[Elecraft] Not moving your wrist sending CW ?

Sun Mar 29 17:16:29 EDT 2020

Copying code sent with a semi-automatic key is significantly different than copying code sent with a keyer and paddle. Most amateurs, including many old time operators, send the dits at 40 wpm and the dahs at 15 wpm. Denise stoops sounds as good as anyone I have ever heard using a bug and should be immolated to everyone attempting to use one.

Marv KG7V

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2020 2:02 PM
To: donovanf at starpower.net
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Not moving your wrist sending CW ?

Sending with a semi-automatic key, a.k.a, bug, is significantly different than sending with a paddle connected to a keyer.   The keyer is supposed to make the dit-dah ratio and spacing correct. The length of the elements is controlled and timed electronically. 

With a bug the length of a dah is controlled by the operator and the dit length by the vibrating pendulum. 

I learned on a bug but now favor the paddle/keyer combination. 

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 29, 2020, at 3:37 PM, donovanf at starpower.net wrote:
> 
> Hi Fred,
> 
> 
> This is the video you remembered. Denise has a unique sending style 
> and remarkably good -- and error free -- bug sending.
> 
> 
> www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYhrSEERvbI
> 
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> 
> From: "Fred Jensen" <k6dgw at foothill.net>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2020 6:40:22 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Not moving your wrist sending CW ? 
> 
> Commercial operator Denice Stoops, KI6BBR, who has the distinction of 
> sending the final broadcast from San Francisco Radio [KPH] when 
> commercial CW shut down did so using a Vibroplex bug. Her technique 
> was a rolling motion of her forearm with little if any independent 
> finger movement. She made zero misteaks. It's the technique I remember 
> other commercial ops using in the 50's, and it's a technique I never learned.
> I think it's a lot like how you hold a pencil when writing, Whatever 
> floats your boat.
> 
> In this time of seclusion, and running out of stuff to watch on the 
> DVR, we watched a Titanic program on the Smithsonian channel on 
> Netflix. It turned out to be fairly superficial [I expected better 
> from the Smithsonian], and did not do credit to the role wireless 
> played in the disaster [the CW was from a code oscillator and did not 
> sound like the 5 KW synchronous spark TX in the other room]. Jack 
> Phillips was depicted sending with one finger on a somewhat J-38ish 
> looking key and sending Continental code while working Cape Race. If 
> memory serves me [often doesn't these days], ships in that era used 
> American Morse with North American stations. Again ... whatever works for you.
> 
> 73,
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
>> On 3/28/2020 3:47 PM, Jim Danehy wrote: 
>> 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
>> 
> 
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