Operation - Heathkit HD-1410 Instruction Manual

OPERATION

The HD-1410 Electronic Keyer is an iambic or "squeeze" keyer. As such, this Keyer has two inde-
pendent paddles, one for dots and one for dashes. While you can treat the paddles as a single
paddle without learning iambic operation, less effort is required to form many characters once you
learn the iambic method.
When you depress both paddles simultaneously, a string of alternate dots and dashes will result.
The first bit is determined by which paddle you depress first. The dual memories allow you to in-
sert a dot into a series of dashes. Simply close the dash paddle and then tap the dot paddle during
the dash bit is to follow. The same is true when you want to insert a dash into a series of dots.
Some examples will illustrate this.
When you want to send the letter C ( ), depress both paddles but be sure you close the dash
–·–·
contact first; then release the paddles during the second dash (the dot is remembered).
When you want to send the letter Q ( ), depress the dash paddle; then tap the dot paddle
––·–
during the second dash.
When you want to send the letter A ( ), tap both paddles quickly but be sure you close the dot
·–
contact slightly before you close the dash contact.
You will have to form some letters, such as P, X, E and T, just as you would with a single paddle
keyer.
You should practice operating the Electronic Keyer for some time before you use it "on the air".
You will find this Electronic Keyer to have a different "feel" then other types of keyers. You should
first learn to operate the paddles for each character at a slow speed. Then increase the speed as
the process becomes second nature.
In use, you should place the Keyer so that your forearm rests on the table. This will keep your
wrist from becoming tired and tense. It is important that you do not run letters and word together,
as it would make it impossible to copy. You should remember that with the Electronic Keyer, you
can easily send faster than many operators can copy. If a tape recorder is available, it is advisable
that you record a few minutes of your sending. When you play back the tape, you can determine if
more practice is required before you start "on-the-air" sending.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE ELECTRONIC KEYER TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.