Phil,

Same here.  I started using a keyboard on CW several years ago and 
absolutely love it.  It makes long rag chews effertless whereas I'd fatigue 
pretty quickly using a paddle.  Sometimes I still crank up the paddle just 
to keep in practice with it.

Tom,  as I told you when you visited, I was concerned I'd not be able to 
send with the keyboard and have the sidetone going on as well.  For whatever 
reason, it isn't a problem at all for me.  I type much faster than the 
buffer sends, yet I find it easy to stop and see where the buffer is if I 
want or need to.

As you said, Tom, it's a very subjective thing.  Just as some folks don't do 
well at CW at all, some, probably most, prefer the paddles.  Do whatever 
works, and, most importantly, what you enjoy and are comfortable with.  It's 
a hobby.  Have fun!  73,  Lou
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 1:24 PM
Subject: Re: CW Sending Via The Computer Keyboard


> Tom,
>
> When I first started in January of 1980 with my first keyboard, I hooked 
> up
> my CW electronic keyer together with the keyboard and went back and forth
> because it seemed so weird at first.  After about six months, I never went
> back to the keyer and sold it.  I've used nothing but keyboards since 1980
> and I doubt I could even use a paddle any more, haha, so don't feel bad.
> That's why CW is fun; it's whatever you like to use.  Shoot, as a novice, 
> I
> once hand shorted the two wires together and send CQ bear handed, as it
> were, and got bit a couple of times, too.
>
> Phil
> K0NX
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 10:51 AM
> Subject: CW Sending Via The Computer Keyboard
>
>
>> Hi, everyone.
>>
>> I have been meaning to write this e-mail for quite some time, and thought
>> I'd better do so before I forget again.
>>
>> I have been spending some time working on sending CW via the computer
>> keyboard using N3FJP's AC Log program, but am finding it more difficult 
>> to
>> get used to than I originally had thought.
>>
>> I guess it ultimately boils down to personal preference, and what each
>> individual feels most comfortable with.
>>
>> I still seem to feel more in control with the good old paddles and rig
>> internal keyer.
>>
>> All of this is not to say that I am totally turned off to sending CW via
>> the
>> computer keyboardthe.   In fact, like so many things we tinker with, I 
>> may
>> return to it on occasion to try another strategy, just to see if I can
>> raise
>> my comfort level a bit.
>>
>> Thanks to everyone who provided thoughts on the topic, when I proposed it
>> a
>> number of weeks ago.
>>
>> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>>