[Elecraft] Paddles in General

[Jim Sheldon]

Paul and others,
Don't give up on the bug just yet hi.  It usually takes a year or more to
develop a "clean" fist with a bug.  Set the dot arm stop for a gap of
slightly less than 1/8 inch.  Set the dot contact so that when the dot
paddle is pressed, you get evenly spaced dots for 3 to 4 seconds, and keep
the contacts CLEAN.  Never file the contacts, burnish them with rough paper
like uncoated business card stock or some such.  This will go far to helping
you learn to use it.  As you have been sending with a keyer, I'm sure you
know what good spacing sounds like.  Try to emulate that when sending with
the bug. 

I learned on a bug first back in 1961, before I even got my ham license
(Army radio operator) and when Hallicrafters came out with the HA-1 keyer, I
bought one and didn't look back for several years.  Because of what I did in
the Army, I taught myself over the period of a year or more to switch back
and forth between the bug and a Vibroplex single lever paddle.  I was given
a very nice Vibroplex "Original Deluxe" model that was manufactured in 1962,
a year before I was first licensed, as a Christmas present.  Even though I
hadn't touched a bug in years, I found that my training of 30 years ago came
back with a few hours practice, and my "Bug" fist was a lot better this time
around as I now have a much better feel for what "good" cw is supposed to
sound like.

Not very many people master a bug to the point where they sound like a
keyer, but I have heard a few that come close (definitely not me, but I
try.)

73 and Practice-Practice-Practice hi hi.

Jim - W0EB
Wichita, KS

> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul 
> Gates, KD3JF
> Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 6:18 AM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] Paddles in General
> 
> 
> I have been reading the emails on paddles and
> especially the KXPD1. I hesitated about the paddle
> when I was thinking of getting a KX1. I hated to spend
> that much money for a paddle. Usually since I am
> retired and do not make much money I have to sell in
> order to buy. Well, this time I got some money that I
> was not expecting which would cover the KX1 and all
> the perks. I am not disappointed. I like the KXPD1
> very much. I have alway accepted the Apostle Paul's
> message that whatever circumstances we find ourselves
> to be content!!
> 
> Through the 44 years I have had keys, Vibroplex
> paddles, Bencher paddles, etc. I did purchase years
> ago Vibroplex Bug! Was that ever a mistake. My first
> thought was .... How can I get rid of this thing!! <g>
> In fact if I detect a guy or gal using a bug and
> calling CQ I will QSY immediately. However, after
> saying all that ....  at the National Museum of Amer.
> History in Wash. DC where I volunteer on Wed's, we
> have a Bencher Paddle and a Vibroplex Bug and I am
> trying to learn to send on that "blasted" Bug!! And
> when I try to adjust the weight I go crazy!
> 
> Of course I consider myself a new comer to CW because
> I did no CW from 1985 to 2003.
> 
> Paul, KD3JF
> 
> On the double paddles I never squeeze for I just touch
> softly and I am very pleased!
> 
> Paul
> 
> Paul Gates, KD3JF
> K1 #0231
> KX1 #1186
> XG1
> 
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