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Old January 22nd 05, 12:27 PM
 
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Caveat Lector wrote:
Most of the CW ops I know prefer the Iambic keys.

I just spent many hours on a Navy straight key so kept with what felt


comfortable.


Last year I sat in on a "huge gun" multi-op CW DX contest station
operation for a few hours and somewhat to my amazement all positions
were using single-paddle Kent keys. I thought for years that iambic
paddles ruled. Wrong. Which got me to thinking . . .

I've been using "iambic" paddles since around 1965 when I built one out
of a pair of back-to-back J-38 type straight keys. After all these
years it's finally dawning on me that I've never done much if any real
"squeeze keying", I'm still using paddles like I usta use bugs. So I
plan to equip myself with a single paddle "electric bug" and give it a
whirl.

Begs a question in my mind . . is real iambic squeeze keying actually
more like mythology than it is fact? Have we been behaving like sheep
or is it just us old farts who cut our teeth on bugs . . ?

--
Caveat Lector


w3rv



"Mike Coslo" wrote in message
...
Caveat Lector wrote:

I have that problem occaisionally with a bencher single paddle key
and increasing the spacing between the points and adding a little

more
spring tension solves the problem.


I'll try that. There is an adjustment spring, but perhaps it is a

little
weak and should be replaced.

I like the contact spacing paper thin, but when it is too thin --

may
cause a double bounce.

Yes Bencher does make a single paddle key -- looks like the Iambic

with
two paddles -- but functions as a single paddle key.


That sort of key sounds logical to me. Although I'm starting to

"get" the
Iambic, it still seems a little strange. I should probable see if I

et a
little better before switching again.

Thanks, Mike KB3EIA -