[SMCARA] Morse Code Practice with an Electronic Keyer

[Tom Shelton, ND3N]

Hi Jim,
You will be happier with the paddles in the long run.  You can plug your paddles into the keyer and leave the radio disconnected.   The keyer has a built in speaker that you can use as a practical oscillator. 
Don't get too hung up on sending code, just get good enough that you can send all the characters easiky, without having to refer to a chart.  Then tune your rig to the tech portions of the 40 meter band, find a clear frequency and put out a slow cq  (5 to 8 wpm ).  Someone will come back to you at the same speed you're sending.  Make 2 contacts a night, every night for at least 3 weeks.  After that, get on the air when you can.  You'll be surprised at how fast your speed and comprehension will improve.  
If you want to set up some over the air practice,  shoot me an email and I'll be happy to give you a few QSOs.


Tom Shelton, ND3N240-434-3811
If it ain't broke,  let's fix it until it is...


-------- Original message --------
From: Jim Wieldt <wieldtjr at md.metrocast.net> 
Date: 1/8/2016  6:33 PM  (GMT-05:00) 
To: SMCARA at mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [SMCARA] Morse Code Practice with an Electronic Keyer 

In recent months, I have stewed over whether to start my Morse code practice 
with a straight key or  paddles.   I elected to start with paddles first 
even though I have had a straignt key /oscillator practice set in hand so I 
have added an MFJ Bencher knockoff iambic keyer and their MFJ-407D 
electronic keyer.

What I do not see is any means to set them up for just practice.   All 
instruction lead to them feeding a transiever.

I have a Kenwood TS-440 that I bought some months ago but haven't really 
spent any time with it other that verifying that it would power up with that 
everything  "off the wall" electrical connector that it uses and I put it 
onto a dummy load for that exercise.    I am paranoid about burning things 
up so caution is always there.

Can any tell me what the simplest arrangement I can make to start with 
paddles with the stuff I have on hand?   Regards, Jim KC3WJA


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