Get it down with a straight key first, then it won't be such a stretch when you do it with a bug. The problem most people have with the proportions of the code have to do with an insufficient internalization of the rhythm of the code. That is my biggest beef with those who would use an iambic keyer to teach (and learn) the code. It becomes a case of letting the machine do the work. I worked with a straight key for 15 years before I started using a bug (which happened when I started prepping for my Extra, in the late '70s). Regular attendance on the W1AW code practice transmissions also helped. To this day, I send cleaner code with a bug than most people using keyers. - AL7W