> On Dec 1, 2014, at 12:36 PM, Terry <tmyers1...@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > The moral of the story is you tend to like what you first learn.
That has not been my experience, it probably depends more on what you have to start with. I started out with a Japanese J-38 clone and then later was given a WWII surplus Vibroplex (I still have both of them on the operating desk.) I’m not sure how good I ever was with the bug but I would not subject the airwaves today to my current horrible fist with it! In my case, my first “electronic” keyer was a homebrew keyer out of the 1960’s Handbook, a pair of 12AU7 tubes IIRC and a paddle made out of a pair of back to back J-38 clones. Well I survived that for a long time and must have been fairly proficient since I operated high level NTS without being banned ;-) Eventually I bought an MFJ keyer and a real paddle (Bencher) and then the K3 with the Bencher. Either one is fine by me but the K3 is of course more convenient. Bottom line, I would never go back to that early Handbook keyer and the back to back J-38s! never! Speaking of bad fists brings back the memories of a certain W8D**. When you heard him on a traffic net, you either laughed or cried. Laughed if someone else had to copy his traffic, cried if you had to copy it! Cliff just sent dots and more dots, you had to figure out which ones should have been dashes because of the extra spacing! > from: phil, K7PEH > However, thinking back of experiences: in today's world, I would recommend > skipping any straight key and learn with a keyer and paddle right from the > start. I think straight keys are antiques like tube-based rigs (no flame > wars from hollow state players). > > Would you really suggest someone starting out at 5 wpm use a paddle and keyer? 73, WA8JXM ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
