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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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