How to Use a Straight Key to Send Morse Code

If you are learning to send Morse Code, you should begin by learning to send with a straight key. Although modern methods of sending Morse Code, including iambic keyers, allow you to send much faster, a straight key allows you to practice the rhythm and timing of Morse Code. This is an important step in making your sending and receiving of Morse Code more intuitive second-nature.

To begin sending Morse Code with a straight key, you should first obtain a high-quality straight key. I prefer to use a Nye Viking Speed-X key, but any high-quality straight key will be adequate. But you should avoid discount or economy straight keys because they are usually significantly lacking in quality.

Before you can send with a straight key, you must first adjust the tension springs and contact spacing. Adjusting these aspects of a straight key is largely a mater of personal preference. But you should strive to find a middle ground between too much and too little spring tension, and between too much and too little contact spacing. Too much spring tension will quickly tire out your wrist, and too little spring tension will make it difficult to send code accurately. Likewise, too much contact spacing will make it difficult to send code quickly, and too little contact spacing will make for sloppy code sending (a bad "fist").

Once you have set the spring tension and contact spacing, you must learn how to grip the handle of the straight key. You should not send Morse Code by tapping roughly on the handle as is often depicted in movies. You should grip the handle or knob comfortably using your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. This grip allows you to maintain a high degree of control over the key without tiring out your wrist or arm. Finally, rest your arm comfortably on the desk or table at a natural angle. Try to keep your wrist straight to minimize the fatigue and strain on your wrist.

When sending the code itself, try to do so as fluidly, evenly, and melodically as possible. Remember that Morse code has a discernible rhythm when send properly, regardless of the speed at which it is sent. Try to emulate the spacing and rhythm of professionally sent Morse Code from your training tapes/CDs, or from an electronic keyer. It is inevitable that you will develop your own sending style (your "fist"), but you should try to ensure that your code is as close to perfect as possible. It is better to send more slowly (QRS) and more accurately than to send code at such a speed that it is riddled with errors and corrections.

Sending Morse Code with a straight key is an exercise in elegant simplicity, and it is an art that requires practice to master. If you are already a licensed ham radio operator, it is best to obtain as much practice sending Morse Code by making as many actual contacts on the air as possible. If you are not yet licensed, it can be helpful to record and listen to your own sending. Trying to copy your own sending will motivate you to improve the quality of your own sending. You could also find another, more experienced ham radio operator to work with you to improve your straight key sending. Whatever method you choose, try to practice your sending a little everyday, and you will find that your sending skills and speed improve very rapidly.