Hi, John & Dan. I started out using a straight key about the same time Dan did, but I still prefer using it over paddles. I never did get the hang of using a keyer much past 15-20 WPM. With the straight key, I can still send at least as fast as I can receive, about 25-30 WPM, and not get too tired. The only reason I use the paddles on my KX1 is because they are smaller than most keys and they are "integral" to the unit, making them easy to store and carry. At home, I use my trusty Nye Viking straight key.
Really, it's what ever floats your boat. Good straight keys (made by Ameco, I think, and good enough to learn on) can still be found for less than $20 brand new. (http://www.youdoitelectronics.com/ the keys aren't listed, but I bought a pair for my kids to learn with not long ago.) You might consider getting one of these and trying them. If you like it, get a better key later. If not, spring for a nice set of paddles and you still have a straight key if you want one. Rick, WD8KEL Dan KB6NU wrote: > I started out using a straight key 33 years ago, but I see > absolutely no reason why you shouldn't just skip the > straight key and start using a paddle/keyer combo right > away. Most rigs come with built-in keyers these days, and if > your rig does not, it's very simple to buy and build one (my > favorite is the PicoKeyer from hamgadgets.com). And in the > worst case scenario, you can always use one side of a paddle > as a straight key. > > One reason I advise people to learn to send using paddles is > that they'll send better code right off. The second > reason--and perhaps the most important--is that the paddle > is so much easier the arm and wrist than a straight key. > That makes working CW more fun, and if something is more > fun, then you'll tend to do it more. > > 73! > > Dan KB6NU > ================================================= > President, ARROW Comm. Assn. (www.w8pgw.org) > ARRL MI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator > CW Geek - FISTS #9342 > Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Comrades, > > I'm working on my code to get my licenses soon. I will want to do CW with > > the k2 I will buy and build on board our trawler. 1st mate and CFO watches > > expenses like a hawk and will catch me if I (gasp) buy two things which > > appear to do same thing. You can't hide much from her on the 36 boat we > > live on. I intend to get the $80 MFJ code reader because some of you have > > convinced me that it is a good detector of unreadable output. I'm hoping > > to get my speed and accuracy up by sending to the MFJ. > > > > If I ultimately intend to use paddles as most of you appear to be doing, > > why is it a bad idea simply to start with a set? I can understand that > > what I'm really wanting to do is to train my "fist" and ears, but it looks > > like paddles involve somewhat different monkey motions and maybe it would > > make more sense just to buy a set and get on with it. > > > > comments? > > > > regards, John Ferguson - M/V Arcadian (now in Norfolk,VA waiting for wave > > amplitude reduction in Chesapeake Bay before continuing northward) > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
