[Elecraft] OT: Left-handed paddles

[Fred Jensen]

Well Jeff,

Nearly all of this left-right thread has involved us "more mature" hams 
discussing early paddle experiences, often as teens or early 
20-somethings.  Learning and adapting ability, particularly physically, 
does tend to decline some as we accumulate birthdays.

Things have also changed dramatically.  We are no longer required to 
write in log books as we operate.  Transceivers, with a Big Knob, have 
replaced transmitters and receivers with a multitude of knobs.  My K3 
and WinKey have CW memories, just tap the button.  As a result, many of 
my reasons for learning to send right-handed have disappeared.

It looks like you're in the "more mature" class with the rest of us. 
I'd recommend doing what feels natural for you and what makes operating 
enjoyable.  I doubt, today in 2014, you'll gain much advantage forcing 
yourself to send left if you're right-handed.  It doesn't matter how 
your paddle is set up unless you find yourself operating at other 
stations or in teams [e.g. FD] which will be predominantly right-ish.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 12/2/2014 7:35 AM, Thorpe, Jeffrey wrote:

> So, as a rightie, should I start off
> sending with my left? If I do, should I reverse it? Would that make
> it easier to swap to my right? Or, just start sending with my right?
> (Well, four questions.) For copying, I do it the old-fashioned way -
> pen and paper, and shorthand scribble-characters.