#365

This video poses the question - how do you operate your straight key when sending Morse Code (CW)? There are a LOT of ways to do this. I show a few common techniques, but there certainly are more variations. What do you do?
More about Straight Key Night:
www.arrl.org/straight-key-night
My video on the Basics of Morse Code:
• #300: Ham Basics: Send...

[@W1RMD]

I still got my straight key off of my MFJ code practice oscillator when I first got my novice license back in 1993. I've long since lost the oscillator and just use the key with my radio. Not the best quality, but does get the job done. I had to go check, but I put my whole arm on the table, put my thumb on one side of the key, my middle finger on the right side and my pointer finger does the keying. My maternal grandfather wasn't very technical, but he had a cheap shortwave radio (Hong Kong made) that he could tell me what they were sending. I always was fascinated by that and when I first got my license he helped me study. He was in the Arm Signal Corps in WW2 in Hawaii, and even though he wasn't a ham and hadn't really used CW in about 50 years, he was still able the help me with 5 wpm. Thanks Alan for sharing! Happy New Years and 73!

[@PapasDino]

My CW Elmer was my Dad WN6IFX (SK) who had been a Greek Merchant Marine radio operator. I keep my elbow on the desk as he taught me, grasp the key top with all fingers around its circumference and although as my desk edge to radio distance is quite shallow I turn to the left when I use the straight key I actually use a Navy Flameproof key with the big nob but have a J-38 too. The other great tip he taught me was to write in lower case cursive and never take the tip of my pencil off the paper except to "carriage return". Has worked well for me since '69 but truth be told I use the electronic keyer exclusively nowadays. Hope to CU on Straight Key Night! 73 - Dino KLØS

[@tomroderick6041]

I learned to send on a Military Surplus J-38 key with a Navy Knob (and still have it!). I gripped the top part, with my index finger on the top and thumb and middle finger sort of on top of the lower part of the Navy knob. I have never had an operating position where I could rest my elbow on the table. I passed my General Code test with whatever they had at the FCC office in Atlanta shortly before I got my driver's licence. I never operated much CW after my Novice days, but I am slowly getting back into it now as a REAL OM! It is REALLY hard to UNLEARN bad habits. 73

[@w2aew]

I know what you mean. I learned CW the wrong way about 40yrs ago, and it is still tough sometimes to break the mental lookup-table methodology.

[@CrazyLabs]

I learned CW in the army operating in armored vehicles. CW switches for this use have (or had) a bracket attached to the operator's leg (a kind of belt). It's quite comfortable and after that I never got used to using the key on a table.

[@johnpawlicki1184]

2 or 3 fingers on top is what I have done for decades. Its what works for me. Another thing that I do from time to time and that I always tell beginnerd is to record yourself then try to copy your own fist. When I recorded books and magazine articles backwards then tried to decode my own sending. One can learn a lot about what is and is not copyable. 73 and HNY!

[@usernamemykel]

It was about 1972 when I acquired my Simpson 260 - so I've had it for 51 years. It's easy to forget the batteries and allow them to leak to kill the multimeter's innards, so I attached battery mounts to the rear/back/outside of the simpson. Still going strong!!

[@w2aew]

I don’t use mine to measure resistance, so I simply leave the batteries out.

[@usernamemykel]

@@w2aew That'll do it!

[@kcscarecrow]

My Elmer W0EPV the late Edward B. Brown taught me code and technique. The three finger on the key. Now days I use three fingers but also support my arm with the right arm support on my chair. So this combination works pretty well. Been using a Bencher straight key which has a knob that fits the fingers real well. Its a small knob on top a larger knob

[@charlieoscar09]

Looking forward to all your new content in 2023 thankyou for everything 2022

[@SevenFortyOne]

When I got into CW back in the early 2000's I used three fingers on the key and wrist on the table. My hand-eye coordination was horrible so I never really had much success with that and gave up on it. I could receive just fine but never got the hang of sending so I ended up never using CW and have forgotten everything I learned back then. Good luck on Straight Key Night!

[@John_L]

Way back in the '60s I was taught to grip the key, rest my forearm on the desk and flex my wrist. That got me past the Morse test just fine but I quickly migrated to iambic paddle keying and haven't really used a straight key in over 50 years of almost 100% CW operating! Happy new year and 73 from northern England. G3WGV

[@stirlingschmidt6325]

First, I generally like the knob to be very close to the table, perhaps even installed upside down on the lever, if there’s enough room. Then, I use the pointer and middle finger, pointer for dits and middle for dahs, like a vertical sidewinder - it saves a lot of motion. J-38 would be my favorite. Thanks for the video!

[@neilsheldon8355]

Hi Alan ... As with others below, my Elmer was my Dad, formerly, K8WWK (and when he passed away, KG7X [call obtained and now held by my son, Robert, after Dad passed]). Dad was an Aviation Cadet at the end of WWII, and during his service he had learned to send/receive Morse Code 'the Navy way', that is, with a 'grip' style. When he taught his offspring (us), we learned by 'anchoring' our elbow, and sending with the 'grip' style. Dad had purchased, and then modified an old Signal Electric 'buzzer' key (from one of the old swap meets), very much like the old J38 key, but still with a unique feel. He had modified it by removing the 'buzzer', and building an audio amplifier in its place, and then later he added a tone control. It ran on an old 6 Volt Lantern battery, and it drove a speaker with kind of a metal enclosure with openings to let the sound out, and had a pretty pleasing tone for its time. When I got my Novice license, I ceased to use the signal electric, and instead Dad had obtained an old Navy Key, which had a large, tall black rounded knob (we used this because with the transmitter we were using, parts of the Key were 'hot', and this one isolated us from the more dangerous energies). (I think that thing gave me a 'glass arm' for awhile). But recently, I obtained a near pristine version of the old Signal Electric key (mine has an older 'clacker' rather than a buzzer, but the important thing is the key in this case.) When I started sending on that thing, it was like 'old home week' ... I instantly remembered the 'feel' of that old key that I had learned on 40 - 50 years ago (early '60s) and it was like 'smooth as butter'. I haven't ever done straight key night, but with that one, I may consider trying it out. I can do what I consider really fast (smokin'!) morse with my Bencher and MM-3 for relatively short bursts, but I could probably send 18-22 wpm on the Signal Electric with pretty good accuracy for a pretty long time. I may be inclined to try out the old 'Straight Key' night next year. Thanks for addressing a favorite old subject. 73 & DX! Neil K7WK (& Grandson, Alex, K7WWK & Brother, Dave, W7SN)

[@albertmorris4889]

My dad was one of three railroad telegraphers and he taught me the "correct" way to pump my key in 1969 which was grip the knob, rest elbow on desk and relax hihi

[@morejelloplease]

you know those thin rubbery/foam sheets you use in kitchen drawers, etc to keep the silverware trays from sliding around? stick a small piece of that or similar material to keep the key from sliding all over the desk :)

[@w2aew]

I actually have some self-adhesive rubber film that I put on the bottom of the portable keys and paddles, definitely helps to keep them from scooting around.

[@morejelloplease]

@@w2aew good idea! i bet moongel or an old mouse pad would work also, happy new year!

[@miketaylor6700]

I’m fairly new to CW and have chosen straight keys to do it. I have an iambic key, but like the nostalgia of the straight keys. I tend to use the European style also (get my whole arm involved). Thanks for the video…

[@barryf5479]

I use a grip and elevate my arm "European style". I've been licensed since 1968. Was off air for 29 years and when I got back on, I went right back on CW. No problem. I use an inexpensive "steel lever" straight key. It's mounted on a rectangle of 1/4" walnut paneling about 4 x 6 inches. I usually send around 18-20 WPM. For electronic keying, I use an old Brown Mfg. squeeze paddle and an old Heathkit HD-10 keyer driving a mercury whetted relay for keyer protection.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Alan, 2023 resolution is to practice CW and get a straight key. Already have a set of Vibroplex paddles. You and your family have a safe and Happy New Year. 73 WJ3U

[@pandziesonty9943]

I'm still learning morse code. But so far i'm using a mix of all styles you mention. I grab key with 3 fingers - middle and index on top, thumb underneath, rest my elbow on the desk and sending using my whole arm I'm sending pretty slow, around 12-14 wpm, using old soviet era training key adjusted to have pretty long stroke. Found out that's most consistent and comfortable way for me

[@eie_for_you]

I have the same key I used since 1970 when I got my Novice license. I added an additional surface under the main handle/knob which I rest my thumb and middle finger on. My index finger is on the knob. The key is a VERY old key that I got from who knows where. I'd include a picture here except YT won't let me drop or paste one in. So, if you were to remove the "knob/handle" off of the arm of the key. Now, make a round piece of circuit board material (0.062") about 2 inches in diameter. Install this between the knob and the arm of the key. This gives a nice resting place for the thumb and middle finger. The key is mounted on a piece of basswood so that my wrist rests on the end closest to me. I send using wrist action ... movement is from wrist to fingers. I **like** to rest my whole arm on the table, from elbow onward, but this is not required. While I am left handed, I send morse code with my right hand and this leaves me free to write with my left. On the bottom of the Basswood base is a piece of rubber back carpeting as a pad.

[@Ka7ple1]

I use a grip method. I also keep my wrist off the table, so I rotate from my elbow or I keep my elbow off the tabble, and use my upper arm. Love the Navy knob . Gives me somethig to grip on too. In the "old days" I put a poker chip under the knob of the key to mimic a navy knob. I also am getting better at the cootie key (sideswiper) I either use a double paddle key, or for sideswiping, I prefer a single lever key. My favorite straight key is the Japanese Ball Bering key. (K4) I have two I purchaced from Radio Shack back in the early 1980's. I also have a 3d printed straight key I use for field operating. 95% of the time I'm running QRP, either from home or the field. I enjoy buidling my own radios and antennas. Love the channel. Look forward to more. 73

[@wb8ujb]

Dad was a retired Chief Petty Officer. He taught young sailors the code. He was quite strick as to how to hold the key. I was given the treatment as if I was a young radioman in the Navy. Letters are formed through the wrist and forearm. Elboe on the table. Characters better be formed correctly with him. I learned the code at 12 years old. Have never let it go. Nice video, thanks 73, de WB8UJB

[@Swamp-Fox]

I say use them all! Wishing you a healthy, happy, & prosperous New Year!

[@buildstoys]

Have a Happy New Year Alan and I hope to catch you on the air for SKN! - I send the same a you, light grip/European-style.

[@pedrocastillo7013]

Happy New Year Alan. Thank you for all of the wonderful content produced in 2022 and I am looking forward to all the new stuff in 2023.

[@sootikins]

Happy New Year Alan! Thanks for another year of informative videos.

[@georgeetherege8347]

As a pre-no-code Extra, I worked hard to learn enough to copy a 20 wpm QSO but never really became skilled in Morse (Continental). Now retired, I'm trying to beyond CW laughing g stock, on-air freight and all. Hope to jump into Straight Key Night next year. Right now using practice KZbin 's and receiver portion of 100 watt rig. (My microphone technique is great but doesn't advance code ability. ) By the way, whether intentional or not, your call sign is near perfect for high speed sending--many hams are fanatical about this. From letter to letter the dot and dash pattern is quite smooth, easily sent using an iambic keyer. Very cool.

[@bobkozlarekwa2sqq59]

Happy new year.Thanks for all your great videos!

[@grs6262]

My Elmer was a WWII navy radioman.. you know from that how I started.. that was 65 years ago.... but about 20 years I experimented with and adapted the European style.. for me, the arm seems less prone to glass, and by actually allowing it to hang off the table I find the most comfortable position.. use CW exclusively, mostly a bug, but I do really enjoy the straight key..

[@n4jaw]

I'm a Gripper. I learned that way as a Cub Scout in 1961. Overt the years I've tried several different variations but I've settled into what you called the European style.

[@w2aew]

Yes, that's what works best for me, especially because it works for different operating locations and situations where I might not have a surface to rest my arm. Still looking to get you in one of my POTA activation logs...

[@nickchiarchiaro4188]

Navy key with a navy style.... of which I didn't know was a thing till now !

[@marcseclecticstuff9497]

Poor! LOL To answer your question, I pretty much always did the grip thing, but that may have come out of seeing lots of old WWII Army & Navy films / film strips going thru school in the 70's, early 80's and having an intense interest in radio / electronics, devouring all I could find. TBH, I was never able to really get into the whole CW thing. I learned Morse code when I was maybe 10 or 11 from a Radio Scrap 65 in 1 Electronic Experimenter's Kit but I was never very good at receiving it. I was always interested in HAM radio since a young age, and of course did the whole CB thing thru the 70's and early 80's. I worked hard at various times to get my code down good enough to get my ticket, but for various reasons, never ended up taking the tests. At some point I picked up Gordon West's code practice cassette tapes from Radio Scrap and they helped quite a bit. I was going for the General specifically so I wasn't stuck hammering code on HF, so I was trying to get it up to 13wpm. I also had wrote my own morse code practice program for my C64 that was actually quite advanced including the ability to automatically sync to any speed I could transmit at using a key plugged into a joystick port as long as your speed was consistent. Between the 2, I managed to get up to 13 pretty consistently, and had pretty good keying technique due to the (adjustable) constraints of the C64 reader. Being an electronics guy, the theory questions were never a hurdle..... well at least up to General at the time. They were WAY harder back then, some requiring you to draw schematics for a random circuit like a Colpitt's or a Hartley Oscillator. Plus, back then there were still questions regarding tube theory, biasing, etc. in addition to solid state stuff. All the ducks were in a row, went up the the Grayslake hamfest and a severe thunderstorm hit forcing them to shut things down. By this time I turned into Al Bundy so priorities changed as work and family life left little time/cash for hobbies. Fast forward to 2005 or 6?, I happened to catch that the FCC eliminated the code requirements for Amateur Radio licenses. I had since moved to Iowa where HAM testing is relatively scarce, but just so happened to have one the upcoming Saturday, this was Thursday evening. So I quick dusted off the ol ARRL Handbook and started studying mainly rules and procedures, but even such simple stuff as general band plans etc. as I'd been out of it for 15+ years. Had to go online to learn about modern digital modes and stuff that weren't in my 15 year old ARRL handbook. Studied all of Friday then ran out to Boone County to take the test. Sadly, it was just me and the 3 VEC's, nobody else showed up. Knocked out the Novice in about 5 minutes, passed it. Went on to the General, 10 minutes, passed that but I did miss a couple. Well what the heck, may as well try the Extra although I didn't think I stood a chance. But 20 minutes later I was the proud new owner of an Extra class ticket, just by the skin of my teeth. Can't remember if I was 1 or 2 away from fail, but it was close. The VEC's were pretty surprised too. I was lucky that the one I got happened to be biased a lot more towards technical questions rather than procedural allowing me to squeak by. I've never attempted to play with CW on air. I'm a purist, so if I did it would be a straight key and headphones, no helpers, but it's not likely to happen as I'm Asperger-ie and don't really talk much on the radio due to crippling social anxiety.

[@johnsmiht7776]

Grip, wrist off table, European style. I'm very sad to have lost my original J38. It is what I learned on and used since 1957. - KD5YI

[@usernamemykel]

Silicone baking mats have super-grippiness to make sure your key doesn't move around!

[@dwatson4]

So does lead. 🤪

[@usernamemykel]

@@dwatson4 Silicone baking mats don't make people sick.

[@stevet7522]

I use a piece of a no slip cabinet mat. Works great.

[@kao354]

I put the key on the edge of the table and send dots by vertical motion of the fingers, while dah's I send by motion of the whole first down. I was taught this during my high school years when I just started my Ham Radio journey. This is, AFAIK, the standard Russian style of sending with a straight key.

[@ericfox507]

Yes, take turns using all! I am still a beginner, but have migrated/evolved to gripping the knob of my Navy Flameproof key with arm off the desk, but I lower my elbow area to the desk if it is a long time at the key. Use straight key most of the time. Easy to go crazy with collecting keys. Thanks again and happy new year..

[@miketaylor6700]

Haha.. I totally agree with ‘collecting’ keys can be a hobby!! My wife wonders why I need a new one. It’s a CW thing… she wouldn’t understand. lol

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

I was privileged to be taught by a very experienced marine Radio Officer who was an excellent instructor. Key screwed to the edge of the table. Grip the key, arm relaxed in the air parallel to table and flex the wrist to form the characters. "European/British/English Style". Also, taught to send without sidetone (some old ship MF/HF transmitters didn't have any sidetone). Still prefer straight to bug or paddle. In fact, I can't even send if my arm is on the table😅. Euro style comes in handy when /P as I can hold a small straight key in one hand and operate with the other. No table required.

[@w2aew]

I don't know how I'd do without a sidetone!

[@stevet7522]

I love the style and operation of the j-38 keys. Wish someone still made them.

[@TheHeff76]

For straight key I use the Navy style. I'm a Navy CTR vet. That's how I learned. :) Cheers and Happy New Year!

[@DaDitDa]

I'm a Navy CTM vet (Vietnam era) who learned the Navy style via a J-38 with Navy knob from my uncle (W8SGH SK) during my Freshman year in high school. Now use a British WT-8AMP with Navy knob attached. I used to amuse my CTR friends with my ability to copy 20WPM with a pencil.

[@McTroyd]

One of these days I'll join the ham community. Gotta finish a couple other expensive hobby projects first before I hit Spousal Acceptance Factor threshold for that effort. 😁 Happy new year!

[@johnarnold5410]

Grip the key thumb slightly under the cap wrist often arched slightly. Usually key is across with arm across my chest

[@TheArtofEngineering]

We were taught at Maritime College thumb and pointer grip (pinch) the knob, second finger on top …. To rest elbow or not?? To really crank it elbow off desk? …. Put your body into it!!! 😂😂 73 de VK2AOE

[@mouseyou12]

Happy New Year!

[@joelvh1]

When I used to operate, tap with two fingers was my preferred method.

[@adrian_sp6def]

I am beginner in CW so this video is very useful for me. in general I am pretty good in sending CW but much worse in receiving, so for me a lot of time before I can make any QSO in CW mode.

[@w2aew]

You’ll get there. It’s ok to start slow. The majority of CW operators will slow down to match your speed.

[@IZ0MTW]

Happy new year from Italy! Looking forward to many other interesting videos! By the way I use a german Junker key. Very precise mechanic, a piece of cake. My style is elbow on the table but wrist elevated. Kind of pivoting on the elbow and alternating the wrist up and down for dots and dashes. Focusing more on wrist movement rather than fingers. Arm all in the air for me is tiring. Best wishes!

[@ronmasters807]

Same as your style for years -grip key and slight elevation of forearm- send at 20wpm for years, but switched to sideways key moved with fingers and arm resting on desk - much more comfortable

[@ruhnet]

I tend to go with a grip, rather than pushing or pounding. It allows you a bit more flexibility with positioning and such IMHO. 73s and happy new year, Alan. 😀

[@MichaelLloyd]

I use the grip method and the European style that you mentioned. I don't know why. It's just what I settled in to. I haven't sent / received in almost a year. I may give straight key night a try :) That Simpson 260 in the background reminded me to check the batteries in mine. I have a like new Simpson 303 VTVM. I checked it too.

[@willthecat3861]

About the wrist and elbow stuff. Besides the way I grip the key.. I don't really pay any attention to it. I just find myself doing the sending the way the code sounds right. I pay attention to the sound, not what my body is doing.

[@hamradioeconomystyle48]

I usually send right handed, and copy with my left hand. Sometimes I'll use my left hand. When I send right handed I use a thumb, index finger, middle finger grip, with the wrist on the table. If I have enough room I'll rest my elbow on the table. If I send left handed I send with the same three fingers but with an open non grip style. Kind of like tapping or patting. Again the wrist, and elbow resting on the table if there's room.

[@eddien2gsl]

I grip the knob and most often the arm is above the table with the key at about a 15 deg angle. Key is a Bunell Triumph

[@dimitrioskalfakis]

fascinating! keep up the good work.

[@karlgoebeler1500]

If I didn't do it before Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@stevewarner8880]

I prefer navy knobs on my straight keys. I grip the knob and wrist on table. I use a bug most of the time but enjoy a good straight key QSO. I keep the contacts close and spring light and relax

[@ydonl]

I don't CW, but if I did... I've found that wresting my palm on the benchtop greatly improves my surface mount soldering by reducing shakiness; probably a different problem. I think this control issue is more like guitar, where I depend on wresting my little finger (or more) on the top of the guitar while I'm trying to get control over individual strings. I suspect I'd be best off making a key that looks something like a guitar string... :)

[@DeeegerD]

Happy New Year

[@stephenstone5739]

I use a Speed-X mounted low with a Navy Knob. I grip the key with thumb and middle finger. Index finger on top. I keep elbow on table. I don’t send a lot with straight key. I’m a QRP DXer and most of my CW time is spent with keyer in the rig and a Begali Simplex Mono (single lever paddle). Steve, N1AOB

[@radiostationad0im307]

To avoid making my carpal tunnel flare up, I’ve been using a Bug since I started learning code in 2020. Keeping them calibrated over a long contest weekend can be a challenge, and they are a bit pricey. Overall though, I really enjoy it.

[@klingonbaronessprincesskar5519]

Awesome information thank you most of my stuff is vintage navy army

[@willthecat3861]

I do the grip... same as W2aew does. Don't pay too much attention to where my elbow or wrist are. (Just like he says... depend on how much room there is.) I prefer a straight key (no paddles or bugs)... not a j38 though... a lot of them seem to be junk. I like the enclosed surplus navy types with a flat top knob (like in the vid) or a semi-spherical knob (like old strap on WWII infantry keys) ... but none of those stepped knobs you sometimes see on military keys.

[@MikeFikes]

I've been learning CW using a mobile app, and alternate between index finger and even using my thumb to press the in-app button. A mobile app is great for feedback, but knowing that this could lead to really bad style, I got a physical key (MFJ-557), and am using it with a decoder to check proper sending. But indeed, I'm extremely curious as to how to avoid RSI or fatigue.

[@ruhnet]

Using a keyer or bug helps avoid stress on the wrist. For straight key sending, just practice (within reasonable limits), and keeping your forearm relaxed as much as possible will help.

[@w2aew]

Good advice from Ruel

[@Tom-W7TMD]

I grip it Navy Style I guess. My Army WWII key gets used most of the time. It was surprisingly comfortable for me.

[@USEditor]

Thank you.

[@denisleo9069]

Hi, I really appreciate your work and I find that your explanations are really good. Actually, without your channel, I probably would not have understood all I know today. If you have the time one day and if you are insterested, I would appreciate a video on How works a DMM like the 34401A. There is some informations on the subject on "The Art of Electronics (3rd Edition) ". Thank you for all you have done.

[@michaelmohr9700]

Hi , Thank you for this video ! I wish you nice Happy New Year. I'm use the european style. I'm hold the prayer plate. So this is for my the best to operation in cw over long time without stress.....DL1AQU vy 73 Michael

[@jamescrofutt8767]

Take a Blade type key like a side swiper or commonly called a (cootie key) but just key to one side only (non cootie mode) you will find side keying is much easier than traditional up and down keying and you rarely get tired just make sure you have good surface area on the finger tab covering the blade and don't let the blade have too much flex but also you don't want it too stiff. Several plans on KZbin on how to make a simple blade type key very cheap, and since you're resting your hand on the desk, in full comfort You can click along this way pretty fast with just using 2 of your fingers or if you o prefer to grip the blade handle with your thumb and 1 finger you can do that way as well, Experiment with your choice of hitting the key and find your comfort and control zone. if you want higher Straight keying speed this type of keying can control your characters very smoothly. Learning true Cootie keying is awesome as well but that takes practice so modifying to just one direction is much simpler for many hams. Take a bug or even a standard paddle and just side key the dah side in one direction and that will work as well and adjust gap and tension to make it as smooth as possible, but I like the blade as control is somewhat better, one safety note rarely mentioned anymore on reviews on keying is make sure if you touch contacts or the metal parts of any straight key that be aware with modern electronic keying your fine but plug in to an old tube set with high voltage on the contacts you could really get zapped. or worse. I mentioned this as on your video you mentioned touching under the finger tab slightly on one style of grip and that would be a huge surprise if plugged in to an Old Antique or vintage tube transmitter Great topic and glad you did this video 73 J

[@andybonneau9209]

I'm a gripper, elbow down, arm parallel with the edge of the desktop.

[@waynegram8907]

Why does radio uses a AVC time constant? what does the AVC time constant do

[@wadepatton2433]

I love sidesweeping. SS is a straight key right? It's all manual. I finally learned how to properly manipulate a straight key by watching the old military training videos from the 40's and improved a bunch from that exposure. U.S. Military that is. and in other keys: I got a set of paddles way too soon-first licensed and don't recommend that to anyone. I mean don't refuse a good set, but save 'em until you're running a good SK is my notion (they don't go bad). SOME DAY I will get smooth enough to use my semi-automatic key (bug) because I love the mechanical aspects of the apparati so designed. I flat out refuse to go on the air with it and be out of balance. There's plenty of that already. But if I had to key only one way from here on--I'm sideswiping with a ham-built key I modified to replace the springs with magnets. It's a smooth operator, me not so much. I should have caught SKN this past time-I was available for once. maybe next year. 73!

[@kckoellein]

Alan, What do you think about the SKCC allowing and even tending to promote using bug/paddles over a genuine "STRAIGHT KEY"? I was crushed when I learned this... haven't really engaged with them after.

[@w2aew]

I don't think the SKCC is promoting the use of paddles. They certainly do allow the use of a bug though, since this type of mechanical semi-automatic device has been around as long as the wired telegraph days. They also promote the use of a single-level paddle in a Cootie configuration - which is also a fully manual way of keying. None of these methods use any electronic keying circuit or aide.

[@WilliamParmley]

I use a somewhat unusual position... I sit in a rocking chair at my operating table. I put my Nye Master key at the edge of the table and rest my elbow on the arm of the chair. I grip the Navy knob with a thumb and three fingers.

[@raytowler2286]

Prefer using a variety of straight keys, usually military or marine design. I was taught the 'British style' key near the end of the bench, thumb & forefinger with middle on the control end. My favourite band for CW is 30m. HNY & best 73 de GM0KET 😎👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@msf60khz]

Thank you for the video. I use the "European" style, with an old WW2 Key No. 8. I have a Kent key, but strangely enough, the mass of the key arm slows me down. The arm needs to be very light, and I use very small contact spacings. I much prefer the manual key to an auto key and I send at 20wpm usually. 73

[@w2aew]

Very good - I typically top out at 17wpm with a straight key.

[@richegan7381]

I use a Begali Camelback with the grip and raised arm technique. It’s especially good if you are slow (under 15wpm) and a pounder (Me for sure).

[@w2aew]

Nice key!

[@neal_laugman]

It kills me to watch the Brits use a Navy knob with their forearm off in the air at 20-30° just pounding away, but I suppose it really depends on who taught you. I taught myself. I use a refurbished J-38 (beautiful) with my forearm on the table using my wrist for the motion and holding the key with 3 fingers: index at 11, thumb at 8 and middle at 2. For me this allows a really clean formation of the characters. NL7VL

[@bobbyt2788]

Slight grip, nothing touching the table. Forearm and elbow off the table. Same as yours.

[@irondogindustriesllc9025]

Sideways. Key is attached to a relatively small (~2 lbs) block of rectangular steel. Two finger tap.

[@frankartieta4887]

A fella can drill a hole in a disc like a poker chip and make a sort of navy knob I like a navy style knob My key a old speed x with a navy type knob I rest my arm on the table and I also grip the knob I think I use my arm and my wrist while my elbow rests on the table I know not for certain because I am mainly concentrating on sending I reckon I what you call table hugger :)

[@germanjohn5626]

It got send into the trashcan long ago...there it can style around as long as it wants.

[@mobiusm7440]

I grip the key with my elbow resting on the table. My Dad taught me code he was 3KS in the period just after ww1. (His call sign 3KS, wss before they adopted the prefixes in Canads) I like a bug when I am rag chewing. I have dad's old straight key which I learned on, thats what I am using tonight. Comes out every new years. I am sitting here wih it getting used to it. Best regards 73 de VE3JTV. BTW THE RIG HERE IS A YEASU PAIR YES TUBES! I HAVE BEEN LICENCED 54 YEARS, got licensed in 77, upgraded to the advanced in 78. My code is old and smooth about 18 to 20 wpm. Not a speed demon.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

It’s straight key month. There’s a whole 31 days of this :-)

[@WR5RR]

Three finger grip elbow on table.

[@wadepatton2433]

Which one do you use? How about you do a "straight key sprint" by changing keys for each contact. Put them in "rotation" smash 'em all for an evening and see how they really stack up against each other. It's SKN after all, mix it up.

[@w2aew]

For straight keys, I typically use the 90 year old Bunnell when I am using the Kenwood TS-870S, and the 50 year old Speed-X straight key when using my QRP rig. When operating portable, I use the miniature Vibroplex camelback key (when I am not using paddles).

[@HAUNTED-HAM]

I use grip style but still SUCK at CW! Uhhhhhh

[@krish2nasa]

Hi Alan, how are you doing? This is Krish from India. Satyameva Jayate.

[@w2aew]

Hi - everything is going great- Happy New Year.

[@AdityaMehendale]

Disclaimer - I'm neither a ham-op, nor can morse-code, but was wondering the following: In any mechanical system, an efficient use of -power- energy is when the stiffness in the actuated loop is highest (i.e. the potential energy needed to charge and discharge the "spring" aspect is smallest for each stroke). From this perspective, one would think that the "writing style" (corner of the inner palm resting on the tabletop) would be the stiffest, therefore most efficient. There is something to say for also choosing an optimum whereby the strongest actuator is used (the fore-arm torsion style that you mention). Another style may be even more efficient - putting the key on its edge and pinching it between the thumb and forefinger ("ergo-mouse") or between forefinger and thenar-region ("stapler") - any idea if this actually works?

[@AdityaMehendale]

"Castanet" (instead of "Stapler")

[@Andy2e0ree]

I grape the key it is better for your wrist

[@usernamemykel]

I Cauliflower mine...

[@ralphnunn3]

I have taken to gripping the round part of the key (not sure what that's called...). For some reason, using fingers on it never felt right to me. So far, I don't rest my elbow on the table, although I think that's a good idea. DE K7RLN

[@brad3378]

Thumbs-Up if Ben Krasnow from the Applied Science channel brought you here.👍

[@katietate3084]

*Promo sm*

[@janiceemery2008]

Happy New Year Alan and thank you so very much for sharing this video. I am still in the process of learning morse code with the LICW Club. I have the straight key with the Scout CPO that I practice on and usually have my arm on the table. I use one finger on the top and two on each side as I attempt to create morse code. Thank you again Alan. KO4UWU/WRVG833.

[@w2aew]

Best of luck. LICW is awesome!

[@truthreigns7]

Happy New Year