I find this thread a bit strange. There is little doubt in my mind that the best way to send a long message with minimum errors is to send a prepared file by computer with one on the digital modes. Better yet, send it by email over the Internet and skip ham radio all-together. For contesting, pre- prepared messages by F keys is really neat, fast and effective. It is easier to send good code by hand with less practice with an iambic keyer and a decent set of paddles. It can be done with a semi-automatic key (Bug) or a hand key (Straight Key) but it takes a bit more practice and perhaps skill from the operator. My personal selection is usually a Bug or Straight Key, but that implies only that I think it more fun and satisfying, not better.
I would also like to make some QSOs with a TBL-6 transmitter and an RBB receiver. They weigh in excess of 2000 pounds more than my K3 and cost 5 or 10 times as much as my K3 without considering 1943 dollars versus 2007 dollars. This does not imply that the TBL-6/RBB is superior to the K3 or that I would like to use them in the next DX contest in lieu of my K3. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart ________________________________ From: Ron D'Eau Claire <r...@cobi.biz> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wed, June 29, 2011 11:07:42 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Iambic Keying (WAS: Straight key first?) I found Iambic keying wonderful to use. I stopped only because it *ruined* my fist for a bug, Hi! To make a "C" you just squeeze both paddles with the dash paddle closing slightly ahead of the dot. To make a "Q" you just hold the dash paddle and tap the dot paddle at any time during the second dash. Press the dash paddle and immediately tap the dot, and you get a "K". And so on. Very simple finger movements. Minimal timing demands on the operator. But it does take a little practice. And some operators aren't interested in doing that. That's fine, but it doesn't mean that Iambic keying isn't a *great* way to produce CW for those who enjoy it. Ron AC7AC ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
