[Elecraft] OT: Left-handed paddles

[Mike / W5JR]

As a rightie, I taught myself to send left handed for the very same reason - contesting. Send with the left, write with the right. I saw an Op at my first FD doing this and I told myself I needed to do the same. At first it was with the key turned around but later I added a small switch to the Heath HD-10 single lever keyer. This was the late 60's. I still send mostly with the left hand, especially in contests, because the keyboards are set up for righties. Therefore, I tune/operate my K3 with the left hand as well. Been that way since the beginning for me. I actually have two paddles set up, one on each side so I can send from whichever hand is free. Probably explains why I never could play the piano with my left hand - needed a "reversed" keyboard. 

tnx
Mike
W5JR

> On Dec 2, 2014, at 1:17 AM, <w7aqk at cox.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I'm a lefty too, and I just acquiesced to the right handed setup on paddles (and bugs) from the outset.  As has been pointed out, it really makes it easier if you go to another ham's station--usually a right handed person.  I really don't think it makes much difference which way you do it on a paddle. One way is no more efficient than the other.  Possibly it might be slightly less efficient on a bug, but I do that using a right handed setup as well, and it never seemed to be a big problem.  Besides, finding left handed bugs wasn't easy.  As Don points out, most newer rigs, and most newer keyers, have an option to switch sides, so it has become less complicated if you need to switch.  If you run into a situation where either the rig or keyer doesn't have that option, you can just turn the paddle around--awkward, but it works!
> 
> One of these days I'm going to try and learn to send right handed--I've been saying that for years!  The incentive, though, is to free up my left hand for writing.  Being a "bean counter" by profession, I found that process to be very helpful when operating a calculator.  I could "tick and tie" (accounting jargon) with the best of them!  Anyway, it might be beneficial on Field Day, etc.  Hi.
> 
> Dave W7AQK
> 
> 
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