[Elecraft] OT - Two learnig the code tips

[Ian Stirling]

On Friday 19 October 2007 12:17:06 Ken Kopp wrote:

> When using a straight key one's wrist ond/or forearm should 
> never touch the desk. The thumb and fingers rest on the key 
> knob and the elbow on the desk.  The wrist then becomes a 
> "spring" or shock-absorber.  Sending with only wrist up-and
> -down action will result in the dreaded "glass fist".

 With over 40 years of playing the piano, I do not need
to support my elbow on the desk - that inhibits my
control using wrist and arm from the shoulder action.
I use a push pull action, two fingers on the top of
the knob, thumb under, effectively gripping the knob.
 Proper training in piano teaches all the muscles used
to relax whenever possible, no matter how fleeting a
moment is available. It's superb training for the
incidental ability to use a straight key continuously
with an unsupported arm for hours. (A two hour recital
of Beethoven piano sonatas is much more physically
demanding than operating a straight key for the same
time)

Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #49262
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