[SOC] [Fwd: Tuning a Straight Key]

[Quikhooligan]

Bob Roske had the best answer. Adjust for whatever feels best to you wherever you are on the learning curve.

I checked the spacing on the two straight keys that I use and find that I can't insert even one sheet of notepad paper into either key. The keys give a barely discernable click when the contacts close. I can send slow or faster without changing the adjustments.

If you are a slowspeed operator you might want to have a large gap. It might give you better control and the clickety clack noise might help to give some audible feedback on your sending.

Best regards,
Phil - K9FH


--- On Sun, 11/23/08, Bob Roske <broske at hutchtel.net> wrote:

> From: Bob Roske <broske at hutchtel.net>
> Subject: Re: [SOC] [Fwd: Tuning a Straight Key]

> You can tune an antenna or a tank circuit, you adjust a key.
> 
> Adjust a Ham Key the same way you adjust any other key, to
> suit how you want 
> your key to feel.
>  A .15 gap is a place to start but the final spacing and
> tension is some 
> unknown setting that feels right, for you.
> 
> 73,
> Bob Roske, NØUF
> 
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > From: AC0GP <ac0gp at arrl.net>
> > To: <soc at qsl.net>
> > Subject: Tuning a Straight Key
> > Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:37:23 -0600
> >
> > I picked up a Ham Radio Center HAM-KEY a few months
> ago.  I thought about 
> > it
> > as I read QST Dec 2008 article on page 61 about tuning
> straight keys.
> >
> > The article uses the J-38 for gap and tension.
> >
> > I applied the .15 gap to the HAM-KEY but the gap feels
> a bit wide. The
> > tension is adjusted in a different manner.
> >
> > So, a question to the group -- What's the best way
> to tune the HAM-KEY?
> >
> > (I need to tell you that my code is less that 10wpm.)
> >
> > AC0GP/John
> >
> > --------
> >
> > -- 
> > 73/72!
> >
> > The unknown SOC Secretary
> >
> > http://www.qsl.net/soc
> >
> > Competence is tolerated, but not encouraged
> > I demand the right to make a fool of myself in any way
> I see fit
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > SOC mailing list
> > SOC at mailman.qth.net
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/soc
> >
> > Mailman: User Guide for List Subscribers
> > http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> >
> > 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> SOC mailing list
> SOC at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/soc
> 
> Mailman: User Guide for List Subscribers
> http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm