Congratulations,
you past the 5 wpm CW test. You proved
to the examiners that you can copy code but can you send it? Here are some tips on how to get started.
People
generally picture Morse code being sent with a straight key, like the radioman
in a WWII movie. Although many hams
still use a straight key it is not the easiest method of sending code. The bug, which was a significant improvement
in both speed and accuracy over the straight key, works best at faster
speeds. The easiest way to learn sending
code is with a paddle hooked up to an electronic keyer.
The
paddle/keyer combination can send dit’s
and dah’s in precise intervals and at any speed the
operator is comfortable with. It is also the easiest for the person trying to
copy the code being sent. The iambic
paddle is appropriately name after a measure in poetry; two syllables, a short
followed by a long, dit and dah.
Many
rigs have a built-in keyer and the basic paddle has a retail price of $50.00
with the top line paddles at 3 times that amount. I have found that the heavier paddles tend to
stay where you want them but the differences are not significant. Hook the paddle up to a phone jack with some
lightweight wire such as coiled cord from a discarded phone headset.
It
doesn’t matter which way you wire the paddle but most hams that have operated a
bug set it up with dah on the right. That is, if you push the right side of the
paddle towards the left, a dah will sound and if you
push the left side of the paddle to the right, a dit
will sound. If you press and hold one
side or the other it will send a string of code such as dit,
dit, dit… or dah, dah, dah… If you squeeze the paddle, it will alternate
between the two, dit-dah, dit-dah,
dit-dah until you let loose of the paddle. This is an important step in improving
speed. By squeezing the paddle it is
possible to send letters and numbers with the fewest hand or finger movements.
That is the basis for sending code at a fast pace while being relaxed. K7QO has a great web site at (Sorry Vic this was a dead link) for complete instructions on how to squeeze the
paddle.
Good
luck and remember-it’s only a hobby.