[Elecraft] Key, Keyer, Paddle etc. Recommendation?

[Ron D' Eau Claire]

Kirby wrote:
 Here's my question:
>
> If you had (1) just built your very first (and only) HF rig [the
> K2!], (2) didn't have a whole lot of extra cash sitting around to
> spend (see (1)), and (3) wanted to become proficient in CW using the
> K2... What would you purchase? Would/could/should you just use the
> straight key?


FIRST, let me say that I use a BUG (manual semi-automatic key) and a W.W.II
J-38 on my K2.

That said, I would recommend any good moderately-priced dual paddle - unless
you are absolutely certain that you want to develop your proficiency only in
CW keying devices from the middle of the last century.

A dual paddle will allow you to explore the beauty of the modern keyers,
such as the K2 has. They are smooth, take care of MOST of your timing and
spacing issues (dash length, dot length, and space between dashes and
dots)and, once you are comfortable with the keyer, allow you to roll along
almost effortlessly for hours of fun on the CW bands. Having a dual paddle
will allow you to explore "iambic" or "squeeze" keying, which reduces your
effort even further.

I used paddles for 20 years before returning to mechanical keys, so I speak
from experience.

One DANGER with keyers is that they will let you forget your word spacing
soyourcwbecomesaverytoughtoreadmishmashlikethis. WATCH your spacing,
please!!!

Over time, you may develop such blinding speed and sensitivity for the
micro-ergs it takes to move the paddles that you will want a certain set of
paddles that cost hundreds of dollars but they are worth it to you. When
that happens, it's your choice. For now, get some very basic under $100
dollar paddles to learn with. You can always sell them later or use them in
the field where you don't want to take the platinum-plated super
giga-word-per-minutes set that you buy later.

And, IF you should decide to explore the mechanical keys of 50 years ago,
you will have proven skill with the current technology and can make a decent
comparison between a good keyer and paddles and the mechanical key.

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289