[Elecraft] Not moving your wrist sending CW ?

Sun Mar 29 18:04:32 EDT 2020

The following is from one (me) who comes from decades as a seagoing op on
USC&GS (now NOAA) vessels and HAM band operation starting in 1961.

The correct procedure is to use your wrist as a "spring".  Failure to do so
will soon cause a condition known as a "glass fist".

I'm also a musician, so one foot serves
as a metronome to establish a very even
sending rate.

TRIVIA ... if confronted with a brief need to use a "backwards" set of
paddles, just turn it around and reach over the top.

For more info see my QRZ page.

73

Ken Kopp - K0PP

On Sun, Mar 29, 2020, 15:17 <marvwheeler at nwlink.com> wrote:

> 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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