[UK-CONTEST] Keyboard reduces fatigue

[G3SJJ]

Exactly Roger. My original point though was to point out that there is, now
confirmed, a genre of operators who don't have/need a paddle but use the ALT
K to send from the keyboard. This is the bit I can't hack and therefore
prefer to have an external keyer connected. To my mind it just gives that
added flexibility especially as you say for those panic moments. Chris G3SJJ


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of G3SXW
Sent: 11 June 2005 22:54
To: UK-Contest
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Keyboard reduces fatigue

Dear UK-Contest,
The 'Keyer versus keyboard' discussion has, I think, omitted the most
crucial point: keyboards reduce operator-fatigue. If a 'good' contester is
at least competent with both keyer and keyboard then it is a tactical
decision which to use, whichever most increases the score. Concentration
needs to be far higher when sending with a paddle. Conversely, there are
thousands of moments in a contest when the PC could be sending the CW and
the operator can relax just a little, momentarily. The cumulative effect
over 24-48 hours really reduces fatigue, leading to fewer errors.
Additionally, when the PC is transmitting the brain can switch momentarily
to thinking
about other things: band-changes, beam-headings, double-checking typed
call-sign etc, - all contributing to the score. Personally, I prefer to send
CW from the paddle only when the QSO-rate is slow, to avoid boredom. Yes, of
course a paddle is absolutely essential, for those panic moments. 73 de
Roger/G3SXW.
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