Learning the Cootie - which side does what? Practical advice on getting proficient with the cootie
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- CC Available. I have seen some questionable advice on becoming a cootie op. In this episode of cootie 'n coffee, I share some practical thoughts on the sideswiper that you might find helpful as you try to learn this enjoyable and efficient way of sending Morse Code.
I start each character as I would with a bug or a single paddle. Works well for me and eases quick transition between different types of keys. I think it also makes keying numbers easier: You just remember thumb or index as the last finger "in action" for a given number. But I know, yours is the "pure" technique -- admirable! BTW, I also use the KN4YB. Nice cootie.
That's one of the wonderful things about radio telegraphy. We can adapt our learning styles and differing dexterity to communicate.
As for the transition, I see your point. I recently tried to use paddles and had a bit of a re-learning curve. Interestingly, the confusion was with the dah, where my bug learning made me want to tap tap tap the right side. I overcame it pretty quick and can once again key up to 25 WPM reliably. I am not bouncing between keys more frequently to maintain the various mental patterns.
And, yes, the SW-75 is still my favorite sideswiper!
I am curious cootie vs low knob navy style straight key. I was learning using iambic paddles, but am going back to the basics of learning the rhythms for recognition.
I encourage CW ops to use all of the methods! Some folks absolutely can't master the cootie, though I suspect many of them try to treat the key like paddles instead of next man up. Don't settle for either-or, try both. Cootie keys are super easy to homebrew with hacksaw blades and feeler gauges, so there's no barrier to entry. I often use paddles as a cootie. Nearly all of my straight-key work is horizontal "side keying" using the cootie or the bug. It's less stressful on the wrist for me.
a Really nice demo. Thanks. Unfortunately for me, I can't carry a tune in a bucket. I'm learning the cootie as I fear arthritis may take away my straight key use. I like it but I find the forming of a series of dits the most challenging. B, 4,5, and 6 still take some concentration or my dits start getting a little long; not quite dah length but longer than they should be. I'll still work at it as I don't want to give up CW for any reasons. I do love my bugs but below 20 wpm they get a little hard for me to use.
Thanks, Capt Bart! The cootie is easier to master for some, but I think everyone can be proficient. Yes, I concur that the side-to-side motion will alleviate the stress to your forearm. I recommend sending the "quick brown fox" exercise for a few days. But the best practice of all is to get on the air and make some QSOs. I hope to work you one of these days. I am active with POTA and SKCC.
Im brand new. Im finding if you always start on the right, the rhythms get memorized. This was not my idea, I read it somewhere. Don't you just love that sideswiper. Im learning on sideswiper and straight key. Have no interest in iambics.
Whatever works. Pay attention to the length of the dits. A lot of beginner cootie ops have long dits.
@@learnhamradio That would be me! I can tell in my Q when I watch my videos. Thanks for the advice!!!
KA6TVX good advice. I just passed 1000 cootie contacts and agree with you. Keep up the good work 72
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the practical video. I just subscribed. I too would like to learn the cootie key but not very musical as well. Been practicing with a straight key but would like to switch over and give it a try. There is something about being engaged with the code that you don't get with iambic. Even as a beginner (signed up with LICWC) I find it fascinating. Please keep the tips coming. On another note, do you have any recommendations for DIY build? Lots out there but I don't know what to look for or what to stay away from as a beginner. Appreciate any help/advice, links to some recommended builds with instructions or good diagrams. Thanks. Darcy VE7DCY
There is definitely an allure of forming your own character lengths that only straight-key, cootie, and bug ops can appreciate. That said, I like to stretch my brain and bounce between them as well at my paddles. Paddles are a different animal where the muscle memory focuses on when to let go. It's all very enjoyable.
My easiest build lesson is the car cootie you'll often see in my drive-by POTA activations. It uses standard hardware store parts. I will plan a build video based on your request.
@@learnhamradio Yes I saw that. Looks great. I would appreciate it and I am sure many others as well. Look forward to the build. Thanks again.
Nice work, putting the audio only on the left channel, leaving the right completely silent. Totally not annoying and nauseating to listen to, nope, not at all, siree.