{"id":109,"date":"2012-04-03T07:13:24","date_gmt":"2012-04-03T12:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?page_id=109"},"modified":"2025-02-14T07:15:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T12:15:30","slug":"morse-cw","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?page_id=109","title":{"rendered":"Morse Code &#8211; CW"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?attachment_id=2056\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-2056\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2056\" src=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/CW.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"84\" height=\"52\" \/><\/a><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Why CW?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most of my HF operations prior to 1975 were on CW.\u00a0 That was the year I purchased for the first time modern equipment capable of SSB phone operations.\u00a0 I still made a few CW contacts per year, but most of my operating time was spent on SSB until 2000 when PSK31 took center stage.\u00a0 After a few years of PSK31 I revisited CW.\u00a0 I believe five things sparked my increased CW operations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When bitten by the DX bug I found myself to be more competitive on CW than other modes.<\/li>\n<li>The negative words spoken and written about CW made when the FCC was eliminating the code requirement made me take another look at the mode.<\/li>\n<li>CW is challenging.\u00a0 I never will be a great \u201chead copy\u201d CW operator so it takes a bit of work.<\/li>\n<li>CW is very efficient.\u00a0 I do not have the most impressive antenna system in the world and I operate at modest power levels so operating an efficient mode helps.<\/li>\n<li>The history of the use of Morse has caught my interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><strong>Learning CW<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Learn Morse Code correctly. Do as I say not as I did. Sitting with a straight key, a buzzer and a paper with letters followed by dots and dashes is not the way (no internet in the late 1950&#8217;s). I am not recommending a method, but check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/cwops.org\/cw-academy\/cw-academy-options\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CWops CW Academy<\/a> and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/longislandcwclub.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Long Island CW Club<\/a>.\u00a0 Also, head copy is essential.\u00a0 Take it from one who never learned Morse Code properly.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><strong>Operating CW<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>They say in real estate &#8211; location; location; location.\u00a0 For me in Morse operating it&#8217;s &#8211; spacing; spacing; spacing.\u00a0 One&#8217;s ability to copy is enhanced when the letter and word spacing is proportionable.\u00a0 Also, when a manual key is used copy is only possible with distinguishable dit and dah lengths.\u00a0 A good test of sending is to record your sending and a few days later listen to the recording and see if you can copy the code.\u00a0 We all may be surprised at what we hear.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><strong>Morse Code Paddles<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The pictures below are the paddles on my operating desk. I am fortunate to have so many keys to use. The key I use most of the time is a Begali Magnetic Classic paddle with my Begali Intrepid a close second.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#foogallery-gallery-2498 .fg-image { width: 200px; }\n#foogallery-gallery-2498 { --fg-gutter: 10px; }<\/style>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-default foogallery-lightbox-foogallery fg-center fg-default fg-ready fg-light fg-border-thin fg-round-small fg-shadow-outline fg-loading-default fg-loaded-fade-in fg-caption-always fg-hover-fade fg-hover-zoom\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-2498\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:false,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:true},&quot;lazy&quot;:true}\" data-foogallery-lightbox=\"{&quot;thumbs&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;thumbsCaptions&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsBestFit&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsSmall&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsCaptionsAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;info&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;infoVisible&quot;:true,&quot;infoOverlay&quot;:true,&quot;infoAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;hoverButtons&quot;:false,&quot;fitMedia&quot;:false,&quot;noScrollbars&quot;:true,&quot;preserveButtonSpace&quot;:true,&quot;buttons&quot;:{&quot;fullscreen&quot;:true,&quot;info&quot;:true,&quot;thumbs&quot;:false},&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;autoPlay&quot;:true}}\" style=\"--fg-title-line-clamp: 0; --fg-description-line-clamp: 0;\" >\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/1-Begali-Magnetic-Classic-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Begali Magnetic Classic\" data-caption-desc=\"Begali Magnetic Classic\" data-attachment-id=\"2499\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Begali Magnetic Classic\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/1-Begali-Magnetic-Classic-scaled\/3596777814.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Begali Magnetic Classic<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2-Beigali-Simplex-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Begali Simplex\" data-caption-desc=\"Begali Simplex\" data-attachment-id=\"2500\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Begali Simplex\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/2-Beigali-Simplex-scaled\/126460901.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Begali Simplex<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/3-Vibrplex-Iambic-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Vibrplex Iambic\" data-caption-desc=\"Vibrplex Iambic\" data-attachment-id=\"2501\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Vibrplex Iambic\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/3-Vibrplex-Iambic-scaled\/1631877045.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Vibrplex Iambic<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/4-BBMC-CLT-B-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Brown Brothers Machine Co. CLT-B\n(combination key)\" data-caption-desc=\"Brown Brothers Machine Co. CLT-B\n(combination key)\" data-attachment-id=\"2502\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Brown Brothers Machine Co. CLT-B\n(combination key)\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/4-BBMC-CLT-B-scaled\/3631016424.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Brown Brothers Machine Co. CLT-B\n(combination key)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/1960s-Paddle.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Paddle section of my first electronic keyer (note 1 below)\" data-caption-desc=\"Paddle section of my first electronic keyer (note 1 below)\" data-attachment-id=\"2066\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Paddle section of my first electronic keyer (note 1 below)\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2019\/03\/1960s-Paddle\/44909532.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Paddle section of my first electronic keyer (note 1 below)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ZN-QRP-Paddle.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"ZN-QRP Paddle (N3ZN Keys)\" data-caption-desc=\"ZN-QRP Paddle (N3ZN Keys)\" data-attachment-id=\"3574\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"NZ-QRP Paddle by N3ZN\" title=\"ZN-QRP Paddle (N3ZN Keys)\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2024\/02\/ZN-QRP-Paddle\/3696258161.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ZN-QRP Paddle (N3ZN Keys)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><strong>Morse Code Manual Keys<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>To revisit the past I spend a little time operating the SKCC events using manual keys. Also, I have been enjoying Bug to Bug QSO\u2019s with my Begali Intrepid or 1944 Vibroplex Original. As evidenced by viewing videos of the professional bug operators from yesteryear the whole technique of using a bug key is so different than used for a paddle. They really rotated the hand back and forth and smack the key when sending. I also resurrected my Lafayette Radio bug from my pre-paddle days. I have a feeling I will purchase another Bug with history if the right one comes along.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#foogallery-gallery-2534 .fg-image { width: 200px; }\n#foogallery-gallery-2534 { --fg-gutter: 10px; }<\/style>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-default foogallery-lightbox-foogallery fg-center fg-default fg-ready fg-light fg-border-thin fg-round-small fg-shadow-outline fg-loading-default fg-loaded-fade-in fg-caption-always fg-hover-fade fg-hover-zoom\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-2534\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:false,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:true},&quot;lazy&quot;:true}\" data-foogallery-lightbox=\"{&quot;thumbs&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;thumbsCaptions&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsBestFit&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsSmall&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsCaptionsAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;info&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;infoVisible&quot;:true,&quot;infoOverlay&quot;:true,&quot;infoAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;hoverButtons&quot;:false,&quot;fitMedia&quot;:false,&quot;noScrollbars&quot;:true,&quot;preserveButtonSpace&quot;:true,&quot;buttons&quot;:{&quot;fullscreen&quot;:true,&quot;info&quot;:true,&quot;thumbs&quot;:false},&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;autoPlay&quot;:true}}\" style=\"--fg-title-line-clamp: 0; --fg-description-line-clamp: 0;\" >\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/First-Key-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Speed-X: my first Key (late 1950&#039;s)\" data-caption-desc=\"Speed-X: my first Key (late 1950&#039;s)\" data-attachment-id=\"2531\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Speed-X: my first Key (late 1950&#039;s)\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/First-Key-scaled\/1120910937.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Speed-X: my first Key (late 1950's)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lafayettw-Straight-Key-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Lafayette Radio straight key from the early 1960&#039;s\" data-caption-desc=\"Lafayette Radio straight key from the early 1960&#039;s\" data-attachment-id=\"2532\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Lafayette Radio straight key from the early 1960&#039;s\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/Lafayettw-Straight-Key-scaled\/2999344167.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Lafayette Radio straight key from the early 1960's<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Begali-Spark-Key-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Begali Spark Key\" data-caption-desc=\"Begali Spark Key\" data-attachment-id=\"2530\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Begali Spark Key\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/Begali-Spark-Key-scaled\/93300918.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Begali Spark Key<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lafayette-Bug-scaled.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Lafayette Radio Bug Model MS-435 from the early 1960&#039;s\" data-caption-desc=\"Lafayette Radio Bug Model MS-435 from the early 1960&#039;s\" data-attachment-id=\"2533\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Lafayette Radio Bug Model MS-435 from the early 1960&#039;s\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/04\/Lafayette-Bug-scaled\/3450812157.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Lafayette Radio Bug Model MS-435 from the early 1960's<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/1944-Vibroplex.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"1944 Vibroplex (note 2 below)\" data-caption-desc=\"1944 Vibroplex (note 2 below)\" data-attachment-id=\"2586\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"1944 Vibroplex (note 2 below)\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/05\/1944-Vibroplex\/679146101.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">1944 Vibroplex (note 2 below)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Begali-Intrepid-1-edited-e1655211004408.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Begali Intrepid\" data-caption-desc=\"Begali Intrepid\" data-attachment-id=\"3220\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Begali Intrepid\" width=\"200\" height=\"180\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/06\/Begali-Intrepid-1-edited-e1655211004408\/636767353.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22180%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20180%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Begali Intrepid<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><strong>Notes<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>1) The paddle section of my first electronic keyer was built by my father, WA2UTE (SK) in the mid 1960&#8217;s.\u00a0 It was a project he undertook with some friends to build an electronic keyer.\u00a0 I believe he got involved with the project with me in mind as I was the CW op in the family.\u00a0 I very foolishly\u00a0 dismantled the keyer several years ago when it stopped working rather then repairing it (how stupid of me).\u00a0 Luckily I kept the paddle section and the various paddle parts I had on hand.\u00a0 More research is needed, but I believe the circuit was the one designed by W9TO. (see photo above).<\/p>\n<p>2) I am not a Morse Code Key collector, but&#8230;&#8230;.. Since I have been a ham for so long, I have keys acquired over the years that are not used much so I guess it is a collection. Then my interest in older paddles marketed during the years I was not operating CW very much or I was just not paying attention surfaced. Hence the purchase of the Brown Brothers Combination key (see photo above). Well yet another purchase. A very nice 1944 Vibroplex bug showed up for sale. I could not resist its history. Notice the name plate is made of tin as the war effort limited available materials. The challenge has been, as a paddle user, to learn to use the bug key well. I think I am getting there. \u00a0(see photo above).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why CW? Most of my HF operations prior to 1975 were on CW.\u00a0 That was the year I purchased for the first time modern equipment capable of SSB phone operations.\u00a0 I still made a few CW contacts per year, but most of my operating time was spent on SSB until 2000 when PSK31 took center\u2026 <a class='read-more' href='https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?page_id=109'>Continue Reading &lsquo;Morse Code &#8211; CW&rsquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-109","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":60,"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4040,"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions\/4040"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}