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"clvrmnky" wrote in message
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Greetings,

Just a short query about CW and keys/keyers which I can't seem to figure
out from my web searches these last few days. I'm about to take my Basic
Exam (Canada) and will eventually try my hand at getting Morse Code
Qualification at 5 WPM. I expect I'll want to learn Morse even if
Industry Canada and the ITU decide to relax this restriction. I've wanted
to do this since I was a kid, so I decided to go for it. I knew all that
basic electronics and high-school physics would come in handy one day.

Commendable

Since I'm a little unclear on the nomenclature (and trying to re-remember
all those acronyms) and how amateur radio and CW has changed since I was a
kid, I'm a little fuzzy on the best way to approach physically keying
Morse Code.

Specifically, there are a lot more choices of how to go about actually
making those dits and dahs now, and there seems to be as many opinions on
the "best" way to do things.

As a raw beginner who has no intentions of being a speed demon, is a plain
ol' straight key good enough? Does it make any sense to learn on a single
or "iambic" paddle even for 5-10 WPM use?

At the lower speeds -- a straight key is good enough -- but tiring after
extended QSO's.
A single or iambic paddle is worth while learning as you increase speed --
it will be easier to use than a straight key.
And the electronic keyers allow you to send more precise proper code than
many Hand keyers.

A single paddle is easy to learn -- much like a straight key. Iambic takes
some learnin but most will recommend it.



Based on my research, it appears that to actually send/recv CW, one must
have (or it helps to have?) a transceiver that has a CW "mode." Is my
assumption correct? I'm not entirely clear on why CW would be a mode
(i.e., it is often listed in specs along with SSB), other than a pretty
good understanding for how signals can be modulated.

Most modern rigs have the CW "mode". Older ones have a BFO which allows you
to hear an audible beat tone.

It is common to specify the method of transmission as a "mode". There is a
place on QSL cards for "mode" CW, SSB, FM etc

Finally, if I do get a starter transceiver, I either have to have one with
a built-in keyer, or supply a keyer myself. True?

True. Many new rigs have the keyer built in. Otherwise there are several
outboard keyers available -- older ones on e-bay -- look for a Curtis Keyer.
For a new one look at the K1EL Keyers at URL:
http://k1el.tripod.com/

I understand the limitations my Basic qualifications would have. I'm just
thinking into the future, and planning on getting a transceiver that goes
down into the 6 (and possible 2) metre bands. As I gain experience and
qualification, I can introduce myself to the HF bands.


Here are several good Morse code pages.
http://ac6v.com/morseaids.htm

http://ac6v.com/morsepages.htm

Thanks for listening.
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clvrmnky

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