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Types of Morse Code
Keys and Keyers
(Used with permission from N2EY,
Jim)
This is an introduction and
discussion of the types of Morse code keys and what they are
designed to do usng Morse Code.
"N2EY ON
KEYS"
First, some
nomenclature:
A "Key" or "Paddles" is the thing you actually
touch to send with.
A "Keyer" is a device used to generate dits and
dahs electronically.
(The keyers below are
separated into 2 types, mechanical and electronic)
Mechaincal keys!
Straight Keys
Straight key - Basic single-lever key going
back to the days of Morse and Vail themselves. A simple SPST spring-loaded
normally-open switch with a knob that moves up and down. Dits, dahs and
spaces made manually.
"Navy knob" or "Navy key"
This type of key denotes a straight key with a skirted knob. Most ops
cannot send good code faster than 20-25 wpm with a straight key. Up and
down motion can be a source of carpal-tunnel problems, called "glass arm"
and "telegrapher's arm" back-when. No electronics, will key
anything.
Example of sideswiper, cootie keys shown
above
Sideswiper, "cootie key" -
Simplest form of speed key. Key lever moves horizontally right and left,
spring-loaded to return to center (open) position. Dits, dahs and spaces
made manually. Side to side motion avoids carpal-tunnel problems and can
permit higher speeds. No electronics, will key anything.
Vibroflex
"Bug"
Bug, semiautomatic key, "vibroplex" (actually a brand
name) - Most common form of speed key before electronic keyers. Key lever
moves horizontally right and left, spring-loaded to return to center
(open) position. Dits made automatically by mechanical means, dahs and
spaces made manually. Side to side motion avoids carpal-tunnel problems
and, with automatic dits, permits higher speeds. For a right-handed op,
thumb makes dits, first finger makes dahs. Left-hand op needs left-handed
key. No electronics, will key anything. Speed adjustment is
mechanical.
Electronic speed
keyers!
Begali HST Single Lever
Key
Single-lever paddles: Single key lever moves horizontally
right and left, spring-loaded to return to center (open) position. Both
sides cannot be closed at the same time. Dits, dahs and intra-letter
spaces made automatically by electronic keyer. Electronics may be
stand-alone or built into rig. Side to side motion avoids carpal-tunnel
problems and, with automatic dits and dahs, permits higher speeds. For a
right-handed op, contacts are usually wired so that thumb makes dits,
first finger makes dahs, but some ops prefer reverse. Left-hand op can use
same key. Interface relay or other system may be needed when external
electronic keyer is used to key certain rigs. Speed adjustment is
electronic. "Paddles" name comes from shape of key knobs.
Double-lever paddles, "iambic" paddles:
Shown
above..Two key levers move horizontally right and left, spring-loaded to
return to (open) position. Both sides can be closed at the same time for
"iambic" or "squeeze key" operation. Dits, dahs and intra-letter spaces
made automatically by electronic keyer. Electronics may be stand-alone or
built into rig. Side to side motion avoids carpal-tunnel problems and,
with automatic dits and dahs, permits higher speeds. For a right-handed
op, thumb usually makes dits, first finger makes dahs, but some ops prefer
reverse. Left-hand op can use same key. Interface relay or other system
may be needed when external electronic keyer is used to key certain rigs.
Speed adjustment is electronic. "Paddles" name comes from shape of key
knobs.
"Iambic" or "squeeze" operation is a feature of the keyer,
not the key. With double-lever paddles, both sides can be closed
simultaneously by squeezing, hence the name. An electronic keyer set up
for iambic or squeeze operation will generate an alternating series of
dits and dahs when both paddles are closed at the same time; the series
starts with whichever side is closed first. This permits many letters with
both dits and dahs to be sent with a single squeeze of the paddles.
There are two common iambic modes: Mode A and Mode B. They differ
only in what happens when the key levers both are released after both
being closed.
In Mode A, the keyer finishes the dit or dah being
sent and stops.
In Mode B, the keyer finishes the dit or dah being
sent and then sends the opposite (dah or dit) once.
Mode A is far
more popular.
73 de Jim, N2EY
Editor's note:
If you are just
starting out with CW, it is your choice as to which type of key to use.
However it is suggested that you start with a straight key as shown in
the first part of this article in my opinion.
Starting with the simple
straight key will help you progress into faster speeds and you can advance
from there to the more sopisticated types.
CW is not for everyone but
it can be lots of fun and usually gets the message to the other station
that is also using CW when most other modes will not under very poor band
conditions.
Many thanks to Jim, N2EY for sharing this article with us. He just
saved you lots of time in researching the different types of Morse code
keys and how they are different and used with sending CW.
Thanks
Jim!
More info and links for Morse Code and online practice
study!
Graphics and photos copyright original
owner.
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