[Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?

[Fred Jensen]

I'm sure it was discretionary.  I took the Novice in late '53, and the
General in mid '54, at the FCC Office in Los Angeles.  Obviously, a bug
was inappropriate for the Novice, and while I took my bug for the
General, I still had to use the "FCC Key," although I don't remember it
being "ratty."  Both times, I probably sent for no more than 10 - 15
seconds and was told "You pass."

When I went for the Extra in '56, I had just started driving, went
alone, and was so involved getting my route planned out so as not to get
lost in downtown LA that I arrived several hours early.  I had my Lionel
J-36 bug, but had practiced 20WPM on a straight key just in case.  The
examiner was about to give the 2nd telegraph, and told me that if I
filled out the app and passed the 25WPM test. Thoroughly intimidated (I
was exactly 16 in what seemed like a very adult place), I didn't even
ask about using my bug.  As I sat down at the straight key, he said, "Oh
come on, kid!  Who do you think you are!?  No one can send acceptable
code at 25 WPM on a straight key.  Plug in the bug and get on with
this."  Again, I doubt that I sent for more than 10 seconds.

With regard to the question that originally started this thread, when
I've been asked by a new ham wanting to upgrade, I always tell them,
"Learn on whatever you are comfortable with."  I've never understood the
alleged 'purity' that supposedly comes from learning on a straight key
first.

Just one opinion, YMMV,

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA CM98lw

EricJ wrote:
> 
> It must have been discretionary. There was nothing in the regs about what
> equipment you had to use. I took exams at Boston and Long Beach and took a
> bug to both of them. Jammed the wedge right into their "ratty old FCC
> office" key.
> 
> Eric
> KE6US
>