[GreenKeys] THE 19 AND 14 WORK FINE BUT THE OPERATOR NEEDS PRACTICE!

[Wndrrt at cs.com]

Hi all Jan here KD6EMW:

I have made a few contacts, and all the contacts have been excited about 
talking to the real thing.  All have been patient with my slow call signs and 
confused carriage returns and line feeds and letters.  

To help things in the future, I bought a 1950s typing text, so I can practice 
my typing.  I spend about 30 minutes each night practicing my typing and end 
of line sequence.  All of the practice sessions contain lots of numbers and 
punctuation, so I am getting lots of practice with the letters and figures keys. 
 My rhythm is getting better, but as I get faster, I try to slow myself down 
and keep a steady pace.  Next, I am going to type up a set of questions that 
have to do with Ham Radio, and then I will try to answer them off the top of my 
head.  My final exam will include all of the above while chewing gum.  If I 
can do all this, then I will try to read what is coming in on the platen while 
typing on the keyboard punch and later sending the tape out through the TD.  
The TD already knows how to type and chew gum.  

The 14 is a different matter.  The keys don't have the green key cushions.  
It pounds along like a little steam punch press.  Each key produces a little 
thump.  The touch is different from the 19.  Three of the U shaped wire springs 
that keep the keys up in start position and are located under the keyboard are 
missing.  So three of the keys start out with a flat feel to begin with.  
Once I get use to the thumping along, typing goes along a little faster with only 
a few I guess you could call misfires.

Having fun with the mechanicals, 
Jan