[Elecraft] Off-Topic - Straight-key speed cpontrol

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Ha, ha David. We're separated by more than a "common language"! 

The first time I saw the form of sending you describe with the arm in
mid-air was about 10 years ago and I was astounded! 

Here in the USA since the the military and so civilian services taught
everyone to lay their arm on the desk as Ken described. That goes back to,
at least, the mid 1930's. That's how I've always used a straight key. 

I visited a buddy in Holland for the first time a few years ago and took
with me as a gift a nice straight key. He immediately put it on the edge of
his desk and wailed away on it with his arm in the air. My jaw dropped.

We did do that here but only in mobile units where the key was strapped to
one leg. In that use we also cranked the spring tension down much tighter
than normal when the key was on the desk. 

Ron AC7AC 

-----Original Message-----
"The elbow should rest on the desk and the fingers on the key's knob. "

I couldn't disagree more!  I have always taught as I was taught that the key

is at the edge of the desk and no part of your body touches the desk, except

perhaps the other hand.  The forearm should be horizontal, sit up straight 
and relax the shoulders.  It's very similar to typing.  The telegraphers of 
old had to send for hours and this is the way they did it; I was one once.

73

David
G3UNA