05S/18Es: CW Keys Used

Badger52 · 07-01-2011, 11:26

This question comes after seeing the short film mentioned awhile back about SF work with Montagnards that is available at an online archive site. Noting the film segment of someone literally slapping a Morse key, and being into CW myself, I wondered what 05S/18E's who've had the need take (or took) with them when there was a real need for CW.

Having searched for some specifics (and garnered some interesting bonus reading*), I'm curious about what tools might've been taken along that go beyond what was in the supply system or came with the big honkin' green box.

Did most of you use the J45 affair, which I believe is basically a J37 or J38 with a metal spring leg-band setup? If you really preferred a bug or paddle, did you take a favorite key with you or just deal with it?

Other research indicates a pre-World War II bug (J36) but no information as to whether that's something that was in the system in the last 40 years or so.
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* Errata, or "using the search button can yield interesting bunny trails on its own":

wet dog: kudos to your work with your son. Have a genius grand-daughter who it seems might have an affinity for these things as well.

Noting someone's lament during the bonus reading (when it was still part of the course) at the speed requirement dropping from 15 to 10. An older telegraphy work I've been perusing has some sections on what various services' basic quals are, and they specifically noted (at time of publication) that it was 18wpm.

Hope to work someone here sometime; QRS12, with a steady upward trend.

Finally, my antenna noted a comment from an 18E, inspiration for a line on a QSL card, paraphrased: "You guys can hump it outta here if you want, I'm callin' for a ride." Classic.

Thank you for any responses.
Have a safe & very Blessed American Independence Day!
DE KC9TNH

mark46th · 07-01-2011, 11:49

I never carried a bug to the field. Too fragile and heavy. AN/GRC109 had a built in key that I used. We did have a leg key that was used when possible... I did use a bug in the commo bunker. A couple of the guys had electronic keys, but, I didn't like them, they had no soul... FWIW, I called myself an 05B. If you wanted to be formal I would answer to 05B4S...

Badger52 · 07-01-2011, 12:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark46th

FWIW, I called myself an 05B. If you wanted to be formal I would answer to 05B4S...

Trackin, understand the skill/ASI thing, was using previously seen short-hand. 05B4S to be sure.

Appreciate your response very much, especially about use of the 109's integral key.

mojaveman · 07-01-2011, 20:17

I don't think anyone wanted to use the KY-872 with the AN/PRC-70 after the OA-8990/P Digitial Message Device Group came out in the early '80s. In '84 I completed 18E training with an IMC speed of 15/15 send/receive. After being assigned to Group I only used the leg key to practice keeping up code speed.

longrange1947 · 07-01-2011, 20:24

Leg Key and key on the 109 were all I ever used when not bursting.

Mark, how many RF burns did you get on your thumb from the damn antenna wire on the 109??

**Peregrino** · 07-01-2011, 20:50

Still have my leg key from 30 years ago. Hated it with a passion but did finally pass with 15/18 send/recieve. Only made it because they lowered the standard from 18/18. That's what happens when you send a perfectly good 11B3S back to SWCS because you need more O5B3Ss. Took me almost four years and a PCS OCONUS before I escaped the stigma (NTM - I was a particularly unenthusiastic commo man).