[Fwd: Re: [Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?]

[Hank Kohl K8DD]

John Young wrote:

> jferg977 at aol.com wrote:
>
>> Comrades,
>> I'm working on my code to get my licenses soon. 
>> {snip}
>
>
> John
>    I am sure everyone will have an opinion and they will all be 
> different. So here goes mine along with some background.
>
>    In the early 70's I had and instrutograph (sp) that used paper tape 
> to send code at any speed you set the motor drive to.  Much like the 
> computer generated code practice today.
>
>    I made an offer to make code tapes for anyone that sent me a 
> cassette.  A high school student call and I became an Elmer via 
> telephone.  After several months of learning the code from the tapes I 
> met him in person and gave him the novice code test which he passed 
> with a perfect copy.  I was not required to test his sending but I had 
> a CPO and key with me and had him try sending for his very first time.
>
>    What he sent sounded like it was machine sent.  It was the only 
> code he had ever heard.  He passed his novice, upgraded and kept his 
> first call for over 30 years.  He also started with QRP and has stayed 
> with it.
>
>    My point is don't buy any key until you know the code and can copy 
> with out effort at over 10 wpm.  Only then buy the paddles and keyer. 
> There are far too many people who think the know the code who should 
> be forced to copy their own sending.
>
>    That young man was WB6JBM who was a founder of the Flying Pigs QRP 
> Club.
>
> 73
> John
> WA8KNE

I can not imagine any better advice!  I wish I would have had John for 
an Elmer 48 years ago!

73     Hank    K8DD