Hello all, I just received my HF rig (Alinco DX-SR8T). As I look at the ARRL poster I have of the amateur radio band plan. I noticed as a technician I can do CW on 80, 40, 15 meters. So I am relearning my Morse code from my boy scout years and looking to get started doing this. I am looking for a recommendation for keyer and or how auto keyer works? I am new and any help I can get to do this right would be nice.
Yes, Technician class operators have CW access to the low bands. There is also a possible change in the works that would give Technician class operators the use of digital modes on 80 and possibly 15 meters.
It may not be a good idea to bring back your scout learning. They often relied on visual or count methods and that could only slow you down. It would be better if you just started from scratch learning all the letters by sound. Then you can work on increasing your speed. There is no one method that works for everyone. If you visit
Martin E. Meserve - K7MEM - Morse Code, it describes the method that I used.
As suggested, you can use a straight key or bug. There is usually a way of disabling the internal keyer so that they can be used.
"popnokick" suggested a "iambic paddle". In reality, paddles are not "iambic". Only keyers can be "iambic". While no intent is suggested, the word "iambic" is often misused when talking about keys. Iambic is simply one of the sending methods that can be use with iambic capable keyers. In fact, there are two iambic methods, Iambic A and Iambic B. There, that should thoroughly confuse things. A google search on "iambic keyers" will bring up lots of info.
To use your internal keyer, you need a "dual paddle", which is what "popnokick" linked to. Dual paddles are effectively two switches that are independently controlled. One paddle is used for dots and the other for dashes. The UNI-730A is a nice paddle, but a little small for me. I personally like something that is a little bigger and will not dance around on the desk. There are plenty of reviews on eHam for other paddles and they are worth browsing through. The names Begali and Vibroplex come to mind. A friend has a Begali and he likes it very much.
I mostly use external keyers. That's because I have multiple rigs and only one of them has a built in keyer. I have several Heathkit HD-1410 keyers. These keyers are iambic, and have built in paddles. I have been using the HD-1410 for a long time (over 35 years), so I find the paddle action very nice. I have purchased them at ham fests for $10 or less. I also have an old MFJ-482 memory keyer (hamfest buy at $9). It had a built in memory for sending short messages but it requires a external paddle. For that unit I use a old Vibroplex bug (1916 Blue Racer) that is rewired to use as a single lever paddle. I never could get the hang of a bug. The dots were no problem, but I can make the dashes consistently.
If you do use a external keyer, your internal keyer will need to be disabled. A external keyer simply looks like a straight key, as far as the rig is concerned.
Martin - K7MEM
