[Elecraft] proper use of straight keys

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I've wondered about the same things that Jessie has. I was taught to send
using my whole forearm. That is, with my elbow is resting on the table and
all of the muscles in my arm are involved in operating the straight key.

Looking back, I see this advice in the 1920's at least. Probably earlier.
Ever look at the keys from that period? They were for breaking the very
dangerous high-voltage circuits in spark transmitters. Wide gaps to avoid
arcing, long handles for safety, meaning lots of movement at the end. 

In the Army, it was impossible to send in a moving vehicle without a lot of
spring tension. Even in a parked AN/GRC-26 communications van, people moving
about would cause it to bounce and rock enough to disturb sending unless the
key was "tight". Indeed, I got used to lifting up on the key when opening
the contacts and still do that when sending. 

Aircraft telegraph keys had tight springs for the same reason. 

Perhaps those are reasons for strong keys and the technique. I won't pretend
I can send all day, but I can certainly sit at the key for an hour without
any fatigue at all, pumping away at 10 to 15 wpm. Did that a lot with Army
CW nets (back when there WERE Army CW nets <G>). And that action puts zero
strain on wrist and fingers. No carpel tunnel syndrome for me. 

Above about 15 wpm on a straight key I'm working hard, no matter what. I
switch to my bug at anything over about 15 wpm. I did take my commercial
radio operator's test using a straight key at 20 wpm. Thought I was going to
rip that key off of the table <G>. Passed on first go, though...

I've never had a "light touch". The keys on my computer are usually heavily
worn. There's a visible indent on my space bar (where the edge of my
thumbnail hits it). I like movement in my keys, computer or telegraph. 

Maybe that's the difference that makes the tighter springs feel "right" to
me. And also why I can't feel any desirable difference between my old WWII
J-38 and the most expensive key out there...

Ron AC7AC