[Elecraft] Not moving your wrist sending CW ?

[Jim Danehy]

Well I have been sending CW for 70 years now. I am not the most accomplished Morse operator you will copy. But I wonder why someone would think it is improper procedure  to move your wrist ? I have watched musicians play guitars and bass instruments. They all move their wrists. I am not a musician myself. But when I do send Morse I get into a rhythm like musicians do. With 70 years of experience I have evolved into a competent operator.

 Many years ago my XYL told me that I also send Morse with my vocal cords when i send CW.  She noted that when serving me food during my contesting. She was correct. My speed might be higher than the average Morse  operator. I started with a straight key in 1950. Went to a Vibroplex bug in 1954. Up Graded to an electronic keyer in 1966. During that 16 year period I always moved my wrist. I probably own two dozen keys and paddles. I don’t get over 35 wpm very often. But if I find that rare operator who can copy QRQ I can crank it up. I can send with either hand too. The one thing I do is not think about what I am doing. It is all reflexes. I am a member of several CW oriented clubs. The German High Speed operators are excellent users of Morse. Google that organization.

To say that moving your wrist is incorrect procedure might appeal to some. Not me. By the way I decided years ago to put a paddle on the floor and use my foot. Really! That allowed me to use both hands. I have not done that for some years. I think I can still do that. using your feet: LF operating. In my case it was RF  (right foot). That was just a challenge. It did take some practice. 

I sure beats some of these current modes which do not require any operator skill.

73
Jim
W9VNE/VA3VNE 

Sent from my iPhone