Man, this one's more interesting than that "Mic" thread.... :-)
I have had one of those Autronic paddles since 1968 when I built a keyer
using RTL logic. It is indeed my favorite, but in the meantime the Autronic
is relavated to the mobile (RV) because it's heavy and stays put.
I mostly use a Vibraplex, when I'm not using my Shurr, my ETM, or my
"Twinkey" (which is 1"x2" and both paddles go up and down - so that it
doesn't slide back and forth due to its low weight). And for the handkey
contests I alternate between my old (1962) Bug (NoName, but it has a
Bakelite base and clear plastic cover) and my Bencher "RJ" staight key,
because my original J38 (with Navy Knob and leg strap) which I used in the
Army (1971-74) seems to have shrunk and doesn't fit my leg anymore.
To be honest, it really doesn't matter much to me which one I use because
they're all good. I don't like the Bencher paddles at all. Hate using
them. I can when I must, but it's almost as bad (to me) as running a
Kenwood.
I only use the keyboard when contesting. It's not very fun but it is
convenient.
I don't have any problem switching back to the old semi-automatic bug
(exclusively for the handkey contests, nothing else) because I never learned
(properly) to squeeze. If I squeeze, I go slower, not faster.
Clearly the most difficult to use is the Twinkey. But it has its
undisputable advantages.
Now if you have problems with RF in the shack, there are certainly huge
differences in these keys.
By far the best is the old Bug (no metal anywhere to be touched). The ETMs
are pretty safe. The Shurr isn't bad if you hold it high. The Vibraplex
will bite you once or twice per word ;-)
73
Rick
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of W9GE
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 10:36 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
Some of you make me drool with envy. I used to have what I thought was a
decent fist, but then I switched to squeeze keying. That was 25 years ago
and my fist has never been as good since. It happened when I discovered
squeeze paddles and iambic keyers.
Wish I could switch back and unlearn 25 years worth. Maybe I could have a
fist to be proud of again. Cannot tell you how many times I have tried, and
that includes using the "other" hand, without success to switch back to non
squeeze keying. Is there a secret I have missed along the way? And no, it
is not because of A vs B curtis chips. I am a B user, cause I cannot make
the letter C consistently with A keying.
I went the total route; pump to bug to the original TO keyer ( I built one)
to the Original Curtis chip Lil Bugger to an Accu-Memory Keyer ( I built
one) to the K3 and Orion internal today. All are/were excellent and equally
better than I was. By the way my straight key must have a navy knob on it.
I have several Benchers and one Shurr Proffi paddle. Both are fine
instruments.
I look longingly at a chrome Vibroplex Original made the same year I was and
a blue racer that is a bit younger than I am. I cannot use either. Nor can
I use the Lionel bug my dad was issued while in Burma during WWII and
subsequently used to work 300+ countries and who knows how many radiograms
while not on duty again during Korean action. If that one could talk, the
stories it would tell.
My alltime favorite is a beautiful Autronic non squeeze paddle. Weighs
enuff to stay put and has a feel that I have not seen duplicated. But, I
never had an original FYO. I do have a March on order.
This thread has convinced me to hook up the Autronic and try it again. I am
with the crowd that believes iambic keying has been a bane to sending good
cw. For some of us who may be anal retentive going back seems impossible,
and as I age my timing ain't sharp enuff to send good cw at 35+ by
squeezing, even if I only do it on some of the characters. I teach cw to
new hams and force myself to use a keyboard so at least they can hear
perfect cw while learning. But, keyboard cw is not the same when on the air
to me. Just not fun.
I chase dx and contest mostly with the keyboard now. Sometimes I use the
paddles, but do not do it well. I would love to un-learn squeeze keying so
I can comfortably rag chew again.
My hat is off to those of you who can switch back and forth and do it well.
73 bob de w9ge
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