I've successfully avoided using a straight key, every radio that I own has a built-in keyer, so paddles work to make the most out of my QLF sending. I have the Scheunemann Dirigent paddles, which are far above the quality I need, kind of like giving a Stradivarius violin to a monkey.
For portable use, I printed these paddles and assembled them. As soon as I get some more OD green filament, I'll be printing several more sets. They work pretty well for what they cost, I am going to add some features like magnets on the base, then they could be mounted more easily to keep them still.
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I think the solution is paddles and the keyer in the radio. There should be a way to practice with the keyer without transmitting. Searching online is the easiest way to find specific info for your radio. I'd buy a decent used set of Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe, or if you like the paddles closer together, DX Engineering sells Hi-Mound now, the MK-706 was my favorite until I bought the Dirigent. Probably work out to be about the same price. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of "cheap" paddles that actually work well, and a janky paddle will frustrate you beyond belief. A straight key requires you to form good code totally manually, a bug will frustrate you and everyone you contact for a good long while since it also requires more timing than a set of iambic paddles with a keyer. Your code will be more readable from the start. Although for what half-decent straight keys cost, you could try one without much risk. I can even loan you a WWII training key if you want to give it a shot.
If you want to practice, LCWO.net is a good place, if you have an account, it keeps track of your progress and tailors the lessons to you.
I'm still a rank beginner, but every CW op that I've come across will slow down and work with you. If you need inspiration, read The Art and Skill of Radio Telephony at: [url]http://zerobeat.net/tasrt/[/url] ([url]http://zerobeat.net/tasrt/[/url])
Looking forward to more CW this winter, hopefully a few "snowshoe portable" contacts too.
Okay, as mentioned before my CW issue is rhythm. I ain't got no rhythm! LOL.
I tried to play guitar and piano in my youth when finally my guitar teacher, after three years told me, "tell your mom that I can not accept your money anymore. Your son does not have any rhythm."
So my first and second attempt at using CW was using a straight key. My dits sounded like dahs and my dahs were way to long. So thanks to Sir John and his passion for CW I have decided to jump back in and am trying to figure out if I should buy a paddle, dual-paddle, a Bug or something else.
Looking for suggestions and comments for a man with no rhythm. ;D