[Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?

[EricJ]

I would be VERY surprised if the code reader could outperform a decent CW
man. And to be a decent CW man, you have to spend the time copying CW
without an electronic assist such as a code reader. I would say pass on the
CW Reader. The only REAL use I see for it is hooking it up for demos to
non-hams so they know what is going on. Otherwise, I just don't see it. I'm
voting with the First Mate on this one.

I really don't see it for code practice either. Listen as much as you can to
good code and try to emulate it. Code is AURAL, not visual. Not sure why you
want to see what you're sending. You already KNOW what you're sending. Just
listen to it and learn the music and rhythm of CW.

Because I started on a straight key 48 years ago, I would say learn on a
straight key. I think it helps develop essential timing, but I'm not so sure
any more that it matters all that much how you learn it. A good keyer takes
care of the timing for you as long as you resist screwing with the weighting
to "customize" your fist. And your ear will pick up good timing from
constantly comparing yourself to good (and bad) CW.

But there is nothing more satisfying than a straight key to me. I always use
a straight key with my Rock-Mites. It just doesn't seem right to use a
paddle/keyer with simple rigs. Most of the time I use a straight key with my
K1, particularly when backpacking or daypacking because it is more rugged
and holds adjustment better in adverse conditions than a paddle. I can sit
in a canvas chair with the key in one hand and tap out Morse code with the
other. Life does get better than that, but not often. At home I always use
the internal keyer in the K2. Not sure why.

The skills are slightly different. Once you have one (straight key or
paddle/keyer) it really isn't all that difficult to go to the other. And
you'll automatically adjust going back and forth with time. I wouldn't
agonize over the decision too much. Whatever strikes your fancy now will
serve you in the end.

It's great to see a new ham already looking forward to CW. Somewhere I saw a
slogan, "Without CW, it's just CB." Welcome aboard.

Eric
KE6US

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of jferg977 at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005 12:56 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?

Comrades,
I'm working on my code to get my licenses soon.  I will want to do CW with
the k2 I will buy and build on board our trawler.  1st mate and CFO watches
expenses like a hawk and will catch me if I (gasp) buy two things which
appear to do same thing. You can't hide much from her on the 36 boat we live
on. I intend to get the $80 MFJ code reader because some of you have
convinced me that it is a good detector of unreadable output.  I'm hoping to
get my speed and accuracy up by sending to the MFJ.  
 
If I ultimately intend to use paddles as most of you appear to be doing, why
is it a bad idea simply to start with a set?  I can understand that what I'm
really wanting to do is to train my "fist" and ears, but it looks like
paddles involve somewhat different monkey motions and maybe it would make
more sense just to buy a set and get on with it.
 
comments?
 
regards,  John Ferguson - M/V Arcadian (now in Norfolk,VA waiting for wave
amplitude reduction in Chesapeake Bay before continuing northward)
 
 
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