[UK-CONTEST] Keyer or Keyboard? (Longish)

[Stewart Rolfe]

A view from a different perch......

    The issue for me as a novice, and still somewhat casual, contester 
is the urge to be (or at least feel...) in control. I've always used SD 
and never would use the keyboard for CW because I didn't like the keyer 
and keyboard not being in sync; and changing speed on the keyboard in 
jumpy steps sounded weird. So I would send with the bencher and log with 
my left hand but my brain doesn't multitask like that so speed and flow 
suffered.

    Then came Winkey which (for anyone not familiar) controls the CW 
from ASCII characters sent from the computer and/or key closures from 
the paddle. So the CW is exactly the same whether from the PC or paddle 
and speed is also synced and infinitely variable on the fly with a pot. 
Now I can take advantage of the keyboard macros, intelligent enter key 
etc knowing that I can immediately and seemlessly transfer to the paddle 
when things go wrong or when you want to slip in a friendly quip to a 
mate or fellow club member.

    I do agree with others here who have commented on typing skills. I'm 
making efforts to learn to touch type here, not only because I realise 
it's value in contesting with a computer but also to do justice to data 
modes which the RSGB CC contests have persuaded me to try. However the 
temptation in data *contesting* is to be heavily reliant on the built in 
(and impressive) macro facilities of programs like MixW. But I dread the 
moment when the wrong macro key is pressed or something unexpected 
happens and I actually used to find myself reaching for the paddle to 
regain control when things went pear shaped..! Guess it'll be a long 
while before the keyboard feels as natural as a paddle for me when sat 
in front of a transceiver.........

    As for S02R - I have enough problems with one........

73 Stew - GWØETF