[TenTec] new to CW dxing

[Al Gulseth]

One other thing (which can be a source of controversy for some folks): I was 
emphatically told (by my now SK dad who was first licensed in 1934 and served 
as a seagoing radio op in the Coast Guard during WWII) that I needed to 
master the straight key first (i.e. being able to send smooth mistake-free 
18WPM or so code) before trying to use a bug or keyer. If you think about it, 
it makes sense: a self-completing electronic keyer will cover up very sloppy 
timing, whereas with a straight key the least bit of inconsistency will 
immediately be obvious.

From what I've been able to glean from other sources this concept goes back a 
long way and was probably SOP for the military.

(Just my $0.02 worth....)

73, Al

On Mon July 2 2012 11:09:11 pm Richards wrote:
> That is consistent with what other guys are telling me.
>
> I have been following a learning plan laid out by an old ham friend,
> Bob, N1KPR,  who wrote a short book on learning the code....
>
> I am equally fortunate to have already accumulated a few high quality
> keys - One is the Limited Edition Ten-Tec 40th Anniversary/Bencher
> iambic paddle, Serial No. 006 (which I have yet to take from the box).
> Another is my most recent acquisition, one of the very first Vibroplex
> Vibrocube dual iambic paddles ...