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NT9K Key Number 9

This is one of Bill NT9K's beautiful home-built sideswiper keys.  Sideswiper keys (sometimes known as "Cootie" keys from a name used by manufacturers in the 1920s) are connected as a straight key (i.e. no electronic keyer is used). 
Bill NT9K's Sideswiper Key Number 9.  Click to go to Bill NT9K's website
The paddle is moved alternately from side-to-side to form each dah and dit.  As such, they fall somewhere between a straight key and a semi-automatic ("bug") key.  Sending evenly spaced morse with a sideswiper requires skill.

For example, to form a letter G (dah dah dit):
  • Move the paddle to the left to send the first dah.
  • Move the paddle to the right to send the second dah.
  • Move the paddle to the left to send the dit.

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