[Elecraft] Getting Started With CW

[Edward R Cole]

I still have my original straight key that I bought in 1958 when I 
was practising for my Novice.  I didn't have the luxury of a code 
machine to send my practise sessions (cassettes had not been 
invented) so either I listened on my little 3-tube receiver or I 
spent hours sending to myself.  I think that resulted in a pretty 
good "fist".  In the day I could send 18-20wpm easily with the 
straight key.  I guess I favor learning with a straight 
key.  Learning what proper sounding CW sounds like one should use 
tapes or practise programs.  Do an hour a day for a month and you 
will absorb it.

Many years later I bought a Bencher-2 but never got very good results 
as the K3 keyer only does Iambic.  I guess I am too set in my ways 
wanting to control the dots and dashes to get hang of Iambic.  I 
should say I was off CW for decades so having to get back into 
it.  My straight keying is a little rusty and not as smooth as I used 
to do, but In time it'll come back.  I wonder if there are any keyers 
that just work like a bug but using a paddle?

I tried CW skimmer and the K3 CW text decoder but I'm not too 
impressed as it takes strong, very clean signal to work well.  Brain 
works better.

For CW-eme I set up some message scripts where I fill in the other 
stations call sign and let the computer send.  Eme keeps one quite 
busy keeping the antenna pointed, tuning Doppler shift, and listening 
to extremely weak signals.  Having the transmitting time to fulfill 
these other tasks without being tied to the key helps a lot.

Of course I may still need to send a non-standard reply so the old 
straight key is right handy.  Setting the spring tension and gap for 
fast CW is required using a straight key-most beginners have too wide 
a gap setting.  Motion of the hand is in the wrist moving up/down 
with fingers lightly touching the key.  Beginners usually try taping 
the key.  I can see repetitive motion stress being a problem 
especially for us older hams.  Why I like computer keying for 
repetitive calling.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
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