[Elecraft] Paddles in General/my bug story

[N2EY at aol.com]

Way back in my Novice days (1967), I had a J-37 straight key. And it remained 
the only key I had for seven years. Once I got the loan of one of those 
Lafayette bugs but it sounded so bad I went back to the straight key.

When I got to college in the fall of 1972, there was a Vibrokeyer and 
Autronic electronic keyer at the club station (then W3ABT, now N3KZ). I tried it many 
times but couldn't get the hang of it.

For Christmas 1974 I got a Vibroplex Original Standard, thanks to my 
brother's efforts to convince the family that one big gift was better than a lot of 
little ones. I took to it right away, and it is still my #1 after 31 years. 

In the intervening years I've had a Zephyr (sold it), Lightning Bug, 
Champion, and a 2000 vintage Original, but the 1974 is still my favorite. I've tried 
keyers but they are simply too fussy for my taste. Of course to set the bug 
correctly you need a rig with a plate milliammeter, but that's another story...

73 de Jim, N2EY