Elecraft

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

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Ralph Parker

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

>The "standard" is for the right hand paddle (operated by the finger of the
>right hand) to make dashes while the left hand paddle (operated by the thumb
>of the right hand) makes the dits.
>...the conventional operation of semi-automatic mechanical keys ("bugs")...

Indeed, there is only one correct way - the dots are always on the thumb,
regardless of which hand is used. I assume this applies also to left-handed
bugs, although I've never seen one. (Otherwise, how would you know that it
was left-handed?)

I teach Morse at my local club, and have had to stop students who got
started the 'wrong' way, and get them to start all over again (after they'd
mastered a straight key, of course). Only one student wanted to use a bug,
this because he had learned on one many years ago, and wanted to preserve
the 'romance'.

I've been relying on the timing of an electronic keyer for so long (built a
W9TO back in the 60s) that my sending with a bug is too embarrassing to be
heard.

VE7XF

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M0XDF

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

Why is that the 'only' correct way?
I would have thought the correct way, if not using a bug, is what
feels most natural to the user?
Is there something about using a thumb for dots that makes it feel
more comfortable?
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
--
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice,
but in practice there is.

On 20 Aug 2009, at 05:58, Ralph Parker wrote:

> Indeed, there is only one correct way - the dots are always on the
> thumb,
> regardless of which hand is used

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Thom LaCosta-2

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

At 03:12 AM 08/20/09, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote:
>Why is that the 'only' correct way?
>I would have thought the correct way, if not using a bug, is what
>feels most natural to the user?

Aw, now you did it.....next thing you know we'll start discussing the correct
way to tie shoe laces, or play geetar.

The real question might be....which foot is correct to use when sending cw ?
Tradition says the left(QLF), but it may be reversed in the southern
hemisphere.

73
Thom

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w7aqk

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

In reply to this post by M0XDF

David and All,

I'm not convinced there is a "right" way to do it. Somehow, the ergonomics
may be better using the "standard" approach, but I'm not sure I can really
detect any benefit either way. I'm a leftie, but I've always just accepted
the right hand version of bugs and keyer paddles. I suppose if I hadn't
used a bug before using a paddle, I might have tried it the other way. My
old bug was a right handed version, so when I moved to keyers, I just kept
the same convention. If there is an advantage one way vs. another (maybe
the thumb doesn't have quite the same degree of dexterity as the first
finger), I would think it would be more important with a bug than with a
paddle.

I've spent my whole life making concessions to right handed stuff--I even
play golf right handed. Any inclination I might have had to shoot a rifle
left handed was immediately squashed in the army. You don't want to fire an
M-1 left handed, unless you like having hot shell casings eject right into
your face! Making that concessions with bugs and paddles, however, was no
big deal in my view.

Unless you want to carry your own paddle around all the time, I would
suggest learning the "conventional" way. Not all of your friends' rigs will
necessarily have a menu feature allowing you to switch the paddle.

Dave W7AQK

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] "Standard" paddle settings

> Why is that the 'only' correct way?
> I would have thought the correct way, if not using a bug, is what
> feels most natural to the user?
> Is there something about using a thumb for dots that makes it feel
> more comfortable?
> 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
> --
> In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice,
> but in practice there is.
>
> On 20 Aug 2009, at 05:58, Ralph Parker wrote:
>
>> Indeed, there is only one correct way - the dots are always on the
>> thumb,
>> regardless of which hand is used
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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M0XDF

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

Thanks, yes, I am planning on learning the conventional way, but most
likley with my left hand, I'm a southpaw too :-)
--
I am told I talk in shorthand and then smudge it. - J.R.R. Tolkien
(1892 - 1973)

On 20 Aug 2009, at 09:12, David Y. wrote:

> David and All,
>
> I'm not convinced there is a "right" way to do it. Somehow, the
> ergonomics may be better using the "standard" approach, but I'm not
> sure I can really detect any benefit either way. I'm a leftie, but
> I've always just accepted the right hand version of bugs and keyer
> paddles. I suppose if I hadn't used a bug before using a paddle, I
> might have tried it the other way. My old bug was a right handed
> version, so when I moved to keyers, I just kept the same
> convention. If there is an advantage one way vs. another (maybe the
> thumb doesn't have quite the same degree of dexterity as the first
> finger), I would think it would be more important with a bug than
> with a paddle.
>
> I've spent my whole life making concessions to right handed stuff--I
> even play golf right handed. Any inclination I might have had to
> shoot a rifle left handed was immediately squashed in the army. You
> don't want to fire an M-1 left handed, unless you like having hot
> shell casings eject right into your face! Making that concessions
> with bugs and paddles, however, was no big deal in my view.
>
> Unless you want to carry your own paddle around all the time, I
> would suggest learning the "conventional" way. Not all of your
> friends' rigs will necessarily have a menu feature allowing you to
> switch the paddle.
>
> Dave W7AQK
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]
> >
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 12:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] "Standard" paddle settings
>
>
>> Why is that the 'only' correct way?
>> I would have thought the correct way, if not using a bug, is what
>> feels most natural to the user?
>> Is there something about using a thumb for dots that makes it feel
>> more comfortable?
>> 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
>> --
>> In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice,
>> but in practice there is.
>>
>> On 20 Aug 2009, at 05:58, Ralph Parker wrote:
>>
>>> Indeed, there is only one correct way - the dots are always on the
>>> thumb,
>>> regardless of which hand is used
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Doug Person

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

In reply to this post by M0XDF

I've been operating left-handed with dots on the fore-finger since the
early 60's when my dad built a tube based Heathkit keyer. I can
comfortably send 25 WPM without even thinking about what my fingers are
doing. I'm sure there's a point to encouraging newbies to learn the
"right" way. But in the long run I don't see how it makes any
difference for an amateur operator.

I've actually never thought about trying to send with my right hand.
This seems like an idea with real merit. Not having to drop the pencil
to send and being able to make notes with my hand on the key... I'll
have to try this. I have no trouble with the frets on a guitar with my
right hand. So any of you here my call on 20 sending at 8 WPM it will
be me sending with my right hand!

(Hmmm. Wonder if I can bowl with my right hand....)

73, Doug -- K0DXV

David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote:
> Why is that the 'only' correct way?
> I would have thought the correct way, if not using a bug, is what
> feels most natural to the user?
> Is there something about using a thumb for dots that makes it feel
> more comfortable?
> 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
>

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John Vickers

Re: "Standard" paddle settings

In reply to this post by Ralph Parker

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Parker" <[hidden email]>

> Indeed, there is only one correct way - the dots are always on the thumb,
> regardless of which hand is used. I assume this applies also to
> left-handed
> bugs, although I've never seen one. (Otherwise, how would you know that it
> was left-handed?)

Anytime I need to log with the right hand or make notes...... I reach the
paddles from the *rear* of the "Bug" or single lever key with my left hand.
Been doing it 48 years and never a problem. My Forearm lies along the side
of the bug instead of in front when using the left hand.

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