I agree, Al: Interestingly, some younger Hams I know who want CW proficiency often insist on learning to use a straight key and many even move on to a bug before touching a paddle, but I'd not demand they do so.
I stuck with a straight key until I got my Extra Class Ham license and my 2nd Class RadioTelegraph license because, back then (1950's) an applicant was required to send on a straight key at 20 wpm for at least one full minute to the satisfaction of the FCC examiner. (Those applying for a First Class RadioTelegraph license - after completing 6 months at sea -- could apply to use a bug instead of a straight key, but the FCC examiners said that almost all of them failed on the first few tries; one extra dit was a failure). I've continued to use and enjoy a straight key for QRS operations ever since, but I use my old 1950's vintage bug 99% of the time. I got that bug immediately after passing my FCC exams, Hi! I built an Iambic keyer in the 1970's and became proficient with "squeeze keying" but set it aside. I enjoy the challenge of using a bug well. When I learned to fly, my instructor insisted that I learn to land a "tail-dragger" first -- an airplane with main gear and a tail wheel. They are much more sensitive to being handled exactly right in a landing than the more common tricycle gear aircraft with a nose wheel. Only after I could execute spot landings flawlessly in a tail dragger in cross winds and rough air did he check me out in a tricycle gear plane. He always said that anyone who can drive a car can land a tricycle light plane and he was very nearly right. It took me about two landings to be comfortable in one. And I was always grateful. I enjoyed many, many hours flying vintage "tail dragger" airplanes I'd not have been able to touch without that skill. I guess that, for many, knowing how to use a straight key or a bug is much the same. It's all in what interests a person. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- after having operated both a straight key and a paddle, I'm not really sure that the two are comparable I don't think being able to send using a straight key does anything to help you send better than using a paddle, but using a paddle is much easier to me than using a straight key and if you take nostalgia out of it, I would think starting with a paddle is what I would recommend to anyone just starting out. I just don't understand the fascination with straight keys, they are hard to use and tiring if you don't use them correctly anyway my .02 cents worth al ve3gam ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
