I have been listening to Morse Quotes of The Day Podcasts. At the end of a quote they use   .-.-   Also a single -....-  I can't find what .-.- means. Is it some sort of punctuation?? Not a period.  The -....-    is a single quotation mark ?

Are these some sort of characters used in books?


Thx
Paul

OK, I think I will try out both of these single lever paddles, hopefully at Dayton and then buy one new.
Appreciate all the sage advice.

73
Paul

Guys- I really appreciate all the great replies, I have learned a lot. Looking around a bit , it seems the  VIBROPLEX VIBROKEYER STANDARD and the KENT SINGLE PADDLE are both about the same price new.  Are these both good choices?

73 Paul

i agree, think of a cootie key like 2 straight keys lay on there side back to back, each side will hold a tone for as long as you hold the lever .. whereas a single lever paddle using the internal keyer on the radio will produce a string of dots when the lever is pushed to one side and a string of dashes when pushed to the opposite side.

billy

Thanks, based on above replies, seems that I should go next to a Single Lever Paddle.  So... Same question, what Brands , Models would you recommend either new or used in single Lever Paddles, as a first jump into the side movement arena ?

73  Paul

I have learned CW exclusively on a straight Key. I am not sure I am ready for paddles yet, but would like to try the side to side movement of a Cootie.
Are there any Cooties still being made or do you have to buy used?
Any recommendations on what Cootie to buy new or used?

Thx & 73
Paul

I am planning to put up an Inverted L using one of the Pine trees on a somewhat community restricted lot. Couple of questions:
- I have a three wire deer fence running around my lot and within a few feet of the pine tree that the vertical leg of the L will go up. Is there any value to using the fence as a radial? Any danger?

- How much of a problem is it if the horizontal section of the L comes in contact with another tree?

Thanks and 73
Paul

My primary intention is to get on 160M , BUT if I can why not try to get on other bands also. That is why I am thinking of an auto tuner at the feed point of the Inverted L. I am planning about a 60ft. vertical run and than about 80-85 ft horizontal. The only recommendations so far have been quite pricey. Looking for something < $200 range.

73 Paul

The SGC SG-230 looks like a fine tuner but the current price is > $500. Not quite what I had in mind  , that more then the ICOM AH-4

73
Paul

I  want to put up an inverted L to get on 160M, and possibly other bands. I plan to run RG 213 to base of tree and then put an Auto Tuner in a weather proof enclosure at the feed point. Several people have recommended the Icom AH-4 but at over $300 new that's a little more than I budgeted for this project. Right now I am using a LDG Z-11 Pro in the shack and have thought of putting one on the inverted L as an external auto tuner.
-- Looking for ideas on what other auto tuners that I should consider for this installation that aren't in the Icom AH-4 price range.

thanks and 73
Paul

I would like to get a dual or tri band HT that has  APRS capability, without going to the poor house. Any suggestions on good radios that I might be able to buy used?

Thanks and 73
Paul

I am looking to put up my first beam antenna up and trying to keep the overall financial damage to a minimum. I have seen lots of negative comments about this antenna, and also the "anything from MFJ is junk" comments BUT............. would love  to hear from Hams that have this antenna and LIKE IT or have had good results with. Also, if not the TH-3JRS, is there another brand/model in the same price range that is better?

thanks and 73
Paul

-I have been using DM-780 for PSK-31 but keep hearing about Fldigi and Digipan. I have never run PSK-31 with anything but DM-780, so have limited experience with other digital programs.
-Anyone used  Fldigi or Digipan? Would you recommend over DM-780?  if so why?
-Would appreciate any help on this question.

73 and thanks
Paul

-I have been using DM-780 for PSK-31 but keep hearing about fldigi. I have never done PSK-31 with anything but DM-780, so have limited experience with other digital programs.
-Anyone used both? Is fldigi better, if so why?
-Would appreciate any help on this question.
73 and thanks
Paul

How do you set up gear and DM780 to do your CW practice?

73
Paul

Stephen - you are exactly right! I put the FT450 in cw mode, cranked up the RF gain knob to max so I didn't xmit and put the mic in front of the speaker. The Signalink on and then used my straight key with Get CW running. My keying showed up in the top window and I tuned Get SW to the exact freq and saw that my fist isn't is bad as I thought. I really appreciate you figuring this out for me.

Thanks Again and 73
Paul