[Elecraft] [OT?] Changing which hand you send with

[Rick Commo]

Like Eric, I am a lefty.  I forced myself to learn to use a paddle with my right hand so I wouldn’t have to put the pencil down.  One different thing I did was to send DAHs with my thumb  (ie. the “slow” finger”) and DITs with my fore (ie. “last”) finger.  What I have found is that my dominant hand seems to track my right hand at about the 85% level if I reverse the paddles from what I normally have.

When I try a “normal” paddle at hamfests I just turn my back to the keyed and send “backwards”.  Usually good for a comment or two!  ;-)

Also like Eric, I cannot send straight key with my right hand.

-rick, K7LOG


On Mar 18, 2018, at 18:32, EricJ <eric.csuf at gmail.com> wrote:

I tried it 30 years ago so I could hold a pencil with my dominant (left) hand and not have to put it down when keying with my right.  It took a couple evenings to get back up to speed. Keep it symmetrical. If your sending dots with your right thumb, swap the paddle lead so you're sending dots with your left hand. Your brain can deal with it a lot easier. I can switch from right handed to left handed bug with  equal ease.

The same isn't true with a straight key, though. I have never been able to send right handed with a straight key but have no problem with 20 wpm with my left. Different skill.

It's very easy to give it a try. I think you'll be surprised.

Eric KE6US


On 3/18/2018 5:50 PM, kevinr wrote:
> Have any of you attempted changing dominant hands?  My left hand has very few broken bones in it and rarely has the pain I have in my right one.  How difficult would it be to learn to send with my non-dominant hand?  I came very close to giving up CW a few years ago when I had nerve damage in my right arm.  I have gotten marginally better since then but hate hurting peoples' ears with my sending.  A friend of mine was able to learn to bow her cello left handed and went on to Juilliard.  But I don't have anywhere near her skills.  Any thoughts you may have for my dilemma?
>    73,
>       Kevin.  KD5ONS
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