To me, almost certainly it was sent with a straight key. I use both straight keys and a Vibroplex; the length of the dits in the transmission has variation that you don't have with a Vibroplex bug (its dits are very consistent) but is common with a straight key. And at that speed, sending good 3:1 dah-to-dit ratio code on a Vibroplex is very, very challenging; typically the dahs are much elongated, giving the familiar "swing" characteristic of most Vibroplex operators. Also, a Vibroplex could easily be disabled on a swaying/lurching/etc. table, whereas a hand key can be easily operated in unusual attitudes (even held in one hand and keyed with the other). So generating code that good on a Vibroplex on a sinking ship, is highly doubtful in my view. Amazing recording,. That was some amazing sending..... 73, AI5QA
Been using a ST key for 69 years. Thanks for the video. fm
Pete, WA2JMG
To me, almost certainly it was sent with a straight key. I use both straight keys and a Vibroplex; the length of the dits in the transmission has variation that you don't have with a Vibroplex bug (its dits are very consistent) but is common with a straight key. And at that speed, sending good 3:1 dah-to-dit ratio code on a Vibroplex is very, very challenging; typically the dahs are much elongated, giving the familiar "swing" characteristic of most Vibroplex operators. Also, a Vibroplex could easily be disabled on a swaying/lurching/etc. table, whereas a hand key can be easily operated in unusual attitudes (even held in one hand and keyed with the other). So generating code that good on a Vibroplex on a sinking ship, is highly doubtful in my view.
Amazing recording,. That was some amazing sending..... 73, AI5QA
Great response! I agree, a very talented straight key sender like we often found from the UK and German professionals.
ITS A CQD OM is "It's a CQD OM" - "OM" is a common telegrapher's abbreviation for the brotherly affectionate remark "Old Man".
What a gem! Thank you for sharing so much! +
de DL7HH . .