[Fists] Renewed CW interest

[W1EOF]

John -

Others on the list here may feel differently about this. I learned on a
straight key and then took up the keyer. Recently I bought myself  nice key
and have been really enjoying using it on those SKCC QSOs.

Advising today I would do it the other way around. They paddles/keyer is
easier physically. You don't get any of the "Glass arm" effects that plague
most hand key operators on extended operation. To a certain extent the keyer
forces you to adhere to some timing rules which can be a good thing.
Although most people recommend learning to copy code at a fast speed with
long spaces (Koch method and others) I think it is probably best to learn
code SENDING by practicing slowly at first. Get the "feel" down. I always
hated practicing with myself so if you're like me, go into the Novice bands
and have a few slow QSOs as soon as you feel you're ready. Start having fun
with it. I'd be happy to setup a sked with you. Just email me direct and we
can set it up.

As for the internal vs external keyer: I have one of the Idiom Press keyers
and really love it. I don't know much about the internal keyer on the Icom
so I have no way to compare. Do you use multiple rigs? If so, it might make
sense to use the Idiom because you'd have just one setup and operation to
learn.


73,

Mark W1EOF


> -----Original Message-----
> From: John [mailto:thecop at optonline.net]
> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 10:47 AM
> To: fists at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Fists] Renewed CW interest
>
>
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> ________________________________________
> From: John [mailto:thecop at optonline.net]
> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 10:41 AM
> To: 'fists at mailman.qth.net'
> Good morning,
>
>  I have recently decided to get back into CW after a loooong
> layoff.  When I
>
> first studied CW to upgrade my ticket, I remember using an old Navy
> "flameproof" key on 80 meters.  Became just proficient enough to
> pass the 13
>
> wpm, but I had a blast and made so many new friends.  I stopped
> sending over
>
> time and all but forgot the code.
>
> Now that my interest has been renewed, I purchased a Belcher
> paddle and an
> Idiom Press CMOS-4.  Although I did not realize it at the time, my 746PRO
> has a built-in keyer, so I'm not sure if I should use it or the CMOS-4.
>
> Here's my dilemma...I am having such a hard time with the paddles
> that I am
> thinking about purchasing a straight key.  My logic is to use the
> straight
> key to re-learn CW and then, once that's accomplished, try the paddles
> again.
>
> PLEASE point out any fault with this logic and, if you would,
> please make a
> recommendation for a good straight key. 
>
> I recently came across an ad. for a used Vibroplex straight key ($85) that
> looks beautiful.  Any opinions on how well this key works?
>
> Thank you for your time.
>
> John, KB2COP, FIST #11436
> thecop at optonline.net
>
>
>
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