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

[Chris R. NW6V]

Richard,

One more comment.

The idea that "straight keys cause glass arm" was one of the specific
"myths" that sparked writing my book.

Specifically, if the straight key "causes" glass arm, why then do not ALL
straight key users get glass arm?

I sent at competitive radiosport levels. But, no glass arm. Why? A theory
which can't explain the exceptions, is a weak theory.

Once the bug got invented the motivation to identify and eliminate the
actual cause all but evaporated. And ergonomics didn't exist. So the
functional fix, using a different key, was adequate.

I studied the issue with modern eyes and developed a solid ergonomic model.
It's in the book.

I now know how to CAUSE glass arm, experimentally tested, but have not
published the details for fear of people doing the experiment, and hurting
themselves. Problem is, I see no way to fix it - to reverse the "dystonias"
- undesirable pathways - that get burned in the brain.

I am however considering doing one more live zoom session to cover this
exact topic.

73 Chris NW6V



On Sat, Jan 20, 2024, 15:18 Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:

>     You have confused me about the sideways grip. No photo on your post,
> would like to see it.
>     I will point out that the strongest movement of the hand is in the
> direction of wrist moving the fingers toward the forearm, regardless of
> the position of the hand. The sideways motion is relatively weak. It is
> NOT the motion used for a bug or sideswiper, those use the same motion
> as a straight key but with the key lever turned 90 degrees so that the
> whole hand is also turned. The motion used to work those keys is the
> same as is used for a straight key. In effect, a sideswiper is a
> straight key with a second set of contacts.
>      I am familiar with the Caitlin grip, as descirbed in old books on
> the telegraph. It seems to me to the same grip as described in much
> later books on telegraphy, for instance, the U.S. Army manuals. I.e.
> index finger pressing the knob with thumb and ring finger at the sides
> of the knob. Is this a wrong understanding? Show me a picture please.
>      Also, the European grip, using keys with large knobs or handles and
> the elbow in mid air, seems to me to use essentially the same motion as
> the grip for the American style knob and the elbow on the table as a
> fulcrum.
>
> On 1/20/2024 1:51 PM, Chris R. NW6V wrote:
> > Hi Richard.
> >
> > You asserted: "The design of a straight key is, as everyone knows, such
> > that the hand is in an unnatural position so its inherently fatiguing."
> >
> > Sorry to disagree, but this is false.
> >
> > The clue to the correct answer is contained in your own statement. "the
> > hand is in an unnatural position" (true) - but NOT because the straight
> > key forces it, but because that's what people were TAUGHT to do.
> >
> > Indeed, the common "flat wrist" technique puts the hand in what is known
> > as an "awkward posture" - which encourages "flexion," an ergonomic
> > no-no. But the simple expedient of turning the wrist more upright, to a
> > position like holding a pencil or pen, places the wrist in the very NON
> > awkward "position of function." I document all this extensively in my
> book.
> >
> > Ironically (further info, not in the book), the "position of function
> > grip" seems to have originated (no later than) with George Catlin - a
> > contemporary and associate of Horace Martin, inventor of the Vibroplex.
> > Early texts describe "The Catlin Grip" as "like holding a pen" and
> > illustrate the hand in - ta-da - the position of function. See the photo
> > attached. This is a good approximation of my grip.
> >
> > But sometime in the beginning of the 20th century, the pictures were
> > redrawn, showing the wrist flat. And that became the defacto default.
> >
> > 73 es HNY Chris NW6V
>
> --
> Richard Knoppow
> Los Angeles
> WB6KBL
> SKCC 19998
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