Iambic Keys -CWops Fundamental Course in Morse Code

Iambic Key Choices

[@KU9L]

In 1978 my only way to learn was an old Halicrafters SWL receiver and an ARRL cassette tape I was given by the closest ham club 45 miles away. What fun a time it was at age 16 & 17 until I got my Novice ticket. I miss those days, lol. Cheers, Davey - KU9L

[@snail2171]

I'm lucky was sent to NAVY communication school for military service. After service opened my station and quickly realized CW is the only way to communicate with any country.

[@cdherter1]

Thanks to everyone for your comments, all excellent. It's all about goals, really. Many of my students are aiming for 10 WPM, and a straight key will work great for that. I know some skilled operators who can get up to 25 WPM with a standard straight key, but it takes persistence and a love of the instrument. Iambic keys are just easier to use for most people with fewer errors at high speeds. Semi auto keys are great too, but there is a steep learning curve. I really like using my bug. The question was raised, rightfully so, that students should learn to copy Morse Code before staring to send. That is absolutely true, so our basic students focus on head copy first. The Fundamental class is designed for people who already have mastered head copy and are proficient at 5 WPM. This is why we introduce the keys and ask our students to make sure they have one before the start of class. It takes a while to get comfortable sending so we have exercises and drills designed to complement the instant character recognition homework. As one person commented, they were sending more accurately with a straight key than classmates with iambic paddles. If the goal of any student is to get to 10 WPM (Fundamental class), and they really want to do that with a straight key, of course I will support that. But most students will not be able move very far beyond 10 WPM with a straight key, I have to be honest with them about that. And I was delighted to see someone who started with a Marconi 356 straight key! That is wonderful! (I hope you still have that... If so, could you send pictures?). Another comment about the CWops mini-test. Once a week we hold four 1 hour rapid speed CW contests called CWT. Check out this link to see dates an times: cwops.org/cwops-tests/. In CW we use the word TEST as a shortcut for Contest. So our once weekly "tests" are really mini contests, but since nobody keeps score, they're more to practice sending and receiving as fast as we can. There are some ops sending 50 WPM. We did not anticipate the general interest, and have been a bit overwhelmed by how many stations are participating. The reviewer was concerned that CWT operations is interfering with QRP stations. This is a serious issue that I will be bringing to the CWops board this week. Thank you for all these comments, and forgive me for taking so long to reply. Life has been very busy for me for the last 6 months.... Very best, Chris

[@skykingimagery899]

Very nice. Short and sweet. I learned so very long ago. All of these are an improvement over the old tried and true bug. I still have my original 73 K6AGE

[@johncahill612]

I'm actually starting a class with Rich, K1DJ on Sept. 3. Thanks for the info.

[@Larry-AK0Z]

I believe the Kent is spring return. Nice video, thanks

[@cdherter1]

You are correct Larry! I Stand corrected!

[@joen7xxx]

Love my Vibrokeyer single paddle key.

[@thomasbaxter9145]

I have had to switch to a paddle due to arthritis in my wrist. Might be another reason for starting with a paddle. Do you have a class on setting up the radio for an iambic paddle? Having trouble getting my TS-2000 to work in iambic mode. Thanks.

[@ianliston-smith7921]

Good luck with recruiting and keeping students. Although you were not suggesting beginners should practice sending, I'm surprised you mentioned types of keys so early on in a beginners' course. A key shouldn't be touched unless you get to at least 10 WPM receiving otherwise bad sending habits can be learnt and they are very difficult to unlearn. I just thought I'd mention that, as someone who learnt professionally up to 25 WPM in the British Merchant Navy - on Marconi 356 straight keys!

[@N5ZY]

Fundamental course is not the beginners course. It's for people returning to CW mode for a refresh/reboot.

[@blugoose86]

You are totally 100% WRONG my friend. Welcome to the new age and better ways of learning. It depends on how you were "learnt". Now-a days, while you're stuck at 25 WPM, we're at 40WPM and above. I'm sure if his class fails, it will be due to the KZbin compaction, not his teaching methods. Come back to school and you'll learn the right way! Sorry for the rant but pouring negativity on someone's positive efforts to enhance OUR hobby just irks me!!

[@janetwinslow2039]

@@blugoose86 Oh dear. That was a bit of a rant from you wasn't it? I was taught by the British Merchant Navy and still use Morse almost daily on the amateur bands. We were also strongly discouraged from sending until we could read at about 10 WPM. The post that seems to irk you so much was politely pointing out a suggestion out, not realising that the video was aimed at returnees - not clear from the video I admit. What is irksome are people who get so hot under the collar about obscure aspects of an obscure hobby. Just calm down - please.

[@blugoose86]

@@janetwinslow2039 okay, I'm calm now. So sorry.

[@matthalsey387]

I attended this course (different instructor) and was told that I had to have an electronic key, which is not my preference. Kept making mistakes because I am used to a straight key. towards the end of the course, I explained that I intended to be using SK's and was allowed to use my Kent SK for the remaining lessons. My sending contained the least errors of anyone in the class. I am in no way bragging but just saying that there are Op's who wish to stay with SK AND improve their skills.

[@kendebusk2540]

Dash on the right or the left with iambic paddles? I see most use right, but I learned left. Is it merely a personal choice or is there a real reason for one or the other? TU, KA8VLW, Ken, Michigan

[@juiceman977]

I’m comfortable with a sideswiper, if I sign up for a CWOps fundamentals course would I be rejected for using a swiper?

[@mdatab]

Thanks for the interesting video. But, are you sure that the Kent Keys have a magnetic return? I thought they actually have a spring return _

[@fredlodden1538]

The Kent Twin Paddle is a fine key. Ball bearings, silver contacts etc. It doesn't have all the finishing, polishing and exotic coatings of a Begali. However it does use a spring return. Still feels mighty fine in my opinion.

[@RonanCantwell]

Great video Sir. Maybe you could encourage your members not to obliterate the QRP Centres of Activity every time they work the CWT contests...?

[@cdherter1]

You are absolutely correct, our “mini” tests have grown in popularity faster than we expected. If I could ask your advice, can you suggest areas we should avoid? I would like to make our members aware of this.

[@RonanCantwell]

@@cdherter1 It's great that the contests are so popular. You've obviously got the formula right as far as their timing is concerned. It's mainly an issue on 40m. I believe the CWT guidance suggests that stations operate a certain number of kHz up from the band edges. Unfortunately, on 40m, that lands them right on the QRP COA which is 7030kHz. If a couple of kHz either side of 7030 could be avoided, that would ease the conflict considerably and open the band back up to us lowly QRP-ers during those frequent CWT sessions. Cheers, Ronan MM0IVR

[@yragora1]

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[@joachimpflitsch8587]

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[@4S7JL]

Nice mate.. De 4S7JL