[CW] W6BNB Bob Shrader's method of using a straight key.

[Richard Knoppow]

    Well, I don't have  your book and did not see any of the hours you 
spent on LICW. I did not change terminology. I defined what I meant in 
my post. I think I was fairly clear. You use the term "position of 
function" which I have never heard before.
     Now, shaking hands (even with a dog) requires an up-and-down motion 
of the hand. The motion usually comes from the elbow, not the wrist.
     The idea of balancing a coin on the back of your wrist comes from 
many sources, not just a particular Army training film (I think I know 
which one, it also shows the demonstrator sending with the circuit 
closer closed). I can do this although I am not sure what its supposed 
to prove. Patting a dog on the head usually requires an up-and-down 
motion of the hand, motion originating at the wrist. This is similar to 
the mostion of sending with a straight key in the conventional manner.
     I think there is confusion about the motion required to send with a 
straight key and when sending with a bug (or SS). In fact, its the same 
motion, from the wrist, although the position of the hand is different. 
Even though the hand is held with the fingers in line vertically when 
operating a bug the motion is still from the wrist. The position for a 
straight key requires the fingers to be in a line horizontally, they 
move up and down, same motion originating at the wrist although it can 
come from the elbow too. Again, some confusion: I say originating at the 
wrist but if you hold your hand with the fingers in line horizontally 
and move it sideways the motion still comes from the wrist, it is rather 
limited compared to the amount of motion (and strength) of moving it in 
the 90degree plane. This is NOT the motion used when sending on a bug, 
again, the bug motion is exactly the same as when using a straight key 
except the hand is turned 90 degrees.
     I don't know how to be clearer.
     You were going to send a picture of the grip you are describing. 
Perhaps this list won't accept pictures, many don't. If you can send a 
link I will look for it.
      There is something slightly unpleasant about this discussion; I 
don't mean to sound hostile. We are discussing something that should be 
simple but seems not to be. I certainly have nothing against finding a 
better way to work a key.

On 1/20/2024 4:56 PM, Chris R. NW6V wrote:
> Richard, I went into this at length in my book, and in hours of sessions 
> on LICW. So, I don't want to try and cover all that here.
> 
> But, by "sideways" do you mean "flat" versus "position of function? " 
> You changed terminology.
> 
> Position of function refers to the angle of the wrist, controlled by the 
> position of the radius and ulna. It is the most relaxed position of the 
> arm,  and moves the motion generation muscles for "up/down motion" from 
> the wrist and forearm to the upper arm. It is WILDLY different from the 
> flat wrist, as shown in that army film (which speaks of being able to 
> balance a quarter on the back of your hand while sending). that's 
> impossible in the "position of function," with the wrist tilted roughly 
> 60 degrees.
> 
> If you don't follow,  consider the difference in arm and hand position 
> position between shaking hands (position of function) and patting a dog 
> on the head (hand flat).
> 
> 73 Chris NW6V
> 


-- 
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998