Maximum range on TDC

SteamWake · 06-22-07, 09:46 AM

Nice job on that Puster Mine looks like a 5 year old put it together LOL.

BTW who the hell still uses a straight key ? I bet you only use it to tune the rig :p

Puster Bill · 06-22-07, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Nice job on that Puster Mine looks like a 5 year old put it together LOL.

BTW who the hell still uses a straight key ? I bet you only use it to tune the rig :p

BZZZT! Wrong answer. I do 95% CW, and I've only ever used a straight key. Straight keys are the best, because it allows your natural fist to shine through.

I love having a QSO with someone using a vibroplex or a keyer at 20 wpm, then casually mentioning that I'm using a Chinese Army straight key. I can do between 18 and 20 wpm comfortably for a ragchew, and probably 25 or so for a contest type exchange.

Of course, I learned Morse in the Army, and spent 8 hours a day for 4 years copying it (ex 05H10 EW/SIGINT/Morse Interceptor), so I sometimes actually have dreams in CW.

Puster Bill · 06-22-07, 10:54 AM

Just for you SteamWake, here is a short video of me using my straight key:

SteamWake · 06-22-07, 11:18 AM

good lord thats an old call Bill, you still in New York ?

KE4JOY here

I can do around 10 to 12 wpm on a straight key but can rip off almost 40 with my paddles

.

I can only copy around up to 30wpm anymore. But when I was a kid I could copy 20-30 wpm while watching tv and talking on the phone :p

Puster Bill · 06-22-07, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteamWake

good lord thats an old call Bill, you still in New York ?

KE4JOY here

I can do around 10 to 12 wpm on a straight key but can rip off almost 40 with my paddles

.

I can only copy around up to 30wpm anymore. But when I was a kid I could copy 20-30 wpm while watching tv and talking on the phone :p

Yeah, I'm still in NY. My novice call was KB2JII, which was an abomination to send in CW. My call isn't that old, I got it back around 1991 or so. It has such a nice rhythm to it that I've kept it.

By the way, I hadn't warmed up or anything, that was cold, so it isn't as fast as I can go.

I still use a straight key for the same reason I use a flintlock: It's more fun that way.

06-22-07, 10:54 AM	#3
Puster Bill Grey Wolf Join Date: May 2006 Location: BA8758, or FN33eh for my fellow hams. Posts: 833 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Just for you SteamWake, here is a short video of me using my straight key: __________________ The U-Boat Commander of Love

06-22-07, 09:46 AM	#1
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Nice job on that Puster Mine looks like a 5 year old put it together LOL. BTW who the hell still uses a straight key ? I bet you only use it to tune the rig :p

06-22-07, 11:18 AM	#4
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	good lord thats an old call Bill, you still in New York ? KE4JOY here I can do around 10 to 12 wpm on a straight key but can rip off almost 40 with my paddles . I can only copy around up to 30wpm anymore. But when I was a kid I could copy 20-30 wpm while watching tv and talking on the phone :p