[Elecraft] Suggested key/paddle for CW for a the K3 and others (not expensive)

[Buddy Brannan]

What? All the bugs I have, all three of 'em, have dits on the thumb and dahs on the other not thumb side. Huh...
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY



On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:26 PM, "Erik Basilier" <ebasilier at cox.net> wrote:

> Ron, since I learnt CW in Sweden many years ago, I am very comfortable
> transmitting without having the forearm on the table. In fact, I have used
> that method during all my years in the US until recently. The key to the
> method (pls forgive pun) is to mount the key on a platform under the table
> so that the upper arm can hang straight down and the forearm is in a
> horizontal position when holding the key knob. This is a very relaxed
> position. The type of key was (you guessed it) the Swedish type. The amount
> of stiffness in the wrist needs to be just right, so that when the arm
> presses down on the key, the hand moves a little upwards relative to the
> arm, providing some spring cushioning action. Only after I had hit my knee
> too many times on the key mounted under the table, and realizing that I was
> using paddles rather than a straight key all the time, did I recently remove
> that key and replaced it with a J-38 on the table. It took me a while to get
> the hang of it, and I still think my fist is better with the old method.
> 
> 
> 
> BTW, when I first started using paddles, I had the dashes on the thumb and
> just couldn't learn it. Maybe I should have tried rolling the arm. When I
> switched to dits on the thumb I suddenly found sending easy. Never having
> tried a bug, I move only fingers, and with very small gaps.
> 
> 
> 
> I would be interested to learn exactly how the super high speed types use
> the whole arm.
> 
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Erik K7TV
> 
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----------------------------
> 
> Very interesting Barry. 
> 
> 
> 
> I'm not a high speed operator (my best is 35 wpm) and 99% of my operating is
> 
> 15 to 25 wpm. I also use my whole arm, rolling it side to side to operate
> the paddles and find it very comfortable at those speeds for very long
> periods at the key. Indeed, many of the guys working at commercial stations
> used the same technique for entire work shifts sending long messages. 
> 
> 
> 
> I'm aware that many non-US operators do *not* rest their forearm on the
> table. I can see how moving one's whole arm would be extremely tiring doing
> that. Indeed, I can't picture using a straight key that way, much less
> paddles. You didn't note whether that was what the guys like EU1KI do. 
> 
> 
> 
> When I moved onto an Iambic keyer, I kept the same motion rolling my forearm
> resting on the table top. I have never used very tight spacing with tiny
> movements of thumb and fingers. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of us old
> "bug" operators do the same. 
> 
> 
> 
> Also, I kept the standard orientation of dashes with thumb, dits with index
> finger. Been pounding brass that way for >60 years now. 
> 
> 
> 
> My point is that the rarified world of 50 wpm and above obviously has its
> special demands on the operator, but few of us actually "live" there.
> 
> 
> 
> 73, Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 
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