[Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?

[Bob Nielsen]

On Tue, 2005-05-10 at 08:47 -0700, Vic Rosenthal wrote:
> Jeff Rosenberger wrote:
> 
> > How was the speed determined for a sending test?  I know I couldn't sit 
> > down at a straight key and send at a specific numeric speed.  I can send 
> > at a comfortable speed for me to receive, or roughly match speeds with 
> > the other operator, but send at exactly 16wpm, no way.
> 
> In my experience, the examiner just listened a little and then said 'OK'.  I 
> took it twice (13 and 20 wpm), and I don't know anyone who failed it.  I don't 
> know about commercial tests, but I was allowed to bring a (large, homebrew) 
> keyer to my extra class test.  The examiner just unplugged it when he'd heard 
> enough (luckily I was too young to have a heart attack).
> 
When I took my 13 wpm test at the Los Angeles FCC office in 1953, the
examiner just listened for 30 seconds or so and said that was fine.
There was one applicant who failed the sending test at that session.  I
think he was just too nervous.

Bob, N7XY