[Fists] Renewed CW interest

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

Hello John,

I would advise you to use the Idiom Press keyer.  The reason is that it has 
controls, features and adjustments that the internal keyer of your 746PRO 
doesn't have.

One thing about the external keyer is that you can fatten up the dots AND 
the dashes by XX milliseconds - to allow for the QSK relays (or switches) to 
operate.

I know that ICOM is said to have introduced a compensation in the circuit of 
its internal keyer, but on the air reports suggest that the dots are too 
light when used in QSK (full break-in) but are correct when I use 
semi-break-in or MOX (manual operated transmit).

I recommend that a person use a straight key and a tape recorder to practice 
the code (off the air at first).  Then still using a tape recorder, record 
your sending when on the air.  Practice makes perfect.  I also sent with a 
code oscillator along with W1AW (especially the "CQ de W1AW" part!) when I 
was a learning the code in 1964.  I learned to send with a straight key, 
bug, keyer and finally many years later - a side swiper (cootie).  I still 
would go in that order!  NOTE:  I can't send with the "bug mode" of an 
electronic keyer because I can't feel the dots like I can on a bug.  My 
sending in "bug mode" is terrible, I've recorded it.  It is much worse than 
my sending on a real bug.

Years later when I bought a keyboard to use on the job (I was a ship radio 
officer), it had a decoder for morse and RTTY.  I started monitoring my hand 
key and bug sending with it.  I found that it really improved things.  It 
also worked to improve my spacing on a keyer.

There is also a DOS program by Gary Bold, ZL1AN - but I believe you'll have 
to email him to obtain it as it is no longer found on the web.  (Maybe 
Google doesn't see it!).  The program has some sort of way of hooking a key 
up to show you how your sending is.


73

David N1EA

-30-
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John" <thecop at optonline.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 10:47 AM
Subject: [Fists] Renewed CW interest
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