Once upon a time I learned CW at 5wpm then promptly never used it. Turns out, this would be a bad thing. While I was able to quickly get back to the 5wpm range, going faster is surprisingly tough. I've been using the G4FON and Morse Machine on the computer, and IZ2UUF software on my phone. This allowed me to practice at 20-25wpm character speed. After a couple months of trying I can usually decode 75-90% of a QSO at 10-13wpm. Since practicing I've also joined SKCC since they seem to go out of their way to help newbies. Eventually I'll have to take the leap and find someone to try a QSO with... I honestly think I could do it, I'm just too nervous at the moment.
To encourage me though I decided to supplement my old cheap straight key with the following piece of amazing modern hardware. Below is my shiny Begali Simplex paddle in palladium with blue finger pieces. They also sent Red and and the stock black finger pieces for when I want a change. I have to admit, dealing with Bruna was a pleasure and the craftsmanship on this key is amazing. And this is their most basic paddle. The quality is amazing for just a bit more than a basic Bencher costs, I can't imagine how nice the higher end models are. I've been practicing with this using a Picokeyer Plus keyer I built the other day. At this point sending at 13wpm is doable, and receiving at 10-13wpm is doable..... it might be about that time to go on the air.
And forgive the coils of cables... my shack has been a bit messy lately as the current setup isn't final.
Click on each pic to see them in their full size glory.
