[Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs

[T. David Yarnes]

I think there are at least two trains of thought on this. 
Straight keys are sort of "old hat" to many, and not used 
all that much.  Paddles are the choice for the masses it 
would seem.  Certainly it is easier using a paddle--at least 
I think so.  At a minimum it is less tiring.  But I think if 
you are really serious about learning CW you should know how 
to send with a straight key with some proficiency.  It's the 
simplest mechanism for sending CW, and can be fashioned from 
almost anything on a homebrew basis in a pinch.  A few nails 
or screws, a small piece of plywood, and a piece of pliable 
metal (i.e. a copper strip), and you have the makings for a 
hand key.  But don't start with that--get a decent hand key. 
They aren't that expensive.  You want one where you can 
adjust both the spacing and the tension.  If you learn to 
send well formed CW on a hand key, you will be well on your 
way to being a FB CW op.  And, you won't miss the fun on 
straight key night (New Year's Eve)!  It's not that hard 
either.  If you try it, and think it's hard, I'll bet it's 
because you are too tense.  Muscle tension restricts 
movement.  It's the same whether you are sending with a hand 
key or playing golf!

It's certainly not mandatory that you do it this way, but I 
think somewhere down the road you will be glad you did. 
It's kind of like only learning to drive a car with 
automatic transmission.  Sooner or later you will be in a 
position of needing to drive a stick shift!  If you want to 
do the paddle first, that's probably O.K., but I bet you 
will be less inclined to go back and learn with a hand key. 
You will probably quickly realize how much easier it is to 
send with a paddle, and you're apt to give up on the hand 
key.  That would be a shame.

Dave W7AQK

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darwin, Keith" <Keith.Darwin at goodrich.com>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 6:25 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs


----- Original Message -----
> 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.
------------------------------

I learned CW on a straight key so it would be easy for me to 
say "that's
the way it should be done".  Recently, I had the opportunity 
to observe
my kids as they began learning morse and began sending. 
Both of them
struggled more with the straight key than with the keyer. 
Both of them
preferred the keyer and felt more confident (and sent good 
code sooner)
with the keyer.  Both are coordinated kids

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.  Beginners should not be allowed to use a straight 
key until
they've earned the right by learning CW and becoming 
proficient at it
with the automatic keyer.

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
- K3 Wave 3 -
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