Starting with a Straight Key (#606)

James, has quite a long complicated question but summarize he wants to know if he can start learning morse code with a dual paddle keyer? He knows that the popular opinion and advice is to start with a straight single key but he doesn't want to do that. What does Dave suggest?


Edited by Callum Jakeman


Theme music is "Sour Tennessee Red," by John Deley and the 41 Players, courtesy YouTube Music Library.



Twitter: @dcasler

[henryleaball]

As a professional musician, I can vouch for teaching and learning the code using a straight key. The straight key at least forces one to learn the rhythm of the key. Good straight key technique allowed me to form coherent code with a bug, when I was pursuing my Extra. Paddles and bugs are a lousy way to acquire a decent fist for the inexperienced. - AL7W

[timelord]

I am deeply convinced that the most important thing in the CW is reception. The main training time should be aimed at this, because the better you recognize the melodies of the CW signs, the faster and better your QSOs will be. On which key to work - everyone chooses for himself. Both on the straight and on the iambic key, in any case, you will pass through the melodies of the signs. I use both types, according to my mood)
73 best wishes de R4PGC

[cubansplat]

Great advice. Learn to send with a straight key first and get the spacing right. After a while you will just "know" what sounds right regardless of the speed. CW is my favorite mode since I was first licensed in 1959. 73 to all de K7RMJ Frank

[kentkaee]

I have heard that answer many times, but it is absolutely wrong for me. I have had repetitive motion issues, so I purchased a good paddle (Kent) even though I have had a J38 since I was a teenager. The proper way to learn code is to use the Farnsworth method. Make character speed around 18 wpm but leave space between characters to achieve a slower speed. Some say start with 25 wpm character speed. The ARRL code practice over the air is done that way, 18 wpm character speed for all slower code speeds starting with 5 wpm. I look for slower code on air to practice copying, but much of the straight key slow code is so bad it is hard to copy. Learning on a paddle will make your sending better and make the transition to faster speeds quicker. 73 Kent K9AEE

[almulford]

I too am going to learn code and have a J38. I would like to know how to properly set one up. Tension and gap is what I am trying to set. Appreciate you and your videos. Am also a licensed pilot and wish you well in your aviation endeavors. KG5KRQ

[glenmartin]

Thank you, Dave. I learned CW on a straight key when 12. N0QFT

[kdhj]

Dave, please check the spelling of the word “straight” in the beginning of the video, upper left corner of screen.

[HighCalip]

can't you just change the wpm of the keyer in the rig? the dot dash ratio is also adjustable so a super slow keyer can use paddles fine if their rig allows for these adjustments.

[ksb]

This advice has never been clear to me. If you start with a paddle you are getting lots of practice hearing the proper length and spacing. Learning to use a paddle takes a few minutes. I know, because this is how I started. I have yet to get into straight keys, but I'm confident that when I do I will have those aural patterns cemented in my head to guide me.

[brucebissell]

THANKS FOR THE INFO. 73, KE7LGD SOUTHWEST, UTAH

[ProperLogicalDebate]

Can slow key people understand fast key?
Can fast key people understand slow key?
Doesn't matter how fast you are if nobody understands your call for help.

[kbjerke]

Thanks for the video, Dave. That's good advice! My problem is that I *send* morse *WAY* faster than I can receive!! LOL!

73 de Karl, VE3GUN FN04

[johnsinclair]

2 dits, 4 dits, 6 dits, a "dah"-lar... All for straight keys stand up and holler.

[CougarMutt]

2022 is my year for CW. I plan to take the ARRL CW class (already bought the CD set). I plan to buy the finger keyer for POTA use, but may get a paddle set later. Any recommendations? Advice? Thoughts? de W4CEC