[Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs

[Paul Christensen]

> "Because of this, I've changed my tune and I now recognize that a
straight key is not a beginner's tool, but is for the intermediate CW
operator."

Keith,

It's commendable that your kids have shown an interest in Morse.  I learned 
basic letter formation using a straight key, but only for the purpose of 
sounding out dits and dahs before I became a novice in 1972 at the age of 
12.  But, I quickly progressed along a path that included a Vibroplex 
Champion bug, then a Heathkit HD-10 single-paddle keyer.   I believe it was 
the HD-10 that escalated my high-speed abilities.

Had I been able to afford an iambic electronic keyer as a junior high school 
student, I am sure I would have learned on that.  But back in the early 
'70s, there wasn't much product available and nothing like there is today in 
the way of stand-alone keyers.  And, look at the availability of high-end 
paddles.   We've never had it so good.

Looking back, the HD-1410 by Heathkit (and perhaps the Curtis 8044 chips) 
probably did more to launch the popularity of iambic CW than all other 
products combined.

That said, I see nothing wrong with kids gravitating toward the paddle and 
keyer.  The sooner, the better..

Pauil, W9AC