic keyer?  Many used to do that but some went directly to
> electronic keyer, and bypassed this progression.

> A discussion about which would bear the best fruit would be interesting,
> but I doubt anyone has done a scientific survey, which just leaves us
> with valued opinions which are sometimes unfactual.

  Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one, but I can send
iambically without stopping for as long as it takes to require a sandbox
break, formally hours with little if any fatigue.
   After a year's practice the timing is set in my subconscious,
sending is automatic and my spacings is greatly better than with a hand
key.

   I never said I was good at it, but I do love cw.
--
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.
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=30=
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