The Keyboard is Great Too
I was a wannabe purist when I started out as a new ham on my CW journey. I would have said, "I want to run QRP portable with a straight key, wire antenna, a paper log, and no smartphone at the end of a 20 mile hike into the wilderness!" Geez. What was I thinking?
My idealized, purist scenario still sounds fun and maybe it will happen someday. Nonetheless, I didn't know what I didn't know. You will occasionally hear the claim from some CW ops that they do not have a computer in the shack, they don't use a keyer, and they only log on paper. That's fine - I get it - I really, really do. But their opinion is usually expressed with disdain for other CW ops who make use of modern tools such as keyboard sending and computer logging during contests. The insinuation is that if you are not using a key made during the first half of the 20th century then you are not a real CW op. I was guilty of this early on and I regret it.
It is my goal to continually improve as a CW op. I hope one day my skills on-the-air will resemble the elite ops I look up to today. I think an elite cw op can do it all. They excel with a straight key, bug, dual paddles, single lever paddle, or keyboard. They recognize that every task requires the correct tool or tools. Refusing to use proper tools limits your ability to excel. Frankly, that is ok. It's a hobby. We should all do what we want to do and only what we want to do. But it is important to make sure you don't ever put down someone else's abilities or performance.
I was resistant to include keyboard operation in my CW operating. I am really glad I gave it a try. I use it almost exclusively in contests now. It really lets you focus on copying the fast exchanges and helps you rack up the QSOs more efficiently. And this is the point of contests - at least for me. Contests are still very difficult for me even with a keyboard. It requires a new set of skills. Just because a keyboard is involved does not mean the op is sitting in their chair on autopilot. Using a keyboard does not make it easy. Try it out one day. Does your score magically improve?
It was a surprise to me when I realized I enjoyed CW contesting. I am really looking forward to learning more about CW contesting and getting better. I practice with Morse Runner and RufzXP almost daily. You can even integrate Morse Runner into N1MM+ for an even more realistic training experience.
Give the keyboard a try if you want. I bet you'll like it. Whatever you do, just have fun! I hope to hear you on the air soon.
73 de AI5ZI
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