The Morse Muff

May 2006

The Morse Muff is a simple way to keep your hands warm while operating CW outdoors in the winter. It’s an extra large, one-piece, stocking-like wool muff, open at two ends. One hand goes in the left side along with a set of portable paddles. The other hand goes into
the right side and operates the key. Inside, along with the paddles, is a hand warmer.

Working Kentucky from the trail in 20F temperatures

The pack contains an FT-817 and an Elecraft T1 tuner. The antenna is a 17 foot wire going straight up to an overhead branch. A counterpoise runs along the ground toward the brook. I'm working a Kentucky station on 20 meters. The key is a Palm Paddle. The stool folds up small enough to fit easily into the pack and keeps my bottom off the snow. The case for the stool is between my feet and the backpack.

With the FT-817 and the T1 tuner pre-wired, I can set up quickly during my frequent winter walks and cross-country ski jaunts. All I have to do is unfold the stool and toss the wire over a branch and I'm on the air.

My good friend N1XBD suggested the Morse Muff as a way to keep fingers warm during winter outings. My good wife made the muff as Christmas present.
* * * * * * * * * *
Jim Cluett, W1PID, is an avid QRPer, outdoorsman and valued contributor to The ARS Sojourner. He lives in Sanbornton, NH.



	The Morse Muff : The Secret to Warm Hands in Cool Climes
		By Jim Cluett, W1PID Special to The ARS Sojourner
May 2006 The Morse Muff is a simple way to keep your hands warm while operating CW outdoors in the winter. It’s an extra large, one-piece, stocking-like wool muff, open at two ends. One hand goes in the left side along with a set of portable paddles. The other hand goes into the right side and operates the key. Inside, along with the paddles, is a hand warmer. Working Kentucky from the trail in 20F temperatures The pack contains an FT-817 and an Elecraft T1 tuner. The antenna is a 17 foot wire going straight up to an overhead branch. A counterpoise runs along the ground toward the brook. I'm working a Kentucky station on 20 meters. The key is a Palm Paddle. The stool folds up small enough to fit easily into the pack and keeps my bottom off the snow. The case for the stool is between my feet and the backpack. With the FT-817 and the T1 tuner pre-wired, I can set up quickly during my frequent winter walks and cross-country ski jaunts. All I have to do is unfold the stool and toss the wire over a branch and I'm on the air. My good friend N1XBD suggested the Morse Muff as a way to keep fingers warm during winter outings. My good wife made the muff as Christmas present. * * * * * * * * * * Jim Cluett, W1PID, is an avid QRPer, outdoorsman and valued contributor to The ARS Sojourner. He lives in Sanbornton, NH.