[Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?
Rick Hampton
rickhampton at comcast.net
Mon May 9 09:31:27 EDT 2005
Hi, John & Dan.
I started out using a straight key about the same time Dan did, but I still prefer using it over paddles. I never did get the hang of using a keyer much past 15-20 WPM. With the straight key, I can still send at least as fast as I can receive, about 25-30 WPM, and not get too tired. The only reason I use the paddles on my KX1 is because they are smaller than most keys and they are "integral" to the unit, making them easy to store and carry. At home, I use my trusty Nye Viking straight key.
Really, it's what ever floats your boat. Good straight keys (made by Ameco, I think, and good enough to learn on) can still be found for less than $20 brand new. (http://www.youdoitelectronics.com/ the keys aren't listed, but I bought a pair for my kids to learn with not long ago.) You might consider getting one of these and trying them. If you like it, get a better key later. If not, spring for a nice set of paddles and you still have a straight key if you want one.
Rick, WD8KEL
Dan KB6NU wrote:
> I started out using a straight key 33 years ago, but I see
> absolutely no reason why you shouldn't just skip the
> straight key and start using a paddle/keyer combo right
> away. Most rigs come with built-in keyers these days, and if
> your rig does not, it's very simple to buy and build one (my
> favorite is the PicoKeyer from hamgadgets.com). And in the
> worst case scenario, you can always use one side of a paddle
> as a straight key.
>
> One reason I advise people to learn to send using paddles is
> that they'll send better code right off. The second
> reason--and perhaps the most important--is that the paddle
> is so much easier the arm and wrist than a straight key.
> That makes working CW more fun, and if something is more
> fun, then you'll tend to do it more.
>
> 73!
>
> Dan KB6NU
> =================================================
> President, ARROW Comm. Assn. (www.w8pgw.org)
> ARRL MI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator
> CW Geek - FISTS #9342
> Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com
>
> jferg977 at aol.com wrote:
> > 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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