What key?

[Ken G Kopp]

Blond, brunett, redhead.......

Chevy,  Ford, Plymouth .......

It's mostly a matter of personal preference,  but until you "know" CW,
you're not likely to be qualified to know what you like.

If you want a paddle, the Benchers are very good.  There isn't as wide a
choice in straight keys.

If you have ample funds Google N3ZN Keys.  I have one of Tony's
straight keys and one of his paddles.
They're both wonderful.

Many are fond of the Begali line of keys.

73

Ken - K0PP
On Nov 30, 2014 8:27 PM, "Tom Blahovici" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Ok
> So I'm sure this is going to get a lot of opinions... What's the best key
> to start with?
> With the k3 of course.
>
> On Nov 30, 2014 10:04 PM, Ray Sills <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > And, don't forget that CW is almost an international language.  Even
> > if you don't speak any of the many foreign languages, most DX
> > operators understand the characters that we use for a QSO... QTH,
> > name, WX, RST.  And when it's a DX station running... well, all you
> > get is your call and report (5nn).   Many DX operators know enough
> > English to do the same in voice, but not all.  CW fills in that gap.
> >
> > 73 de Ray
> > K2ULR
> > KX3 #211
> >
> >
> > On Nov 30, 2014, at 8:08 PM, lmarion wrote:
> >
> > > If you want to work more DX than you ever thought possible:
> > >
> > > 1. Learn enough CW to do basic  exchanges.
> > > Your speed and proficiency will increase dramatically by just doing
> > > it.
> > > 2. Get on 30 meters.  Other countries have not abandoned CW
> > > like the USA has. You will work DX after DX station.
> > >
> > >  You can even call CQ with QRP power and work stations worldwide.
> > > No need to wait for contests with their special rules and pileups.
> > >
> > >
> > > Leroy AB7CE
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Sun, 2014-11-30 at 18:32 -0500, Tom Blahovici wrote:
> > >> Hi
> > >> Just thought I'd drop a note about the Elecraft CW decoder. I've
> > >> been on the air for a number of hours hunting new DXCC's with the
> > >> K3's built in CW decoder. This was my first time using CW, I only
> > >> know the letters CQ 5NN TU and that's it! ( OK E also) Never been
> > >> on CW before so all DXCC's were 'new'.
> > >> Armed with that and a spotting program I racked up 50 new dxccs
> > >> from around the world. This was a new experience and introduced me
> > >> to CW. Now I want to learn it so the next time the contest comes
> > >> around I'll enjoy it that much more. Was a blast.
> > >> 73's Tom
> > >> va2fsq.com
> > > ______________________________________________________________
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[Jim Brown-10]

On Sun,11/30/2014 7:50 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:
> If you want a paddle, the Benchers are very good.  There isn't as wide a choice in straight keys.

My opinions. :)  In today's world, only a purist needs or wants a
straight key. I agree the Bencher paddles  are very good, and they're a
bargain compared to the others mentioned. The least expensive way to buy
one is used as part of a MFJ keyer that has one built it. That's because
of MFJ's reputation for quality. :)  I have 3 or 4 Benchers, all bought
used. Paddles don't wear out.

Several years ago, I fell for a Begali, and I have a hard time sending
with it.  One of my friends has an N3ZN that he brings to Field Day and
CQP expeditions. It's a nice looking paddle, but I haven't used it.

So my advice is to buy a used Bencher, and spend on something else only
after you're a seasoned CW op.

Most rigs have decent keyers, so you only need an outboard keyer for use
with a contesting program to overcome issues with how they work with
Windoze to send CW. The Winkey, an inexpensive kit, has become an
accepted standard.

73, Jim K9YC
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