Iambic meter = an unstressed syllable (dit) followed by a stressed syllable (DAH).
Example: iambic pentameter (five meters) = dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH.
With an iambic paddle keyer, one paddle is used for dit and the other for DAH.
Whether the left or right paddle is used for dit or DAH is the preference of the operator.
Oftentimes, thumb and forefinger or thumb and middle finger are used for pressing the paddles.
Holding the dit paddle alone will produce a cyclic dit dit dit dit dit ...
Likewise, holding the DAH paddle alone will produce DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH ...
Holding both paddles simultaneously will give you iambic meter and will repeat
dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH dit-DAH ...
Example: sending CQ (DAH dit DAH dit, DAH DAH dit DAH) with an iambic paddle:
Hold down the DAH paddle for almost one DAH.
Then, while still holding the DAH paddle, quickly tap the dit paddle and release.
Keep the DAH paddle held down for a brief moment and release while almost simultaneously
quickly tapping and releasing the dit paddle to produce the last dit for C -.-.
Now, hold down the DAH paddle for almost 1 complete cycle of DAH (two DAHs).
Then, while still holding the DAH paddle, quickly tap the dit paddle and release.
Keep the DAH paddle held down for a brief moment and release to produce the last DAH for Q --.-
With practice, you will develop and hone timing and cadence so you can
send well-formed code more quickly and easily than with a straight key.
