[CW] What is a Sideswiper, or Cootie Key?

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

>From Cootie lover, Mike Pilgrim, K5MP.

Let's  begin by describing “What is  a “cootie key”, as follows:  Some of
the other names for a cootie key might be more familiar– sideswiper,
doublespeed key, and slap key. The simplest definition is a double-sided
straight key, operated horizontally. Around 1910, during the heyday of
manual telegraphy, it was common for telegraphers to spend entire shifts
either sending or receiving, often at the same speed and with the same
operator on the other end of the line.

The incidence of RSI ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Repetitive_strain_injury ) or “glass fist” became a serious problem.

The solution was to eliminate the vertical motion of the wrist typical of
straight key operation and replace it with a horizontal movement of the
entire hand. The two devices developed with this in mind were the “bug” or
semi-automatic key, and the “cootie key.” Both feature a horizontal motion
in which the lever is held (not tapped). The thumb and fingers do not flex
and the hand is rocked back and forth on the “heel” of the palm.

Since there is no flexing of fingers or wrist, there is very little chance
of RSI. The cootie key consists of a single lever which can be swung back
and forth between two contacts, either of which will close the circuit like
a straight key. Thus the return stroke of a dot or a dash can become the
stroke of the following element, almost doubling the speed of operation.
You start each character on one side, and each subsequent dot or dash is
made on the opposite side, in a back and forth motion.

If you’d like more information about using a cootie key, read Jerry
Bartachek’s “The Art of Side-Swipery.” http://www.mtechnologies.com/
cootie.htm or see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfLrgYHIpjo A cootie key
can easily be made using a hacksaw blade. Bugs were very expensive by
comparison, so most cootie keys were home-made. The few commercial cootie
keys were also relatively expensive and with a few exceptions are very hard
to find today.
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