@@Rahuldhebri 31 from Germany. I really appreciate ham radio as a way to have fun with purely analogue technology, which is getting ever more rare in our world. Due to lack of money, I cannot build my own shack or get certified as a ham operator, but I enjoy listening on shortwave.
When I was younger, I enjoyed exploring the phone network, which was analogue for quite some time over here. When you made a long distance call, you would hear the clicks and beeps in your handset "making the magic happen", and trying to replicate those sounds at home to make the machinery do your thing was a great deal of the fun I had.
As an up and coming CW operator, this was gold. I learned a ton from the Navy vet and I had already learned all I thought i could learn about those keys! Now I want to buy a bug key!
By watching this and other ive found myself going to a straight key and may dump the iambic paddle. Like he said, I can send with a straight key and not have to hear what is being sent. Km4uud
Awesome video! So glad you shot this. I love hearing about all of the history of these keys and the art of telegraphy. I've been spreading the word about Viennawireless here in Cleveland to any CW fans. Cheers!
That’s an awesome job. Now you said you could feel what you send. I could learn CW. If they made a shock collar. Hi hi. On a more serious note. Thanks for sharing. 73. One and all.
I recently got back into CW. Decided I was going to go fancy and get a paddle. So after years away from CW I jumped in. Got my copy speed back to 13-15 wpm. Send speed about 10 - 12 without getting sloppy. Last week, in a moment of boredom, I flipped the transceiver setting to straight key and turned the paddle on its side. Woah! It all came back! I say use what your comfortable but there seems to be something to learning on a straight key! Glad i did.
i really enjoyed this video. I wish I could have been here. I was a Morse interceptor based in San Vito Italy in 1980. The giant elephant cage antennae we copied from the Germans after ww2. I loved and learned the comment that interceptors make the worse sender's because they take there hands off the keys. Member said your fingers should never leave the key. He was spot on. I improved my sending 100 % on that tip. I am in the process of trying to get back to 25 gpm on copy and try to get 15 to 20 sending even though I was not trained on that in the AF. All the conversation brings back old memories and the cold war fun we had with the Russians. :)
Nice keys and discussion. I agree with the "bounce" effect, and it lets you send without needing to hear the sidetone. Yes, learn on a straight key first -- you will get a feel for the adjustments as you progress. I use straight keys for /P for simplicity. I hate swings, and won't generally QSO OMs with bad ratios. I can go from straight key to bug (McElroy) to paddles (Bigali) and send solid code without thinking. Maybe being a musician helps because I feel like I'm playing each one as a musical instrument. QSL on the $100 bill to clean bug contacts. TNX ES VY 73!
Thank you for your video. Few interesting staff I have learned here... One I liked a lot is that vibroblex bug is to be used with single paddle on the left and big one is to be used only for QRS single tap. I have been using my bug wrong for the months. Best regards from Split Croatia 73 9a4na
Don't worry....it's partly personal preference. I've been sending your way for 45 years without a problem...lol I've never tried to send as if it were a straight key. I've always had a straight key wired in parallel....it's especially handy to use the straight key's side lever to tune up.
Agreed with Mister Payne on the travel. I prefer much travel, and spring tension; otherwise, I get a sloppy fist. Many operators tell me that I shall decrease these factors, but they hear for themselves I use unnecessary force when the telegraph tangent is adjusted like so. I strongly relate with Mister Payne here. Morse telegraphy just sits in the muscles. There is no need of sidetone for being able to send correctly. What goes by my mind, gets sent by my fist. The _Cootie_ telegraph-also known as the _Side swiper_-is like a manual single-lever paddle, which one manipulates between his fingers, on each element, in order to telegraph. I have realized these are very difficult send good code with. Oh, I have never realized that! I use my Vibrocube in such fashion, all the time, when I have not an electronic Bug available. For instance, when I hook up the radio's C. W. sidetone, which has not in-built iambic modes. Also, I have my paddle pieces dismounted, so I have now a reason for finding a knob to put on there! I have always «rubbed» my dits, naturally, on a paddle telegraph-albeit, the opposite way of what You did there; feels odd to hold it in. Anyhow, this was great to watch. It appears I have appeared on the quality segment of RUclips. And, Mister Payne, Your fist is satisfyingly great, I must say. For how long have You been doing this? Seven-three: Moses K. Frost - SM5/M.
I like the banana boat swing. Stay behind means the government has to leave the country and the agents hold the contact with the government in exile. Great demonstration.
Just another note: At 29 minutes, the reason this person has such a problem with his sending has nothing to do with his ability. It has EVERYTHING to do with his form. Code comes from the wrist, NOT the fingers. A simple note to the gentleman about how to properly use his wrist would have improved his code 1000% in a matter of 2 minutes.
Yes....very surprised he doesn't have one that day...he forgot it he said. I find much added joy to the hobby ...learning/using my Sideswiper. A must for any hard-core CW ham!
I never mastered CW, but I was exposed to it a great deal as a youth. I did try, however, and I wish I still had my old J-38 key, since I paid maybe a buck fifty for it, brand new in box, American made. Now worth hundreds.
Yea, it would've been great to still have it, and still have the box too. Anyway, don't give up on the code. Send out an S.O.S. if you need help with it.
To answer the persons questions at 12 minutes, The reason you have to learn on a straight key is because in order for your brain to understand and produce proper code you must first build a foundation on which to build your skill. In short, If a machine produces your code for you (keyer) then you will never truly know the code as a feeling, and it will greatly hinder your ability to increase your speed. The difference between those who use a straight key, and those using a keyer (before learning on a straight key) is the difference between the brain understanding the formation of the character, and just accurate timing. What you learn with a keyer is nothing more than how long to hold one side or the other, not how to form the letter.
I sent c.w. these last 22 years without sidetone just because I never got round to putting it in my homebrew radio. Only these last 3 years I listen to what I send since getting an FT817ND as well. I normally use my ex-army Key. W.T. 8 AMP No.2 MKIII which I bought as a teenager in about 1965 for 7/6d before I knew Morse Code and just wanted a key. Seven shillings and sixpence, or these days 37½ New Pence. I very often use it by placing it on my knee. That Christmas key looks similar to one I bought second hand at a radio rally. I have another old large brass key with a torch bulb socket which came on a base with a 4 pin valve and audio transformer for practice. Never tried a paddle key. G4GHB.
For someone to learn as much as we used to have to know to get our ham license in the '60's tube era they would have to be able to explain the operation of the firmware in the DSP, and the decode for the display.
Its amazing that the guy sitting down is not told by all the experts around him that he MUST NOT rest his hand on the desk while sending morse. The hand must be free and it is the wrist that must work its control on the fingers that are holding on to the key knob. He is resting his wrist on the desk... therefore he cannot control the sending. I am sorry to have to point this out. I enjoyed the video though. thanks.
Now imagine the same kind of video in 70~ years in which Millennials are demonstrating texting on "retro" cellphones and it will seem ancient to the new generation who have an advanced way of communicating... Dare to fathom what that may be... Communicating purely using your mind rather than having to rely on an interface like a keyboard or even speech due to the integration of machine and human? Who knows, but it's interesting to think about.
I like the guy. Although as a european, i missed some of the nice good quality european keys. However, i see no "trash" keys as i call them... all stuff on the bench are proper, pro grade keys and not some wobbly wallmart-dropouts. thanks for the upload, and keep CW alive... get those youngster into the boat, the few that actually have no allergy to learning stuff and using the grey matter. 73, OG4U - Finland
There seems to be a substantial style divide between the US and Europe key use. The US seem to favour low-profile, lightweight keys that require a light touch with a rested arm and only a wrist movement. European keys are higher, often with a finger plate, much more substantial and not infrequently bolted to the front edge of the desk. They require whole arm and shoulder movement, as well as a flexible wrist. I imagine the low-profile keys come from designs suitable for portable military and submarine use, strapped to thighs or used in small naval or airborne spaces. WA6YOU seems happy with both styles. G4CTG
Just from how it looks, the "ukrainian key" reminds me of the German "Junkers MT" key. It was a popular one for the German Navy and a lot of merchants having German equipment.
Funny how people are different.... I easily go from straight key....to bug....to paddle....to Cootie...and even to my finger key: two piano keys basically hit with index and middle fingers. It's like going from my ukulele to guitar to mandolin to banjo to dulcimer....I guess it just takes practice....or you have to have a knack for it. I wish he had a Sideswiper on display....one homemade would be best!
You are mixing hamradio with professional radio ops. I don't care how the "music" is made as long as there is a soul in it and there is no electronic keyer that has that. Straight, cootie, halfautomatic(vibro) and others do have soul. Keep on playing Ron!
Will you guys please listen to WA6YOU. I am sure he knows the game well. Listening to him. He aint no fool. I'm Ex. R. Signals. Trained has a "Spec Op" chasing 50's for hours on end before we were allowed on live links. 73 de G0WXU- John.
If you were using the key strapped to your leg like that out in "Cambodia", you would end up with a sweat rash. I use to get a sweat rash on the underside of my right arm sending on the tailgate of a Land Rover parked up in the hoo-loo (jungle) of Malaya. 73 de John _ G0WXU
let it be navy centric, no other ... lack of better word ...community - used the key more, longer or as professionally as navy & merchant mariners Its like calling a pumpkin vegetable-centric. 73, .. you guessed it, ex Navy (germany)
Bugs can make me sick I do not want to try to copy personality I would rrather copy well sent cw I will just quit when I detect too much personality Lots of bug ops ought have their gear captured and destroyed Just the way it is
What a great chance to see & possibly play & try so many different keys! I can see how some of us develop large collections of keys as we 'try' something different. I've never tried a bug but have been able to hold off the purchase fever on that (so far!) I have my original cheap Japanese key from 1970 Novice days, a flameproof, a different version of the '8', and now primarily use one I made myself. WB2SMK
Наука
Ahhh. It warms the heart to see so many young people having fun in ham radio!
lol
I am 21 from India
@@Rahuldhebri 31 from Germany. I really appreciate ham radio as a way to have fun with purely analogue technology, which is getting ever more rare in our world. Due to lack of money, I cannot build my own shack or get certified as a ham operator, but I enjoy listening on shortwave.
When I was younger, I enjoyed exploring the phone network, which was analogue for quite some time over here. When you made a long distance call, you would hear the clicks and beeps in your handset "making the magic happen", and trying to replicate those sounds at home to make the machinery do your thing was a great deal of the fun I had.
im 13 from croatia!
Thank you so much - I’m a Radio Amateur for 50 years, and I like the different kind of Morse keys. 😊
73, Willi, DL9WR ☀️
I really enjoyed the whole seminar wish I would have been there. Glad I took the CW plunge .
Ron, WA6YOU, is awesome. What a great video.
Ham Radio and Old Men... a match made in heaven!
As an up and coming CW operator, this was gold. I learned a ton from the Navy vet and I had already learned all I thought i could learn about those keys! Now I want to buy a bug key!
By watching this and other ive found myself going to a straight key and may dump the iambic paddle. Like he said, I can send with a straight key and not have to hear what is being sent. Km4uud
Fascinating.. I enjoy the expertise of these knowledge gentleman. Especially the Navy guy.
Awesome video! So glad you shot this. I love hearing about all of the history of these keys and the art of telegraphy. I've been spreading the word about Viennawireless here in Cleveland to any CW fans. Cheers!
That’s an awesome job. Now you said you could feel what you send. I could learn CW. If they made a shock collar. Hi hi. On a more serious note. Thanks for sharing. 73. One and all.
Thanks for sharing your educational and enjoyable video. It’s always nice and great learning from the veteran hams.
73, AH0D
I been a ham since 1987 and I got a few keys my self, I love code, good show, Greg from ocala Florida
Really excellent video... so many great tips and info on keys and cow operating.
I like instructor guys like this, my instructor in the uk had the same manner about him, captivating to learn from.
Great video, I enjoyed it so much, looking out for more videos like these - 73
Got my ticket in 2017 at 48, went straight to CW. Don't own a mic just like my dad didn't. Bug4Life
I recently got back into CW. Decided I was going to go fancy and get a paddle. So after years away from CW I jumped in. Got my copy speed back to 13-15 wpm. Send speed about 10 - 12 without getting sloppy.
Last week, in a moment of boredom, I flipped the transceiver setting to straight key and turned the paddle on its side. Woah! It all came back! I say use what your comfortable but there seems to be something to learning on a straight key! Glad i did.
Very interesting video, thank you.
i really enjoyed this video. I wish I could have been here. I was a Morse interceptor based in San Vito Italy in 1980. The giant elephant cage antennae we copied from the Germans after ww2. I loved and learned the comment that interceptors make the worse sender's because they take there hands off the keys. Member said your fingers should never leave the key. He was spot on. I improved my sending 100 % on that tip. I am in the process of trying to get back to 25 gpm on copy and try to get 15 to 20 sending even though I was not trained on that in the AF. All the conversation brings back old memories and the cold war fun we had with the Russians. :)
Ciao! Did you learn Russian Morse alphabet ? The sending speed was about at 12wpm by 5 letters in a group.
Very interesting, informed and amusing demonstration of the keys. Loved the banana boat sending. Much appreciated G4XWJ,
I love that feature of my bug....holding a few dashes longer for style. Especially "K" at the end of a QSO.
New ham here, learning morse. I found this very helpful. I had no idea my straight key technique was wrong. I'm going to go practice now.
Nice keys and discussion. I agree with the "bounce" effect, and it lets you send without needing to hear the sidetone. Yes, learn on a straight key first -- you will get a feel for the adjustments as you progress. I use straight keys for /P for simplicity. I hate swings, and won't generally QSO OMs with bad ratios. I can go from straight key to bug (McElroy) to paddles (Bigali) and send solid code without thinking. Maybe being a musician helps because I feel like I'm playing each one as a musical instrument. QSL on the $100 bill to clean bug contacts. TNX ES VY 73!
Thank you for your video. Few interesting staff I have learned here... One I liked a lot is that vibroblex bug is to be used with single paddle on the left and big one is to be used only for QRS single tap. I have been using my bug wrong for the months. Best regards from Split Croatia 73 9a4na
I never knew that either! Thanks!!!
Don't worry....it's partly personal preference. I've been sending your way for 45 years without a problem...lol
I've never tried to send as if it were a straight key. I've always had a straight key wired in parallel....it's especially handy to use the straight key's side lever to tune up.
Agreed with Mister Payne on the travel. I prefer much travel, and spring tension; otherwise, I get a sloppy fist. Many operators tell me that I shall decrease these factors, but they hear for themselves I use unnecessary force when the telegraph tangent is adjusted like so.
I strongly relate with Mister Payne here. Morse telegraphy just sits in the muscles. There is no need of sidetone for being able to send correctly. What goes by my mind, gets sent by my fist.
The _Cootie_ telegraph-also known as the _Side swiper_-is like a manual single-lever paddle, which one manipulates between his fingers, on each element, in order to telegraph. I have realized these are very difficult send good code with.
Oh, I have never realized that! I use my Vibrocube in such fashion, all the time, when I have not an electronic Bug available. For instance, when I hook up the radio's C. W. sidetone, which has not in-built iambic modes. Also, I have my paddle pieces dismounted, so I have now a reason for finding a knob to put on there!
I have always «rubbed» my dits, naturally, on a paddle telegraph-albeit, the opposite way of what You did there; feels odd to hold it in.
Anyhow, this was great to watch. It appears I have appeared on the quality segment of RUclips. And, Mister Payne, Your fist is satisfyingly great, I must say. For how long have You been doing this?
Seven-three: Moses K. Frost - SM5/M.
I like the banana boat swing.
Stay behind means the government has to leave the country and the agents hold the contact with the government in exile.
Great demonstration.
Very nice collection of keys Ron but I did not see the German Junker. HI
I use the leg key all the time, I used the J45 in the Army, it has a j37 key on it and so does the one you are using, probably the 116. Gd video.
Just another note: At 29 minutes, the reason this person has such a problem with his sending has nothing to do with his ability. It has EVERYTHING to do with his form. Code comes from the wrist, NOT the fingers. A simple note to the gentleman about how to properly use his wrist would have improved his code 1000% in a matter of 2 minutes.
nice video; greatings from germany
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.
Amazing.
Please share the ebay link to the offered keys
Thanks
73
Wish he brought his Cootie also! Enjoy using Reciprocating Saw Blade Sideswiper. Interesting Video, thanks!
Yes....very surprised he doesn't have one that day...he forgot it he said. I find much added joy to the hobby ...learning/using my Sideswiper. A must for any hard-core CW ham!
I never mastered CW, but I was exposed to it a great deal as a youth. I did try, however, and I wish I still had my old J-38 key, since I paid maybe a buck fifty for it, brand new in box, American made. Now worth hundreds.
Yea, it would've been great to still have it, and still have the box too. Anyway, don't give up on the code. Send out an S.O.S. if you need help with it.
To answer the persons questions at 12 minutes, The reason you have to learn on a straight key is because in order for your brain to understand and produce proper code you must first build a foundation on which to build your skill. In short, If a machine produces your code for you (keyer) then you will never truly know the code as a feeling, and it will greatly hinder your ability to increase your speed. The difference between those who use a straight key, and those using a keyer (before learning on a straight key) is the difference between the brain understanding the formation of the character, and just accurate timing. What you learn with a keyer is nothing more than how long to hold one side or the other, not how to form the letter.
Thanks for the answer.
I think he was mainly referring to a bug rather than a keyer as the alternate to the straight key.
The question remains: Why not start on a bug?
The silver bug is also navy issue. I just found my father's old key. Its that same one. Just a different base.
These keys are so beautiful. Would you like to tell me where can I buy it？I want to buy both keys.
Thank you so much！
I sent c.w. these last 22 years without sidetone just because I never got round to putting it in my homebrew radio. Only these last 3 years I listen to what I send since getting an FT817ND as well. I normally use my ex-army Key. W.T. 8 AMP No.2 MKIII which I bought as a teenager in about 1965 for 7/6d before I knew Morse Code and just wanted a key. Seven shillings and sixpence, or these days 37½ New Pence. I very often use it by placing it on my knee.
That Christmas key looks similar to one I bought second hand at a radio rally.
I have another old large brass key with a torch bulb socket which came on a base with a 4 pin valve and audio transformer for practice.
Never tried a paddle key.
G4GHB.
Thank you
Greetings from PY2TL .73 to ALL OM's
For someone to learn as much as we used to have to know to get our ham license in the '60's tube era they would have to be able to explain the operation of the firmware in the DSP, and the decode for the display.
So, what direct key does a beginner buy?
Its amazing that the guy sitting down is not told by all the experts around him that he MUST NOT rest his hand on the desk while sending morse. The hand must be free and it is the wrist that must work its control on the fingers that are holding on to the key knob. He is resting his wrist on the desk... therefore he cannot control the sending. I am sorry to have to point this out. I enjoyed the video though. thanks.
Which of them worked at RMS Carpathia?
I learned code on a leg key. Those are very hard to find now
Now imagine the same kind of video in 70~ years in which Millennials are demonstrating texting on "retro" cellphones and it will seem ancient to the new generation who have an advanced way of communicating... Dare to fathom what that may be... Communicating purely using your mind rather than having to rely on an interface like a keyboard or even speech due to the integration of machine and human? Who knows, but it's interesting to think about.
nice video :)
I enjoyed the video, but there were parts where it seemed to pause.
I like the guy.
Although as a european, i missed some of the nice good quality european keys. However, i see no "trash" keys as i call them... all stuff on the bench are proper, pro grade keys and not some wobbly wallmart-dropouts.
thanks for the upload, and keep CW alive... get those youngster into the boat, the few that actually have no allergy to learning stuff and using the grey matter.
73, OG4U - Finland
There seems to be a substantial style divide between the US and Europe key use. The US seem to favour low-profile, lightweight keys that require a light touch with a rested arm and only a wrist movement. European keys are higher, often with a finger plate, much more substantial and not infrequently bolted to the front edge of the desk. They require whole arm and shoulder movement, as well as a flexible wrist. I imagine the low-profile keys come from designs suitable for portable military and submarine use, strapped to thighs or used in small naval or airborne spaces. WA6YOU seems happy with both styles. G4CTG
Just from how it looks, the "ukrainian key" reminds me of the German "Junkers MT" key. It was a popular one for the German Navy and a lot of merchants having German equipment.
So cool! I wish I was born in their generation! Great people! 73's Tony KN6BVX
От р-140 ключ ловкий дядечка респект интересно.rv3kj 73!
Ага, говорит из Юкрэниан...)))
For the Army leg key used in Cambodia...why did you send:. CQ UKRANIAN MILITARY KEY....?
А третий слева ключ - советский военный. Очень удобная вещь. Я на нем могу знаков 100 цифр в минуту выдать.
Funny how people are different.... I easily go from straight key....to bug....to paddle....to Cootie...and even to my finger key: two piano keys basically hit with index and middle fingers. It's like going from my ukulele to guitar to mandolin to banjo to dulcimer....I guess it just takes practice....or you have to have a knack for it. I wish he had a Sideswiper on display....one homemade would be best!
what is a microphone ? lol
i believe that is a fall back morse key where you whistle a tone, and modulate it with the ptt button - but only if the real key is broken.
You are mixing hamradio with professional radio ops. I don't care how the "music" is made as long as there is a soul in it and there is no electronic keyer that has that. Straight, cootie, halfautomatic(vibro) and others do have soul. Keep on playing Ron!
Top
Can't beat See Dubya.
Nice de n3glv here, would like to have seen more on single lever vs iambic. I hate iambic!
The camera man sounds a lot like Stan Lee.
side swiper cootie
Will you guys please listen to WA6YOU. I am sure he knows the game well. Listening to him. He aint no fool. I'm Ex. R. Signals. Trained has a "Spec Op" chasing 50's for hours on end before we were allowed on live links. 73 de G0WXU- John.
Wait whut, no cooties?! Yeah I know...thanks just the same. FB 73
He said has one....knows how to use it....forgot to pack it....he missed an opportunity to preach to newbies it's merits.
Very interesting video. GM0JDB
Wagyu
If you were using the key strapped to your leg like that out in "Cambodia", you would end up with a sweat rash. I use to get a sweat rash on the underside of my right arm sending on the tailgate of a Land Rover parked up in the hoo-loo (jungle) of Malaya.
73 de John _ G0WXU
great post - even if it is navy-centric.
leg clamp at 2:30 looks like the one from my fairchild glq-3.
story for unit at 34:00 is true.
let it be navy centric, no other ... lack of better word ...community - used the key more, longer or as professionally as navy & merchant mariners
Its like calling a pumpkin vegetable-centric.
73, .. you guessed it, ex Navy (germany)
Jex Smx ‘Navy centric...’ Lol, you have lots to learn newbie.
CQ CQ. All this stuff is so obsolete now in modern military communications. Everything now is high tech encrypted.
i loved morse code.... i used morse code when i was on the ship...now its all satellite..
Bugs can make me sick
I do not want to try to copy personality
I would rrather copy well sent cw
I will just quit when I detect too much personality
Lots of bug ops ought have their gear captured and destroyed
Just the way it is
Nice conversation but I have to disagree. Half the world uses the British straight key method and they don't all get carpal tunnel :) 73, Peter VK4QC
А виброфлекс криво работает.
What a great chance to see & possibly play & try so many different keys! I can see how some of us develop large collections of keys as we 'try' something different. I've never tried a bug but have been able to hold off the purchase fever on that (so far!) I have my original cheap Japanese key from 1970 Novice days, a flameproof, a different version of the '8', and now primarily use one I made myself. WB2SMK
RR deKM4UUD 73 ee
у того джентльмена хиповый свитерок в дырочку,это как(?),по-серьёзному(?),иль чё?
grrr, cleaning contacts with banknote is barbarism, use long strip of A4 paper
I have a Navy key!!! de xe2tgh 73!!!