MORSE REFERENCE
Straight keys, bugs and electronic keyers
Straight key
Press → contact closes → mark
Release → contact opens → gap
User times every dot and dash.
Mechanical bug
Dot side → vibrating contact → repeated dots
Dash side → held contact → dash
Mechanism makes dots; user times dashes.
Electronic keyer
Dot contact → timed dot stream
Dash contact → timed dash stream
Electronics time marks and internal gaps.
Different controls, the same message
A straight key is a switch the operator presses and releases to form every mark and gap. It exposes the sender’s timing directly. An electronic keyer forms marks at a selected speed in response to paddle input. The hardware changes how the rhythm is produced, not the alphabet the receiving operator needs to know.
A semi-automatic bug produces a repeated dot motion mechanically while the operator controls dashes. A paddle and electronic keyer can automate both types of mark. Keep those mechanisms distinct when describing a device rather than treat every key as an interchangeable push button.
Understand a paddle before assigning directions
A single-lever paddle operates one side or the other. A dual-lever paddle permits both contacts to close, and an iambic keyer can generate alternating marks during a squeeze. The assignment of dots to a particular hand or side can be configured; do not assume the left side always means a dash.
Compare how the complete letter C is formed. Its International pattern is -.-.: dash, dot, dash, dot. The output should keep each mark distinct and use the same letter boundary regardless of the mechanism used to send it. Hardware demonstrations should show the settings as well as the motion.
Describe comfort without unsupported percentages
Operator posture, force, key adjustment and practice all affect how a device feels. This reference does not quantify injury prevention or promise that one design reduces strain by a particular amount. Choose a setup by its actual controls and documented operation rather than an unsourced ergonomic statistic.
The browser tool generates timed audio; it is not a physical keying interface connected to a transmitter. Use it to compare a known rhythm with your own practice. The linked specialist reference explains the differences between keys, paddles, bugs and keyers in more detail.
How the mechanisms generate marks
| Device | User action | Generated automatically | Setup to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight key | Press and release one lever for every mark | Nothing: the user controls marks and gaps | Contact spacing, spring tension and comfortable position |
| Mechanical bug | Operate separate sides for dots and dashes | Repeating dots; dashes are manually held | Dot speed, contact adjustment and stability |
| Paddle with electronic keyer | Hold one contact for dots, the other for dashes | Mark length and internal gaps | Contact wiring, dot/dash assignment, keyer mode and speed |
A practical comfort check
| Check | Adjustment to try |
|---|---|
| Reaching | Move the key within easy reach rather than stretching |
| Force | Reduce unnecessary contact travel and force within the device specification |
| Stability | Prevent the base from sliding while operating |
| Feedback | Check whether intended marks are produced before practicing faster |
| Discomfort | Stop and reassess the setup; this guide cannot diagnose a physical condition |
Worked examples
These patterns use International Morse. Spaces separate letters; / separates words. A slash in the original text is encoded as -..-.
- C
- Try this message
-.-.0.66 seconds at 20 WPM - CQ
- Try this message
-.-. --.-1.62 seconds at 20 WPM