[Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs

[Sandy]

Having worked CW for some years......I would say stick with a straight key 
until you have at least reached 7-10 WPM with no problem.  Going to a 
Vibroplex key then would be "OK" as even I find it difficult to send really 
good CW on a bug or an automatic key at less than 13-15 WPM.  Once competent 
at 15 WPM or more, then you can "graduate" to a single or iambic paddle 
automatic key.  I have heard a lot of garbage sent on automatic keys by 
inexperienced operators.  It is awful to copy.  Also usually full of errors. 
I'd much rather have a QSO with someone at 10-12 WPM with no errors than 
have someone trying to race along at 20-25 WPM and every third word is 
messed up!

I have heard sent and sometimes have sent almost "tape machine" quality CW 
at 20-25 WPM with a really good straight key (in this case a Marconi Marine 
type 365 straight key).  But it does get tiring at the higher speeds! 
Nothing is worse than chopped up sending with an automatic key.  It's kinda 
like someone talking with a mouthful of food.  The more perfect the sending 
and spacing, the easier it is to copy.

As for sending with a keyboard, I compare that with using an automated 
computer program to make contest contacts.....what's the object of the 
exercise?  The keyboard won't make a better CW op out of you and the robot 
contesting program won't make a good contester out of you.  (In reality)

73,

Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "WILLIS COOKE" <wrcooke at flash.net>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 10:30 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs


> It seems that there is some disagreement as to whether
> a beginner should start with a Straight Key or Paddles
> and Keyer.  I favor the Straight Key, but I can see
> some merit to the Paddle position.  If you are just
> getting started with CW, by all means, don't let the
> disagreement prevent you from picking one and getting
> started.  Just don't try to learn with a keyboard, it
> will not teach you anything except how to type, and
> leave the Bugs alone until you approach 20 wpm, the
> minimum code speed for which they were designed.
>
>
>
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
> K5EWJ
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