Sunday, June 9, 2019

Proper Body Position and Hand Technique to operate a straight key.

As a student learning morse code, after you acquire a morse code key you will naturally want to learn to use it properly. 

You'll be happy to hear that most people tend to naturally fall into a good posture and use good technique.  However, subtle mistakes can become bad habits that are difficult to break.   It's best to train correctly from the beginning.

Rather than trying to explain this to you in an email or over the radio, it sometimes makes sense to simply let you see for yourself the correct techniques to use.  As you experiment with your new morse code key, try to develop good habits from the start.  They will serve you well.  It will help you send quality code that is easy for others to understand, and it will help prevent fatigue.

Don't hesitate to watch this video several times.



I realize we haven't started the class yet.  Once the class starts, as you learn to use a straight key.  You may want to ask a family member to take short video clips of yourself as you are sending.  Compare your body position and techniques with what you see in the above video.

If you want me to critique your technique at some point, you have the option of sending me a SHORT video clip.  15 to 30 seconds of low to medium resolution video is sufficient.  HD video is not required.   Be sure the video shows your whole body position, as well as your arm and hand.  I will do my best to help you work through any issues I see.

Have fun.
Stay relaxed.
Stay relaxed.
Stay relaxed.

You should be able to send morse code for many hours before getting tired.  If you get tired quickly, or if some part of your body begins to cramp or hurt, your body position and/or technique need improvement.

Sending code should be pleasurable, not stressful, painful, or tiring.

Mark,
NRØR

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