The Club's primary purpose is to perpetuate the use of three types of manual telegraph keys: straight key; sideswiper "cootie"; and semi- automatic "bug". The essential characteristic of these keys is that they do not rely on electronic circuitry, software or firmware to form, space or weight Morse code elements and characters.
SKCC members are required to abide by the following guidelines when participating in Club sponsored activities:
-- Three key types are accepted for use in SKCC activities: Straight Key; Semi-automatic "Bug"; and Sideswiper "Cootie" (see Accepted Key Types section below for description);
-- All SKCC related activities, events, sprints, awards, exchange of member numbers, and any CQs by members seeking contacts within the scope of these activities, must be performed entirely with the accepted key types unless a waiver has been granted.
Waivers due to physical limitation are appropriate only for active members who have made an earnest effort to determine that none of the three manual keys will be usable. Note that bugs and sideswipers are the original remedy for commercial telegraphers suffering from hand pain and impaired movement. These keys were developed specifically to minimize physical effort, discomfort and stress. In this regard they are essentially equivalent to the modern electronic paddle/keyer, requiring similar effort and dexterity to operate. As such, the paddle/keyer rarely qualifies as a waiver device. If none of the accepted keys prove usable, alternative devices such as CW keyboards and breath-actuated keys may be employed.
-- Members who seek to operate under this waiver should apply to the Board and specify the alternative keying device that they intend to use. Also, please provide a brief outline of your participation in SKCC activities. Details about members' physical or medical condition are *not* required and should *not* be provided.
The specific purpose of the waiver is to allow active members who have a strong record of participation in Club events and programs to continue their usual on-air association with other members should they become unable to use manual keys. Waivers are not granted to new or inactive members.
SKCC specifically promotes the use of manual keys and keying techniques that do not depend on electronically automated dits and dahs. Following is a description of the three accepted key types.
Straight Key
This is the common up-and-down action key that everyone recognizes as a classic telegraph key. Electrically it is a simple two-terminal momentary contact switch. A doorbell switch could be used as a straight key and would be acceptable for SKCC purposes.
The "modern" generic example of a mass produced straight key is the J38 model, but there are hundreds of other models from manufacturers past and present.
Various techniques are used for sending on a straight key but in all cases the duration, timing and spacing of dits and dahs is entirely controlled by the operator's hand movements and individual sense of rhythm.
Semi-automatic key or "Bug"
The bug is a side-to-side action key which features a spring and pendulum mechanism that generates series of dits when activated by the thumb; dahs are formed individually by the index finger. It is an entirely mechanical two-terminal key that is connected to the rig in the exact same manner as a straight key.
The most commonly available bug models are manufactured by the Vibroplex company. However, not every Vibroplex is a bug. Vibroplex also manufactures keyer paddles, which are not suitable for SKCC purposes unless adapted for use as a cootie or sideswiper key (below).
Important: Some rigs and electronic keyers feature a semi-automatic bug emulation mode. This electronically generated mode, used with keyer paddles, is not accepted for SKCC purposes.
Cootie or Side-swiper
This is also a side-to-side action key like the bug, but minus the pendulum assembly. Electrically it is a simple two-terminal momentary switch. It is connected to the rig in exactly the same way as the straight key or bug (i.e., using the same jack, plug type, wiring, menu setting, etc). It can be used "plug-and-play" interchangeably with those key types or connected in parallel with them.
There are various techniques for sending on a sideswiper but in all cases the duration, timing and spacing of dits and dahs is entirely controlled by the operator's hand movements and sense of rhythm.
Important. The sideswiper/cootie key resembles commonly available keyer paddles, but is wired differently. Keyer paddles can however be jumpered for use as a sideswiper, which would then be considered acceptable for SKCC purposes.
The essential distinction between sideswiper and paddles is that the latter is used in conjunction with an electronic keyer circuit to automatically generate perfectly timed dits and dahs. In contrast, a sideswiper uses no electronic keyer; the duration and timing of dits and dahs is 100% controlled by the operator's hand motion and individual sense of rhythm. If your paddle generates automatic dits or dahs it is not set up as a sideswiper/cootie and is not accepted for SKCC activity.
1. Remote station operation should be limited to situations where it is not possible to use one's own rig: restrictive living arrangements (apartments, senior facilities, HOAs); while traveling; as a temporary substitute for an inoperative rig; when overwhelming local QRN prevents reception of signals; to activate specially requested SPCs (by prior arrangement with SKCC Board).
2. Remote transmitters and/or receivers should not be used in a way as to gain an intentional competitive advantage in the pursuit of SKCC awards, endorsements, contests and events.
3. SKCC accepted key types only must be used. The remote station must transmit CW signals exactly as keyed by the operator; in other words, the transmitted signal must fully preserve all the timing and spacing characteristics of the operator's straight key "fist".
4. Operators must provide the SPC (State, Province or Country) of the remote transmitter location, not their operating location, in the initial SKCC QSO exchange.
5. SKCC geographic awards (WAS, DXCC) may have additional requirements for remote station operators.
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