A couple of you said that you don't like the Bencher Paddle. I have one but
am not very good at cw so may not know the difference. Question--just
curious--why don't you like the Bencher?
Dave ke7gi
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of tentec-request@contesting.com
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 7:45 PM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
tentec@contesting.com
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of TenTec digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (Jim Larsen - AL7FS)
2. banana boat swing (W9GE)
3. RE: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (NJ0IP)
4. Re: banana boat song (Ben K8DIT)
5. (OT) CW List - Whoops! (Richard Hemingway)
6. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (Mike Hyder --N4NT--)
7. Re: [Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle]
(Michael Goins)
8. Re: TenTec keyers what are they? (Steve Ellington)
9. (OT) CW List (Richard Hemingway)
10. Re: Iambic, Iwasbic, Iwillbebic someday (Ben K8DIT)
11. Re: Can Iambic be used as single Paddle (jack)
12. Studio 1 Mic Paint Job!! (Jim Reid)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 11:58:06 -0800
From: Jim Larsen - AL7FS <JimLarsen2002@alaska.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <408D69CE.6000003@alaska.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Ack!! Not clear, Jim...Not clear. My statement assumes you are NOT using
iambic. I do not use iambic as it makes me crazy. I use both type paddles
for NON iambic keying.
There! That's better. :-)
73, Jim
Jim Larsen - AL7FS wrote:
> This is sorta like reading how to build a watch to find out the time.
>
> Bottom line. Keyer sets the mode. Paddle can be single or double
> depending on personal preferences. I use both.
>
> That's what time it is.
>
> 73, Jim
> Jim Larsen, AL7FS
> Anchorage, Alaska
> http://www.qsl.net/al7fs
> Anchorage Amateur Radio Club:
> http://www.KL7AA.org
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:26:15 -0400
From: "W9GE" <finger@goeaston.net>
Subject: [TenTec] banana boat swing
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <001401c42bcc$bb72c440$0200a8c0@shack>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Ah yes. The long gone days of the bug and swing fists. In those days you
could recognize your friends by their fist before they signed their calls.
A good bug fist is rarely heard these days on the bands, and a true joy when
it is encountered. Of course the really good ones sound just like keyers,
so maybe.....and my xyl does not miss the model 15 clanking away in the
basement either. Big difference compared to the quiet clicking of a pc
keyboard.
An aside. While teaching general classes the other night, a fairly recent
ham (general for 2-3 years anyway) was amazed when I showed a vacuum tube
and described the filament or heater. He did not know you had to warm em up
to make em work. He thought heat was just a by-product. On the other hand
he probably knows more about psk than I ever will.
Thanks for the trips down memory lane. Whoever started this cw thread gets
an attaboy, or attagirl as appropriate. Anyone know of a good 160 meter AM
transmitter available for purchase? 73 bob de w9ge
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 23:08:36 -0700
From: "NJ0IP" <Rick@dj0ip.de>
Subject: RE: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <NIBBJJPNILNPGHFHFIJJOEOICFAA.Rick@dj0ip.de>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Man, this one's more interesting than that "Mic" thread.... :-)
I have had one of those Autronic paddles since 1968 when I built a keyer
using RTL logic. It is indeed my favorite, but in the meantime the Autronic
is relavated to the mobile (RV) because it's heavy and stays put.
I mostly use a Vibraplex, when I'm not using my Shurr, my ETM, or my
"Twinkey" (which is 1"x2" and both paddles go up and down - so that it
doesn't slide back and forth due to its low weight). And for the handkey
contests I alternate between my old (1962) Bug (NoName, but it has a
Bakelite base and clear plastic cover) and my Bencher "RJ" staight key,
because my original J38 (with Navy Knob and leg strap) which I used in the
Army (1971-74) seems to have shrunk and doesn't fit my leg anymore.
To be honest, it really doesn't matter much to me which one I use because
they're all good. I don't like the Bencher paddles at all. Hate using
them. I can when I must, but it's almost as bad (to me) as running a
Kenwood.
I only use the keyboard when contesting. It's not very fun but it is
convenient.
I don't have any problem switching back to the old semi-automatic bug
(exclusively for the handkey contests, nothing else) because I never learned
(properly) to squeeze. If I squeeze, I go slower, not faster.
Clearly the most difficult to use is the Twinkey. But it has its
undisputable advantages.
Now if you have problems with RF in the shack, there are certainly huge
differences in these keys.
By far the best is the old Bug (no metal anywhere to be touched). The ETMs
are pretty safe. The Shurr isn't bad if you hold it high. The Vibraplex
will bite you once or twice per word ;-)
73
Rick
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of W9GE
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 10:36 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
Some of you make me drool with envy. I used to have what I thought was a
decent fist, but then I switched to squeeze keying. That was 25 years ago
and my fist has never been as good since. It happened when I discovered
squeeze paddles and iambic keyers.
Wish I could switch back and unlearn 25 years worth. Maybe I could have a
fist to be proud of again. Cannot tell you how many times I have tried, and
that includes using the "other" hand, without success to switch back to non
squeeze keying. Is there a secret I have missed along the way? And no, it
is not because of A vs B curtis chips. I am a B user, cause I cannot make
the letter C consistently with A keying.
I went the total route; pump to bug to the original TO keyer ( I built one)
to the Original Curtis chip Lil Bugger to an Accu-Memory Keyer ( I built
one) to the K3 and Orion internal today. All are/were excellent and equally
better than I was. By the way my straight key must have a navy knob on it.
I have several Benchers and one Shurr Proffi paddle. Both are fine
instruments.
I look longingly at a chrome Vibroplex Original made the same year I was and
a blue racer that is a bit younger than I am. I cannot use either. Nor can
I use the Lionel bug my dad was issued while in Burma during WWII and
subsequently used to work 300+ countries and who knows how many radiograms
while not on duty again during Korean action. If that one could talk, the
stories it would tell.
My alltime favorite is a beautiful Autronic non squeeze paddle. Weighs
enuff to stay put and has a feel that I have not seen duplicated. But, I
never had an original FYO. I do have a March on order.
This thread has convinced me to hook up the Autronic and try it again. I am
with the crowd that believes iambic keying has been a bane to sending good
cw. For some of us who may be anal retentive going back seems impossible,
and as I age my timing ain't sharp enuff to send good cw at 35+ by
squeezing, even if I only do it on some of the characters. I teach cw to
new hams and force myself to use a keyboard so at least they can hear
perfect cw while learning. But, keyboard cw is not the same when on the air
to me. Just not fun.
I chase dx and contest mostly with the keyboard now. Sometimes I use the
paddles, but do not do it well. I would love to un-learn squeeze keying so
I can comfortably rag chew again.
My hat is off to those of you who can switch back and forth and do it well.
73 bob de w9ge
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 14:09:49 -0700
From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] banana boat song
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <00c301c42bd2$d0aad680$168727d8@net>
.... daylight come and I wan' go home.
Let us simplify. All automatic keyers can be swung as though they were not
iambic.
All you have to do is ignore the fact that it is iambic. If you want to try
'the iambic' way then you are squeezing your letters. You dont have to do
this unless you want to. The remaining cw is auto.
The dot/dash memory of type A keying can throw some people, so use type B to
escape it. Whether you use a single or double lever paddle makes no
difference.
This keying thing is made way to much of, as it's not all that complicated.
Alot of hams go buy the cheapest thing that's made and get used to it.
Others buy after investigating and networking the info. If it is confusing
its because it can be unclear, even having read the manual. The manuals on
keyers are abominable.
A good paddle, a Ten Tec and a wire antenna are sublime. Day O)(O
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:10:23 -0500
From: Richard Hemingway <rheming1@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List - Whoops!
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <p06020403bcb32add3d98@[68.94.61.38]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
Whoops!!! I got a confirmation e-mail right after I got the one
rejecting one. I think what happened was that the rejection was of a
former try and not the one from the home page. Sorry.
Dick N5XRD
I earlier wrote:
I have repeatedly tried to subscribe to the cw reflector and have had
the e-mail rejected. The last time I went to the QTH.net home page
and tried to subscribe from it - it was again rejected. Any of you
who are CW list members - why??
Dick, N5XRD
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:07:55 -0400
From: "Mike Hyder --N4NT--" <mike.hyder.n4nt@charter.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Cc: designer@quickdata.com
Message-ID: <003701c42bd2$b47e7750$657ba8c0@radiodesktop>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi, Paul--
Count me as another one who believes iambic keying is the work of the Devil
! The more I practiced with it the worse I got -- regardless of the speed.
I've used an old single-lever W8FYO key since about 1962 and wouldn't trade
it for your house. The Bencher single-lever key is the closest key to mine.
I don't like the fingerpieces on that Bencher but you might.
Hi, Perry!
73, Mike N4NT
----- Original Message -----
From: "designer" <designer@quickdata.com>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 12:30 AM
Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> My last key was a J-38, so many decades ago. Now I feel the cw itch
> again but the world has changed. From reading these posts about a
> week ago, and my experience with demos at ham stores, I think I'd
> adopt to a single paddle faster than iambic. That is, I understand
> index finger/thumb pressure, but squeeze trips me up.
>
> However, there are few Bencher ST-1/2 or Vibroplex Keyer models for
> sale. Almost everything I see in classifieds is iambic. Can the
> iambic be "adjusted" so it ignores the squeeze? I'll be using this
> with and Argo V and/or a Paragon with an outboard keyer.
>
> I picked up an MFJ 407B but hear they are touchy over 20 wpm. Is the
> MFJ 408 any better?
>
> 73,
>
> Paul
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:25:45 -0500
From: Michael Goins <mgoins@usa.net>
Subject: Re: [Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle]
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <953iDZVZt0288S07.1083014745@uwdvg007.cms.usa.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I agree about the Bencher - can't find a W8FYO (or one I can afford). I do
use
the single paddle Bencher and it works very well. Also use a dual paddle
Long
Island Mercury, but find myself using the Bencher a lot as I like the feel
and
single paddle.
72,
mike
K5WMG
============================================================
HQRP MosQRPitos, FISTS #10403, QRP-L #2130, QRP-ARCI #3922 (former managing
editor, QRP Quarterly), TDXS #69, SOC #54, Flying Pigs #447, ARS #810,
Alaska
QRP #514, Iowa QRP #163, QCWA #30857, RSGB #19119, originally licensed as
WB5YJX -One watt, all the time - SSB, CW, PSK, fixed or mobile
============================================================
Ten Tec Scout - SWL-30 - RM-40 - RM-20 - WM-20 - Ten Tec Argosy II
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 21:50:25 -0000
From: "Steve Ellington" <N4LQ@igLou.com>
Subject: [TenTec] Re: TenTec keyers what are they?
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <006901c42bd8$7bd7ff60$a3ecffcc@f1v7g7>
I bought a TenTec KR40 back in 1975 or so. It was my first real keyer and it
cost $89. I learnt...KY. for learned, how to send "keyer cw" on it. Since
then, I've tried other keyers using mode A curtis, Hallicrafters TO keyers,
Accukeyers and even the highly rated K3 and I do poorly on them all but turn
me loose on a curtis Mode B and I'm fine. I use an old MFJ 407 which has the
curtis chip set for mode B. Yes, the K3 is supposed to emulate a curtis but
looking at the menu, I do not see mode B listed.
I did poorly on the Omni VI internal keyer but do fine on any Kenwood or
Icom keyer. I assume they use mode B also. Now my conclusion is that TenTec
used Mode B Curtis in their design of their Iambic series keyers but didn't
in the Omni VI. Back in 1975, Mode B was cutting edge! Also I've concluded
that if you learn on mode B, you are stuck for life. Interestingly, I can
switch between the keyer and a bug and not miss a beat. Many of the mode A
crowd can't do that. Wonder why?
Steve
N4LQ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 9:09 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] banana boat song
> .... daylight come and I wan' go home.
>
> Let us simplify. All automatic keyers can be swung as though they were not
> iambic.
> All you have to do is ignore the fact that it is iambic. If you want to
try
> 'the iambic' way then you are squeezing your letters. You dont have to do
> this unless you want to. The remaining cw is auto.
>
> The dot/dash memory of type A keying can throw some people, so use type B
to
> escape it. Whether you use a single or double lever paddle makes no
> difference.
>
> This keying thing is made way to much of, as it's not all that
complicated.
>
> Alot of hams go buy the cheapest thing that's made and get used to it.
> Others buy after investigating and networking the info. If it is confusing
> its because it can be unclear, even having read the manual. The manuals on
> keyers are abominable.
>
> A good paddle, a Ten Tec and a wire antenna are sublime. Day O)(O
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:06:19 -0500
From: Richard Hemingway <rheming1@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [TenTec] (OT) CW List
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <p06020400bcb329eb04fc@[68.94.57.17]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
I have repeatedly tried to subscribe to the cw reflector and have had
the e-mail rejected. The last time I went to the QTH.net home page
and tried to subscribe from it - it was again rejected. Any of you
who are CW list members - why??
Dick, N5XRD
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:30:10 -0700
From: "Ben K8DIT" <benk8dit@serv.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Iambic, Iwasbic, Iwillbebic someday
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <013901c42be6$6c68daa0$168727d8@net>
I eat twinkies seldomly. Twin keys usually have two keys on them. One is a
pump and the other is a single lever paddle. If you have a single lever
paddle of any kind, it will be impossible to ever send iambic.
Mode A is a tool of the devil and should be cast hence. If you can do Mode
A, keep it to yourself.
Mode B is what its all about. Single or twin lever (some call them iambic
paddles) you cant go wrong. Dont confuse iambic keying with iambic paddles.
Paddles are paddles. Its the electronic keying that vary from maker to
maker. Some are easier to do than others. Try as many as you can lay hands
on to find the one that's most enjoyable.
Many rigs now have the A/B choice. Some dont like their rig's keyer so they
use outboard keyers.
There are memory keyers and there are keyers that just key.
Memory keyers have the additional capability of storing messages in them for
use by pressing a button to insert the memorized cw wherever you determine
you want it. You must first organize these according to taste.
Over the years makers of keyers used first tubes, then ttl, and finally cmos
logic with which to make our music. There may be others but these were the
vast majority.
The straight key and the bug are both non electronic and hence are the
subject of most fond recollections. Iambic was used as a buzz word to imply
better, easier, faster and new. Many bought what they thought was iambic
only to be dissappointed and have long since abandoned all hope of automatic
keying. Many hams persisted until the makers of the electronics got what
most people wanted out there and it was Mode B.
CW lovers must forge ahead and purchase whichever instruments suit them and
spread the gospel of cookie cutter qso dom. Ragchewing is the goal. Copying
in your head, by hand, by typing, by computer, by golly. Its not just CW,
its basic radio communication. The very first oldie but goodie, the
predecessor to rock and roll.
The dit and dah. Railroad jazz. For the youngsters amongst us just remember
this:
It cant be broken if its already broke. But you can fix it so it cant be
fixed.
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:30:38 -0600
From: "jack" <jfriend31@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <003301c42be6$7d8754b0$1568a643@jackcvsfykhw1a>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
kent builds a fine single paddle key that works great in iambic keyers ... i
have one, jack ak7o
----- Original Message -----
From: "designer" <designer@quickdata.com>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:30 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Can Iambic be used as single Paddle
> My last key was a J-38, so many decades ago. Now I feel the cw itch
> again but the world has changed. From reading these posts about a
> week ago, and my experience with demos at ham stores, I think I'd
> adopt to a single paddle faster than iambic. That is, I understand
> index finger/thumb pressure, but squeeze trips me up.
>
> However, there are few Bencher ST-1/2 or Vibroplex Keyer models for
> sale. Almost everything I see in classifieds is iambic. Can the
> iambic be "adjusted" so it ignores the squeeze? I'll be using this
> with and Argo V and/or a Paragon with an outboard keyer.
>
> I picked up an MFJ 407B but hear they are touchy over 20 wpm. Is the
> MFJ 408 any better?
>
> 73,
>
> Paul
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:45:03 -1000
From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid@verizon.net>
Subject: [TenTec] Studio 1 Mic Paint Job!!
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000701c42c01$a6ee21b0$c93b4104@jim>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi,
My Orion, with its' Ten Tec/Heil Studio One mike, is less
than one year old. And the paint on the mike body is
coming loose! I have had it in the Heil mike boom for some
time, but the rubber bands have withered and broken, so
have hand held the mike the last few weeks.
I am shocked at what is happening to the paint: it now has
blisters, if a finger nail happens to nick it, off the paint chips,
etc.
Must be very cheap paint! Sort of disappointed.
And this one can't be fixed via a firmware update, hi.
73, Jim KH7M
------------------------------
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TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
End of TenTec Digest, Vol 16, Issue 56
**************************************
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