Learning Morse Code, Straight Key or Paddles?

The eternal question and a sure way to start trouble at your next Ham radio club! Is the straight key a better learning tool or will the modern paddles and keyer get you there faster? Which is better for a beginner? This is not about what you prefer. It is fine to like one better. It is not about how it used to be done or by whom, army, merchant marine, etc. It is not about which one worked best for you. The amount of effort spent or how hard it is does not mean a better method. It is about giving the best tool to a new student of the code today.
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[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Arguments for learning Straight: 1. If done properly, you have to learn correct dot/dash ratio and spacing. 2. You can use a straight key on any radio (e.g. one that has no keyer). 3. Your sent CW will have it's own character - a little bit like handwriting. 3. If you don't have a key, a switch or a couple of bits of wire will work. 4. You cannot crank the keyer up to 70 or 80 WPM so that few operators can copy without a computer. 5. You can instantly slow down individual characters to accentuate them when condx are bad. Arguments for paddles: 1. Much closer to machine morse, allowing many ops to copy more easily or better computer decode. 2. Less physically demanding to use (that's why they were produced). 3. Don't have to worry too much about spacing or speed as the keyer does it for you. Arguments against paddles: 1. Lots of extra dits means more errors when sending. 2. No keyer available, your key is useless (unless you use one of the paddles in straight mode 😄). At the end of the day, whether you go for straight or iambic (or both), main point is that you learn to send properly formed code that other ops (and preferably computers) can decode. This will help to sustain and promote the use of CW.

[@gravestonemyth]

The easy answer to your question is “yes”. I think everyone should learn both. But I agree that learning the rhythm is paramount to becoming a good CW OP. And thank you for not mentioning bugs and cooties. I appreciate them, but a poorly weighted bug is a difficult hill for a beginner to climb.

[@farmerwayne1404]

Straight key on the left of me, paddles on the right. Here I am stuck in the middle with you!🎼

[@larryak0z672]

I agree. Paddles first and don't look back!

[@g4okt]

Yes, me also. I had to do the morse test at 12wpm on a straight key in 1982......I went straight to a paddle and never looked back!

[@hcy0]

I prefer straight key. With paddles I feel more the machine sending the code, not me.

[@MichaelLloyd]

I was taught on paddles. Yes taught. A very kind ham set up a sked with me almost every night for about a month. I used Code Quick to get the letters and numbers but the sked is what taught me to have a conversation. He got me up to 25 WPM. I used to keep a key in the console of my work truck. I made quite a few contacts where my location was milepost xxx on Interstate 10 in Texas. Sadly when I changed vehicles I didn't put the HF rig in the new vehicle and, over time, my speed diminished. I used paddles and straight key. I'm not as fast or accurate with a straight key. 73 NE5U

[@runabout44]

Been listening and learning for years but only just started sending with paddles last year. Picked up the straight key only for the first time the other day and was amazed how well it went. I think you’re right - getting the rhythm from listening and using paddles first had really helped. Great advice.

[@ianrutledge681]

due to repetative strain injury i am learning with a paddle.

[@timelord1137]

For me, straight is the key only for getting pleasure. It's a very pleasant feeling when you sending with your own handwriting - it doesn't look like anything. When I work on the air in normal mode at 20-25 WPM, I use an iambic key. At this speed, the hand gets tired very quickly and starts to hurt if you use the straight key. This becomes an additional, unnecessary complexity. And I agree, receiving is >1000% more difficult than transmitting and you need to devote all your time to it.

[@philipwells2793]

I learnt with a straight key 35 years ago, and I am re-learning again using a straight key. For me a paddle is daunting as to me the rhythm of sending with a straight key is the language. I am practicing at the moment by listening to some morse whilst reading it and trying to make the sound of it in my head as fast or faster than the sender, then tapping out the same thing myself. I am not recommending this as its personal to me, I find sending is important to reading. It might be because I am dyslexic :) and these sort of learning strategies worked for me in the past. Hopefully in the next 4 weeks or so I will be on the air again after 35 years with a reasonably well understood fist and a good enough ear. 73

[@thomasplaisted3579]

I learned on a straight key. Could send 16 wpm. I was an Air Force Ground Radio Operator.

[@vincei4252]

Excellent and timely. Just ordered the brass, mahogany and bearings to make either a straight key or paddle at the same time as studying for my license.

[@walteredwards544]

Thank You for this. This makes the most sense of any explanation I've heard to date. I haven't started learning CW yet but I know it's going to be a steep learning curve but this makes it a little easier to start and finish the basics. Thank you and 73's

[@Utahforrest]

I needed this! Started on a straight key a few days ago and I want to ease the learning curve with an iambic.

[@micwell2247]

Good advice, thanks

[@atf2940]

I almost completely agree. Almost: "Why introduce additional difficulties?", you rightly ask. Iambic keying does just that. A _single_ paddle obviates that iambic finger fumbling and is much more intuitive. It also facilitates having fun with sideswipers and bugs, and it removes a serious impediment to qrq.

[@garyh8315]

Cheers Gil, always good information.

[@Superfandangoo]

Very helpful, thank you

[@inventorpaul]

Excellent!! Thank you.

[@confirmhandle]

This was great information thank you very much I had no idea how those keys work and how they're different

[@pd1rwk825]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I now know what to do. I shall follow you up. Paddle first, straightkey later.

[@Jemacaza]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@Dennis-sb7gp]

Thank you for everything

[@123barbyka123]

That is great argumentation 🙏 thank you for explanations

[@darrellcollins877]

makes sense Thanks

[@thormusique]

This makes a lot of sense, Gil! I learned with a straight key (long before I became a licensed operator). I'm a musicians, so learning rhythms with a straight key felt quite natural. However, I have noticed that many people do have a difficult time with one. And with CW, legibility is everything. I recently have wanted to get back into using CW but have never had an iambic paddle. Well, it's time - thanks for the nudge. Cheers! :-)

[@jmd62800]

Tnnk’s for your advices Gil,

[@mikemarr333]

Great post. I agree. Just starting. Building my own paddles. Will start with paddles then graduate to straight key. It's just like riding a bike; use training wheels to get started. Just just a new video game; don't start with the most complicated part of the game, start with the computer assisting you. The keyer is taking care of a difficult part while you master another part. Thanks Gil.

[@abduMalik070]

Hi Gil, thanks alot for sharing such valuable information.. I am enjoying your videos.

[@WR3ND]

Thanks. As a long-time newbie, I went with both. 👍

[@jn1lfd]

both of them

[@martinblain6200]

Thank you very useful for me as I start to get CW going.

[@ki4dbk]

Both

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

Another wonderful video, great insight on a controversial topic. You make convincing arguments by the simplicity of your logic. Love your comment “Harder is not better, better is better!”

[@douglasdreger3852]

That is my experience too. Paddles first, train the brain, and the timing with the straight key comes naturally, albeit at a slower WPM. It is satisfying seeing your straight key send get picked up by RBN. I like using the straight key because I am slower on it and I can copy better. I am getting ok at 15wpm, and I am following the recommendation of your earlier video to practice at a faster speed..

[@williethepimp]

Makes complete sense. I just purchased a J38 which will go through restoration whilst I get started with the same Kent paddle as you're using. Plus a 407E. Thanks for the videos. I've watched many since the start but never commented previously. You always makes sense, which is strange as I normally think I know better!

[@RadioPrepper]

We just know the same 😉

[@9w6rmy]

tq for the advice.. 👍👍

[@rolnas21]

I think we should start from hearing not by trying to send it. After it is not important with what to send - computer keyboard, paddles or straight key.

[@radiotec76]

I say both. When I became a Novice licensee back in December 1976 I used a JJ-38 mounted on a Bakelite base I bought at Radio Shack. I used it for years. It was only later I learned to use Iambic paddles. I'm fluent on both and I can even use a Vibroplex semi-automatic key. One interesting note. Gil, I have a genuine J-38 now and the shorting switch also had a broken know on it just like yours. I ordered a replacement so it could be "whole" again. I just love, love, love my J-38. I lucked out when I found it at an electronic store here in Houston over a year ago. It needed a lot of cleanup but looks great now.

[@philipdoherty2072]

Great Videos Thank you from Ireland.

[@moseywales4433]

I appreciate your thoughts, Gil. I have learned much from you over the last couple years.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

You'll certainly get some opinions on this one..... As someone about to start learning CW, I have to agree with you on this one. Why make things hard for yourself just because of tradition ? Progress the easiest way then come back on yourself to do the harder tasks when you are better equipped.

[@ralphnunn3]

I completely agree. I've been doing CW for about 2 1/2 years. I started out on a paddle, and am glad I did. While I still have a ways to go (I'm wearing out the dit key with all of my mistakes... ;-)), I'm getting better. I also found that the Straight Key came naturally after learning on the Iambic Paddle.

[@Scif64]

Hey Gil. great video as always. A fellow ham just sent me a couple of keys. A basic straight key and a rare Eddystone S689 bug that I have never used before and I am looking forward to using it after a bit of practice.73's

[@michaelgermino626]

It's a language, not dots and dashes. You can still mess up the characters with a paddle if your timing is off. I was a drummer in my youth and I think that helped my rhythm.

[@edrudolph1]

100% agree with you Gil, too many hams on the air now have poor timing, making them difficult to copy... oftentimes they are using a straight key

[@ASCIITerminal]

You make a very good point about paddles, the rhythm comes more naturally. I guess the straight key argument comes from the CW test days when a straight key was the only way to go for beginners. I remember my Dad telling me that when he took the test, the examiner was a professional telegrapher, despite the 12wpm requirement the guy sent at 18wpm but it was timing perfect and therefore incredibly easy to copy. When it's sent right, it's much easier to copy!

[@RadioPrepper]

Absolutely!

[@marklowe7431]

Try both pick your tool(s).

[@indridcold8433]

I picked up a telegraphy key from a rummage sell for the price of a gumball. I cleaned it up, rewired it, to a small homemade oscillator which went to an ancient CB I have had in my vehicle si ne I bought the vehicle back in 1996. On channel 40 USB, I just started tapping away and practicing. I did it a few days. It is amazing how much I remembered from my childhood. Then, after two weeks taping away on channel 40 USB, I got a response in Morse Code. It is the only Morse Code QSO I have ever had on the radio. When I was small we used to use spark gap transmitters to communicate between about eight miles. My cousin and I tapped away all summer long until my father found out who was messing up the televisions, the phones, and radio receptions in the neighbourhood. Wow! Did I get punished! But the old self taught code stayed with me all these years. I was able to use it for a QSO on channel 40 USB Morse code. All these decades and I still remembered enough for a rough conversation.

[@downsouthsafaris6788]

Thanks for taking the time to make this and explaining the differences basically. I have not had an interest in not needed or wanted to use Morse code since having to pass it in my exam (M3FSX) what it’s use is in the digital arena with JS8Call I don’t know, but CW has always been out there, lurking in the muddy lower bands and I’ve thought it would be nice to know CW on a useable scale (for fun) I didn’t look at the two key approach as a straight key is easier to build and works in any situation like on a pixie board I’m building. But yes you are right slowing the words down you’ll learn the correct pronunciation making learning easier

[@puebespuebes8589]

What about just using straight key because it is so satisfactory

[@AdamosDad]

When I was in the US Navy, I was beginning to learn on the paddle, it seamed easier for me to recognize my own words.

[@SwtTrisha8]

Thanks for your opinion. I’ve been using the straight key but think I’ll get a paddle one day and at least try it out. Still working on the code at 30 wpm

[@cchimozmin]

Yes I agree. Also good for the poor sod that has to decipher what you’re trying to say on the other end.

[@1polonium210]

I prefer the iambic paddle.

[@hb9dod]

I learned CW in the Marine Corps in the Netherlands back in the 70's. With an old AN-GRC/9 in the field you had only a straight key. Later as a ham i learned to use a paddle. But guys, this is a hobby, do what ever you like the most but never sent faster as you can read. My personal opinion is that you get a better feeling for CW with a straight key but it will take a hell of lot more time to learn it. We had half a year, twice a day to get to 25 wpm. With a straight key.... Anyway good brass pounding every one.. one way or another 73 de Tom HB9DOD KL5X

[@stevewarner8880]

Well I kind of agree with you but as a Member of SKCC straight key century club I can only use a straight key, bug or cootie. My favorite is the bug. An advantage of a straight key in a real world QSO is being able to instantly slow down to emphasize characters if the other party had trouble with QSB or QRN. 73

[@RadioPrepper]

Very good point 😀

[@HyperMAX9001]

Got all three options of electronic input really cheap - two lever paddle, one lever paddle, straight key. Now i need to learn copy and sending, so it will be maybe a year or two before i send understandable code and copy a reply😀

[@RadioPrepper]

Concentrate 90% on copying...

[@survivalcomms]

I really like my old "flameproof" key. I do believe that the rhythm if learned with a paddle will translate to a straight key. The tools IMHO are not as important as the discipline . You can CW with lights and other non RF sources. Packing a laptop and burning RF running digital modes although avant garde really run counter to the key concept of simplicity and economy again IMHO. Thanks for sharing !

[@ward5821]

Back in the 70's, I started out on a straight key, but within a month, I built a keyer and the paddle, and never went back to the straight key.

[@philipoulton7730]

Very politically astute video Gil, plus logic and reasoning. Is this allowed on YT? I agree with you, as I started out straight key training on the Morse-it app, and got up to 22 wpm, but struggle copying more than 80% at 12-15 wpm. One of the reasons I started following you was the listening to your qso's and watching your subtitle translations on screen. If I were to do it all again, I'd start Iambic, and not twist my listeners faces with my not perfect dot/dash lengths. lol. And you are definitely right that "harder is not better, better is better". Keep doing what you do best. Have a sandwich, drink a beer, teach us history and geography all while playing with new radio toys! Happy 2021 btw.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thank you, and I will continue to do so :-)

[@gaelc13]

I believe that straight keys are favoured because you can always build a makeshift straight key with whatever is on hand, and transmit with mostly anything. Iambic relies on hardware timing and is therefore less universal.

[@ianxfs]

Thanks for the video Gil! I’ve yet to try a paddle. I need to use cw more....

[@RadioPrepper]

We all do ;-)

[@nr3rful]

My opinion start with the basics....hand key....move up as you get better and more comfortable....and I also agree on cw on vhf, let's do more....73

[@pablod6872]

Nice video. Although I'm a "no code" ham, I tend to think they made a mistake in getting rid of the code requirement. I intermittently practice listening to Morse code; maybe one day I'll master it sufficiently to get on the air. Keep up the good work!

[@RadioPrepper]

Just do it!

[@jimbabcock6285]

I must disagree. My father was a ham, licensed in the 1950's. I always wanted to get my license, but the Morse requirement got in my way. In 2017 I found that one of my friends was licensed and had a Baofeng UV-5R. Talk about a gateway radio!! Seven years later, I'm retired with an Amateur Extra license. Learning code too! Our lives are just too busy when we are working to learn code (many of us anyway :-). 73 Jim

[@pa3fat]

There is only one way to learn and that is receiving CW at speeds >15wpm or better higher. Any key model is absolutely of no interest until you master the receving part. Sending skill is a matter of days/weeks to master.

[@TonyLing]

Thanks Jill, I'm determined to learn Morse now. I'm 55 and licenced for 30 years.

[@RadioPrepper]

Never too late 😉

[@TonyLing]

@@RadioPrepper J'essaierai

[@NamasenITN]

A very delicate subject, usually raising a lot of “heat” from opinionated OMs. HI HI. I agree with your thoughts. CW Academy, whose courses have accompanied my own steps in CW so far, starts with a paddle.

[@W4BTK]

Merci! 73

[@BulletButle]

I 100% agree with you. But whenever i ask senior hams they push me towards straight key. I am starting with cw and your video definitely help me to go towards paddles.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Salut! ... Thanks for the great video!... Je me disais aussi que le mot "de" m'était familier... 🤣 That straight key is beautiful, lovely wood!... Stay safe, à plus. 🇬🇧🤝🏻🇨🇵

[@RadioPrepper]

Merci!

[@zembalu]

The hard part learning CW is IMHO to "read" morse code. The more easy part is to key by yourself. I would not touch any key, before I am not firm with reading, because reading is not only knowing the dits and dahs, but recognizing the pattern. Each character is a unique chirp. Human brains are not fast enough to decode the dits and dahs, but can be trained to recognize the chirp, which takes its time, months. Those wonderful morse decoders, forget them, by the way, because with CW, there is almost no redundancy. Instead of whole phrases come, say, two letters. If the QSO is not 599, there is more garbage than content, and if not: To learn this "slang" is another challenge, which does not require a morse key. For clarity, paddles are wonderful, because the timing of dits, dahs and pauses is electronically established. If one wants to become a real "brass pounder" with his unique signature, straight keys are a must, but that is aside from hearing, giving, and learning the "slang", the fourth virtue, and one of he most difficult ones. Pedals, especially iambic ones, have the advantage, that you can give faster (and clearer) than with your motoric skills alone, and since AI has not yet applied to this field, those wonderful decoders spit out less garbage 🙂

[@pathopkins4500]

Great video Gil .... that was the way I finally learned CW sending ... not learning how many presses a key but by sound .... like learning a new language =) de Pat N5VMO

[@madcarew.3256]

Learning on paddles.But I need beating with a stick till i really get down to it!!!!! Friend ex army signals said when learning any mistakes were rewarded with a hard punch on the arm by the Corporal in charge...well that's one way!!!!

[@ksb2112]

I'm sure that punch in the arm made it even easier to send good code. 😆

[@gordontreadwell.ve6gpt152]

Agreed. I haven't heard from you on a while Gil. Glad your ok and Happy new year hopefully. 73 VE6GPT Gord

[@RadioPrepper]

You too Gord!

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

I used to do morse commercially and we did not have iambic keys to start with so it was all straight keys. There was a lot of push back when iambic keys first came in because all of a sudden everyone "sounded" the same. All the character of a straight key (called fist) was lost. I could always tell who was sending using a straight key by the way they sent their morse. Gil, you have a classic "Post Office" sounding fist. Those that were Army trained have a very musical sounding "fist" (here in ZL at least).....cheers

[@ksb2112]

As a relative beginner I will take everyone "sounding the same" over not being able to copy wild straight key work. I am not against straight keys, by the way. It's just that when I run across someone sending like he really wanted to be in a jazz band I keep turning the dial.

[@RadioPrepper]

I guess the goal is to be understood, achieve that and it's all good :-)

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

@@ksb2112 Yep, we used to get a lot of that sort of sending. I could always tell who the operator was for sure, not so when we all went ti iambic keys....cheers

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

@@RadioPrepper Agreed......cheers

[@mikepeterson443]

I'm a beginner and my reasoning for starting out using the iambic paddle aligns with your thoughts on this subject. One thing I found is that if after practicing with one speed, I developed muscle memory for that speed, then when I switch to a slower speed, I have a little problem letting go of the paddle to get an accurate keying; the timing is a little off, which affects the accuracy. I'm just wondering how more experienced users handle the situations where they have to deal with fast keying vs slow keying when making contacts.

[@stridermt2k]

Thank you so much! I just bought a straight key, yeah because they are cool and they are traditional. A bit late I realized, oh wait which is best? I've only beginning to learn so the timing is very good for this video! 73 de N2NLQ

[@dongjuang4196]

If it goes about convenience, then it's better to comunicate with Skype or Viber or at least SSB. But I'm going into radio not for that. And I deliberately want to master the straight key first no matter how slow it's going to be. You know, it's like chosing a saddle nowadays considering how quick you'll be able to get to another city in it.

[@fredmetcalf]

Makes good sense to this rookie......sensible strategy......

[@walshgeo]

Gil, Thanks for the video and the pointers on learning morse code . 73 George KB3WAQ

[@anthonyglaser929]

excellent video, thanks for posting. Any recommendations about a decent affordable paddle or straight key to get started with?

[@RadioPrepper]

The Kent key if they still make it..

[@southernexposure123]

No Flack comng to you from me. When I got my novice license my radio club loaned me their radio. I was almost too poor to even pay much attention. I didn't have a straight key and couldn't afford one. My first key *upgrade* was a mini micro switch salvaged from some device. Oh, my first key was a butter knife and a few screws into my operating table wired to the key line. chuckle The rig, a Swan 400 didn't have a sidetone, much less a keyer circuit. I learned to send CW by watching the rig's power needle swing forward. ha ha And it took me about 2 weeks to copy code good enough to finish a QSO. My antenna tuner was the spring from a 5 subject spiral notebook and the variable capacitor was salvaged from a 9 volt transistor radio. The coil jumper wires were those colored kind (with alligator clips) that we got at Radio Shack back in that era. I did have an SWR meter for CB radio so the rig wasn't in danger of burning out the final tubes. I saved up coke bottle money (that's a clue to my age) and finally bought a straight key with those coins. I took on extra jobs after work and saved up for a MFJ422B. I still have the 422B and the straight key. The mini switch is in a junk box and the butter knife is in the drawer in the kitchen, screw hole and all. lol Some hams will think these truths are lies and I don't care if they do. In my CW prine I could do "conversational" CW up to about 35 wpm. But now after at least 10 years off the key I do maybe 10 wpm. Oh well.

[@RadioPrepper]

I bet you wouldn't change a thing though 😏

[@southernexposure123]

@@RadioPrepperI've learned to be content no matter which state I'm in.

[@iandeare1]

I don't use morse, so my comment is somewhat second hand 😉 My father used a miniature straight key for nearly seven years: 1939 - '46 as RAF Aircrew AG/Sigs with a speed of about 22 wpm. He maintained the signature rhythm was vital, many compromised wartime signallers revealing their fate, by deliberatly altering their signature cadence. I can't swear to him never having used a 'bug' but he swore by the single key method. RSI issues may have been more an issue with static telegraph operators rather than war time radio wave coders, who purposely only used short bursts. To this day, my telephone conversations are often considered sparse... I was disciplined from infancy in brevity, clarity, and don't tie up the comms 🤣

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep, in aviation radio communications it's a requirement..

[@iandeare1]

@Radio Prepper : of course, thinking about it: air turbulance and auto key equals trouble 🤣

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

Well this is a good call I believe. My timing isn't the greatest. I have a straight key and got very discouraged and just put it away. I haven't done anything with code in years. Also if you are going to contest your wrist will get tired if you are making many contacts. I have been thinking about trying to learn code again, and after seeing this video, I might just look into a bug and give a go again. Thanks Gil. Great to see that you are well. 73 de KG7LOI.

[@RadioPrepper]

A bug is harder than a straight key! Try paddles.

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

@@RadioPrepper oh ok, My Bad, I thought paddles were bugs. Guess I better research more my terms, before I say anything. Thank you for the clarification.

[@johnwest7993]

I'm learning on an old Vibroplex bug. I figure by the time I'm good on it I can pick up the other key types fairly easily.

[@RadioPrepper]

Paddles and a keyer give you the right timing, a bug doesn't... It depends of course on people's ability with rhythm...

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

GM Gil While I am no expert and my CW skills are pretty ordinary. I think the V character as used to sync/ tune your sending, especially with a bug / mechanical keyer. The V character is three dits and a dah. A dah is 3 dits, so you’re lining up your dots with your dashes. Anyway, I use a straight key, I drive a stick shift and prefer the sound of my guitar through a valve amp

[@RadioPrepper]

Me too, used to own a 5150 amp..

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@RadioPrepper used to :-( I used to own a Collins KWM2A. Technically I still do, it’s just that the bloke I lent it to disappeared with it many years ago :-( I have a Bugera 6262 which is a 5150 knock off. Great amp once I _calmed_ it down a little. My “B” rig now. The ‘77 Marshall 2204 Master Volume is the one everyone loves. You still have a tube amp of some form ??

[@RadioPrepper]

No. I never got good at the guitar, but might have to give it another shot. I had a Peavy Wolfgang.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@RadioPrepper nice Most of my guitars were relatively cheap. Under $400USD shipped to Australia. Just hung around waiting for bargains, broken dreams as I call them. I played bass for years, semi pro. Couldn’t play guitar too well. Decided to give it a good go 8 years ago. I pass myself off as a guitarist now, though I am a much better bass player. I never wanted so much to play other guitarists stuff. I was more interested in playing. Pick up a guitar and have music come out that’s straight from my head. Straight from me, so to speak. That took a few years and lots of learning how music actually works. Lots of great music analysis from people like 12 Tone and any number of channels that explained modes, chord voicing, tension and release, and how the relationships between the key, the mode, the chord you are on and the note(s) you play over that chord add that _flavour_ to what you are playing. While. like my CW. I’m not that quick, I make sure that the notes I play count, and I play them with conviction. It’s all fun Now I’m working on my singing. That’s a little painful for many, hand humbling for myself, but that’s my next _challenge_ to pass myself off as a vocalist That and head copy so I can CW from the car. Had 3 QSOs so far on 10m, sending left handed, as we drive on the left, as in the UK. I made a whip antenna for 7MHz so I’ll be trying it out next.

[@RadioPrepper]

Awesome :-)

[@idonotcomplyrevolution]

Thank you for this insight, I’m very interested in CW and very much still a noob. I think I’ll go for the iambic key as my timing is terrible as I’m still learning. What are your thoughts on kit like the preppercomm MMX where you can use a keyboard? Again very controversial but worth talking about!

[@RadioPrepper]

I would not use a keyboard.. And do not learn below 15wpm..

[@eminusipi]

Is that a J-38 key? I have one that my dad bought me at a thrift shop ca '60s for $1usd! It had the original base that was used for military radioman training. I recently received that Kent paddle and I love it.

[@RadioPrepper]

I believe so!

[@NexxuSix]

A Straight Key will enforce timing. It’s all about muscle memory, and timing. You know you’re good on a Straight Key when the Reverse Beacon Network picks you up. Iambic is great for sending accurate Morse Code, which can help with copying. Also, having a keyer can be an efficient means for sending fast code.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

I learned CW on a straight key and still can’t use paddles

[@DrHWO]

Sounds like the first answer is neither, followed by Iambic and then straight depending on the amount of GAS you have (gear acquisition syndrome)!

[@W4TRI]

Stir that pot! 73 from an old No code General. When is the end of Amateur Radio coming?! So many predicted it when I got my ticket. I like code I just cannot put the time in to learn it.

[@RadioPrepper]

I'm going to get slammed no doubt ;-)

[@W4TRI]

@@RadioPrepper Aww Cmon! You haven't lived till you have had your car door kicked in at a hamfest by someone that felt you should not have that 1x3 call cause that is for "older" hams. One reason I stopped getting callsign plates. True Story.

[@adrianoragazzo1321]

There's nothing about opinion or "because a friend told me". When learning it MUSt be Straight, reasons are : you will learn the "right rythm and the swing" . I studied shipboard telegraphy at the nautical high school to become an shipboard radio operator, so i know what i'm talking about and its straight key , no more options (please read) IF you really wanna learn the code wich doesn't mean "hey but i can make a qso"...it's something different. You said you had difficult time with straight key ...well because you should learn ALOT code before fisting on the straight key . Of course i'm talking on the professional side, so to me cw = art . At the end of the story a good operator with a straight key has its own "character" ..you CAN understand who's transmitting even if no callsign because a good cw operator who use a straight key has his own peculiarity . Of course i use also the paddles but isn't the same "feeling" . It's like to make a cw contact with your key OR do it by a pc and a software .

[@RadioPrepper]

The goal is to be understood, not recognized... Paddles teach you rhythm faster than straight key. Again, harder isn't better. Better is better.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

I also trained as marine radio officer many years ago. Our Morse instructor was a wonderful OM who had served many years as a marine radio officer. When you say that you learn a lot before sending, this was also the way that we were taught. I remember that we had to learn to receive slowly but to a high standard before we were even aloud to touch our (straight) morse keys. Also, we were taught never to send faster than you could receive.

[@dgrewar]

Thanks Gil, I'm going to take your advice and start with an iambic paddle...MW7BIH

[@dgrewar]

I'm planning to order a BaMaTech TP-III paddle this Friday and then start training with The Long Island CW Club using the sidetone on my FT891 to practice....really looking forward to getting started. I've been learning the letters and numbers at 25wpm on Morse Msania app....busy practicing at the moment 🙂

[@RadioPrepper]

Awesome, make sure you dedicate most of your training to decoding, not sending..

[@dgrewar]

@@RadioPrepper Your KZbin videos have inspired me so much. Thanks

[@RadioPrepper]

Music to my ears:-)

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Anybody know of a good Windows or Android Morse recorder app that works OFF-line? I've seen some ON-line sites that do what I want. After I test and get my ticket, I'm going to start practicing with machine sending and recording what is received so I can manually decode it. I inherited an older radio that doesn't support iambic keying, so until I can afford something new, I'll have to jerry-rig a workaround.

[@MountainRaven1960]

Where did you get the base for the straight key? I’ve got a similar one and it needs a base.

[@RadioPrepper]

On Ebay, searched for "wooden base."

[@m.a3957]

S.K and Paddles then after a few years of practice you will be tempted to give a try to bugs and cooties. 73 Med cn8yr

[@todd9524]

For QRP I use the micro straight key by cwmorse . us

[@K2CTC]

Does an old radio like my TS-430s handle iambic paddles?

[@RadioPrepper]

Probably not, but not sure...

[@K2CTC]

@@RadioPrepper Merci... I'll keep researching -- may start w/ a straight key.