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When I think about my early days in CW, I can't help but fondly remember Dr Mac--WA4VNV (later N4IX and now a Silent Key). I had agreed to take over from him as the editor of the local club newsletter, and he had agreed to keep this neophyte 13-year-old supplied with copy. The only caveat was that he would only send me his material for Smoketest (the club newsletter) over the air in CW. It was a sneaky way to force me to increase my code proficiency, but it was effective. And boy, could he make that old straight key sing. Thanks, Dr Mac!

When was the last time you cleared a bit of the rust off your fist and tried some code the good old-fashioned way--via the straight key? In this era of digital communication, keyboarding, FM and electronic keys, once a year many excellent operators bring the past to the present and participate in the annual ARRL Straight Key Night. If but for a brief 24-hour period, it is a trip to a nostalgic time, much the same way an old soldier tries on his old uniform. For others, it is an excellent opportunity to try their hand much as their Elmers did in the past.

The object of this friendly event is to enjoy some good, old-fashioned QSO fun, using straight keys. The emphasis is on rag-chewing rather than on fast contest-type exchanges. SKN 2002 begins at 7 PM EST December 31 and runs for 24 hours through 7 PM EST January 1 (0000-2400 UTC January 1, 2002).

When participating in SKN 2002, instead of sending RST before sending the signal report, send the letters SKN, to indicate your participation and to clue in passersby who may be listening that SKN is going strong. Following SKN, send the Contest Branch a list of stations worked, plus your vote for the best fist you heard (it doesn't have to be one you worked). Also, include your vote for the most interesting QSO you had or monitored, as well as any interesting comments you have for the Feedback section of the SKN 2002 write-up. Entries may be e-mailed to the Contest Branch at StraightKey@arrl.org or may be sent via regular mail to SKN, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

Entries for SKN 2002 must be received by January 31, 2002. Votes for "Best Fist" and "Most Interesting QSO" will be tabulated and included in the April 2002 issue of QST. If you have questions about SKN, please visit the Contest Branch Web Page at http://www.arrl.org/contests or contact contests@arrl.org.