Cool pics of Morse Keys

Been chatting with Gerry on CWCOM and he pointed me to one of his blogs.  Lots of good pics of Morse Keys and some interesting stories.  Check it out at http://nemosphotography.blogspot.com/

My First Straight Key

I purchased an MFJ-550 to test the waters of Morse Code.  I didn't want to spend a lot at first.  If I grow to master and enjoy Morse Code, I plan to eventually use an Iambic paddle.  While I didn't want to spend $100+ on a key I would likely never use much, a straight key seemed like a great way to learn fundamentals.

The MFJ-550 looked decent.  Some of its components are made from metal.  It's only $15, so I wondered how good it could possibly be.  I fashioned a base from Corian using my 6040 CNC machine.  That added some much needed weight to the frame so it remains firmly in place as I clumsily hammer out what I hope will some day be Morse Code.

I noticed the plastic frame of the key is quite flexible.  I secured it tightly to its new rigid base to reduce flex.  This helped some.

I soon decided a new knob would be more comfortable and printed a few variations to try.  A much larger knob with a convex top feels much more ergonomic than the smaller, smooth, concave knob of the original equipment.  The 3D printed knob isn't as glossy, but much easier to grip and operate.  You can see it pictured immediately below - second from the left and also in the picture of the final key configuration below it.

The cable I bought from MFJ was also on the cheap side, so I made sure to secure it to the base with a 3D printed strain relief.  The wires are very thin they seemed likely to break with repeated bending or vibration.

I started using my key on CWCOM and met Gerry there.  He is the author of Morsepower Blog, and shares a lot of very helpful information there.  His help made it much easier to improve my straight key.

I found consistent, accurate keying to be a challenge.  Gerry assured me that a properly tuned key would make a big difference.  I read his page on straight key tuning and it made a lot of sense.  I inspected the MFJ-550 and noticed that the hammer and anvil (contacts) were not square with each other.  When I pressed the key down, the contacts precariously touched each other on only their corners.  I had to press the key hard to to make a solid connection, and success varied from one try to the next.

To tune my key, I put the lever in a level configuration and measured the extra gap between contacts.  I printed a shim of 0.8mm and secured it between the plastic frame and bottom of the anvil.  The screw that attaches the anvil to the frame can be removed from the bottom of the frame.  I then used sandpaper to match each contact face to its mate as Gerry outlines in his blog.  This made a big difference in how easily and consistently the contacts operated.

After tuning, I set the gap small and the spring tension light.  The result is a relatively short, smooth, light action.  A light touch works well for this key as the lever isn't rigid enough to consistently operate under a heavy fist.  Looking forward to more practice on CWCOM.

Morse Code

I've always had an interest in Morse Code.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's the minimalistic nature?  Maybe it's the challenge.  Maybe it's just a nerdy thing to do.  Whatever the reason, I decided to take the plunge a few months ago.

It has been challenging.  Memorizing the dits and dahs was easy enough, but learning them "by ear" is taking longer than I had hoped.  While there are quite a few videos online purporting to teach you morse code "quickly", none of them have delivered on their promise from my vantage.  Maybe it's a problem of semantics.  Maybe I'm just too impatient.  I'm learning it slowly, but steadily with hard work and perseverance.

Here are some things that help me:

• Listen to the code faster - not slower.  Leave the space between characters long, but turn the character speed up.  I find 30WPM easier than 20WPM most of the time.
• It takes lots of practice.  Expect months, not days to become proficient.
• Try to make it fun.
• I purchased a few apps for my phone.  Each is different and helps keep it fresh.
• Interact with people that have a passion for Morse Code and are willing to help you out.
• Practice both sending and listening.  They reinforce each other and are different skills.
• Don't be afraid to put in some time.

HF gear is expensive, and requires a commitment of time and learning.  While QRP CW is my ultimate goal, I decided to find a way to practice Morse Code with others online.  I found the Morsepower blog online and got started with CWCOM.  Gerry has written some very helpful pages and you'll likely find him online as GEMS if you setup CWCOM.  He's very patient and helpful.  Check out the Morsepower Blog!

Resources:

• Learn CW Online
• Morsepower Blog
• Morse Code Machine (Android App)
• Morse SMS Alert (Android App)
• Morse CT (Android App)
• Getting Started Learning Morse Code  - Awesome Youtube video
• Five tips for learning Morse code - Youtube video
• Learn Morse Code The Right Way. - Good Youtube video and channel

Get some apps, a morse key, and get on the air or use CWCOM and learn Morse Code.  Most of all have fun!