[Elecraft] CW Key suggestions ?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I find the KX1 paddle nice to use, but as I said I am *not* picky about the
sort of key I use. 

That said, the "feel" of any paddles I use is actually more important than
the feel of a mechanical key, probably because paddles are operated with the
fingers (instead or rolling one's whole hand on a bug or rocking ones entire
forearm with a straight key).

My *only* complaint about the KX1 paddles is the same complaint I have about
every Elecraft rig - there's no keyer mode that lets me make my own dashes.
I would greatly enjoy a keyer mode that spits out dits automatically with
one paddle and then allows me to make dashes with the other paddle manually.
Right now, if I want to go portable with any of the rigs I must either haul
a straight key with me (bugs don't travel well) or live with the keyer. 

You are lucky, Phil, to have a key that travels well with you. In that case
I'd take it along. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

OK, now -- hijacking this topic to ask a question of KX1 users...

I bought the paddle key attachment for my KX1 but I have not installed it
yet.  I seem to prefer using my Begali key with my KX1.  The attached KX1
paddle seems like a great feature for hiking in the mountains where the
weight of the Begali may become an issue.  But, I doubt that hiking with a
KX1 is in my future.  I hike with my wife and the mere idea of having some
electronic gismo with me is against her ideas for being up in the Cascades.

So, I am now leaning on not installing the attached paddle set.  Unless
someone here has other good ideas for why it is useful.  I have operated the
KX1 in a portable location on a picnic table in a park but the Begali is not
a problem in that situation.  Actually, the last time I did that I forgot
the Begali and used my Bencher from my truck mobile rig.

Any good reason to keep and install the KX1 attached paddle?

73, phil, K7PEH