[Elecraft] Iambic Keying (WAS: Straight key first?)

[WILLIS COOKE]

I find this thread a bit strange.  There is little doubt in my mind that the 
best way to send a long message with minimum errors is to send a prepared file 
by computer with one on the digital modes.  Better yet, send it by email over 
the Internet and skip ham radio all-together.  For contesting, pre- prepared 
messages by F keys is really neat, fast and effective.  It is easier to send 
good code by hand with less practice with an iambic keyer and a decent set of 
paddles.  It can be done with a semi-automatic key (Bug) or a hand key (Straight 
Key) but it takes a bit more practice and perhaps skill from the operator.  My 
personal selection is usually a Bug or Straight Key, but that implies only that 
I think it more fun and satisfying, not better.

I would also like to make some QSOs with a TBL-6 transmitter and an RBB 
receiver.  They weigh in excess of 2000 pounds more than my K3 and cost 5 or 10 
times as much as my K3 without considering 1943 dollars versus 2007 dollars.  
This does not imply that the TBL-6/RBB is superior to the K3 or that I would 
like to use them in the next DX contest in lieu of my K3.
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart 




________________________________
From: Ron D'Eau Claire <ron at cobi.biz>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wed, June 29, 2011 11:07:42 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Iambic Keying (WAS: Straight key first?)

I found Iambic keying wonderful to use. I stopped only because it *ruined* my 
fist for a bug, Hi! 


To make a "C" you just squeeze both paddles with the dash paddle closing 
slightly ahead of the dot.

To make a "Q" you just hold the dash paddle and tap the dot paddle at any time 
during the second dash.

Press the dash paddle and immediately tap the dot, and you get a "K".

And so on. Very simple finger movements. Minimal timing demands on the operator. 


But it does take a little practice. 

And some operators aren't interested in doing that. 

That's fine, but it doesn't mean that Iambic keying isn't a *great* way to 
produce CW for those who enjoy it. 


Ron AC7AC

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html