[Elecraft] help for lurker, not really off topic

Mon May 19 11:39:00 2003

Hello Oscar
My suggestion would be to get a good set of paddles for the K2, and
use the internal keyer.
You can either find used paddles at ham swaps, or buy new.  I am
using the Vibroplex Code Warrior Jr, the commercialized version of the
NorCal paddle kit.
Since you have the trained background of a radioman, you know what good
code sounds like.  You can be your own coach.  I recommend sitting down
with the K2 in TEST mode (won't transmit this way) and use the sidetone
as a code practice oscillator.  Practice sending text from a book or
magazine, and listen to what you are sending.  You will know if it is
right or not.
When I transitioned from a bug to paddles, I spent a half hour daily for one
week practicing this way, before I went on the air.  That way my reflexes
had time to adjust to the different tempo of paddles vs. bug.  This should
work for you also.
There is another benefit to using paddles and the internal K2 keyer.  If you
should get interested in any kind of contesting, you will be able to use
the memory keyer buttons on the K2 to advantage.
Good luck and 73,
Bob N6WG

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of oscar a hoyt
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 5:26 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] help for lurker, not really off topic

Hello my name is Oscar and I'm a poor CW operator.
Kind of a take off on an AA meeting. (I'm not a member just saw it on TV)

I just had a qso with WD5ILB in Azel, Tx, he was calling CQ at a speed I
thought I could handle. He did very well but my sending with a home made
paddle (simular to the hand held type,theTE NE KE that KK5PY makes)....
well my sending on the air really STINKS...  In the Navy (aviation) I
worked as a radioman and passed a squadron code school at 20WPM sending
and recieving. But that was with a straight key, bugs were not even
allowed.. I've been told I had a good fist with a straight key, but not
real fast with it.

My question is how do I improve my sending with a keyer and paddle?  I
know I should get on the air more and that would help but the poor guys
trying to copy my sending will go nuts!
Would a good set of paddles help? If so I think I can swing for a good
set.
OR should I set the K2 for straight key and pull out the old Western
Union telegraph key and forget about a keyer?

Does anyone else have this trouble?  I like CW and qrp and have not used
SSB in a long time and I don't want to give up CW. Oh yes I'm an Extra
class and took the code test at the FCC office but didnt have to send,
just rec 20.

Any suggestions appreciated. Too many qrp rigs to just set idle...
Oscar K5UBS   NETX QRP and NORTEX QRP

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