|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
1-2 of 2 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Sideswiper AKA Cootie Homebrew
|
Reply
|
|
by KE7WAV on October 7, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I have been clicking along quite happily with my straight key for a year now. I don't have as much time for radio as I would like but I get an hour or two a week when I can sit down and call CQ or enjoy a SKED with a friend.
I have had a heap of fun and have made some great contacts. I have enjoyed several long QSO's, an hour or so, over the last few weeks which has led me to be curious about other kinds of keys.
One of my friends, KF7ATL, has just homebrewed a paddle from an article he found here on Eham. I like the simple design but I also like the idea of manual code production, especially since I plan on being a bit more active in the SKCC sprints etc in the near future. So my search began. I have found some cool homebrewed keys including Sideswipers AKA Cooties.
I have been contemplating building one or more of these keys, but before I do I thought I would ask advice from those of you who have used or made these keys before. Of course, which key you use is a matter of personal preference. Nevertheless I would like to survey the audience here on Eham and get your opinions ideas etc.
1) Are they fairly easy to use after only using a straight key? (Of course with a few hours of practice prior to stepping out on the air.)
2)If you have ever homebrewed one how did you build it? (The ubiquitous hacksaw blade?)
3)I have read mixed reviews about clean and crisp code production with a sideswiper; what is your experience either using or hearing them?
Thanks for all your input and 73
KE7WAV SKCC#5500 ..
|
| |
|
RE: Sideswiper AKA Cootie Homebrew
|
Reply
|
|
by KE4MOB on October 9, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
1) Yes.
2) No.
3) Entirely dependent on how well you know the code. They're sort of a mix between a straight key (completely manual dot and dash generation) and a bug (seperate dit and dah contacts). As a result, the tendency to "string" letters together is there. But with the proper ear and wrist training, they're incredibly fun and produce very nice code.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
Forum, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Forum Manager.
|
|
|
