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Many people helped make us the operators we are today. And we all recall those special moments with our "Elmers" -- the people who really taught us the ropes of operating. Most of us are fortunate to have had several along the way. When I first was getting started in the hobby, I was fortunate enough to have two that helped pave the way for me to "join the club."
By chance, they happened to be great friends and neighbors to each other. In fact, Everest W4DYW was also an Elmer to the other Col. Frank WB4JMG. Between the two of them they kept my interest sparked... And they taught me "the code." During all of the weeks I was studying the theory for my novice test, you would usually find me either at Everest's or Frank's -- rummaging through junk boxes or learning to solder. And most importantly (at least to me) - participating in amateur radio by "operating" their stations -- tapping out CQs and making QSOs on the straight keys at their rigs.
They believed that the best way to learn the code was to use the code. By the time my own license arrived after several months of expert tutelage, I was ready to fly solo without a guiding hand to walk me through my the first contact -- with Col. Frank. By the time WN4YMV was QRV, they had already gotten me into the habit of checking into novice training nets and handling traffic -- all through the magic of "pounding brass."
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. 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 2004 begins at 7:00 p.m. EST December 31 and runs for 24 hours through 7:00 p.m. EST January 1 (0000 --2400 UTC January 1, 2004).
When participating in SKN 2004, instead of sending RST before sending the signal report send the letters SKN, to indicate your participation, and to clue in passers-by who may be listening that SKN is going strong. Afterwards, 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.
Please post your comments and interesting photographs from your SKN adventure to the ARRL Contest Online Soapbox. You may also send in items for the Feedback section of the SKN 2004 write-up. Entries should be emailed to the Contest Branch or may be sent via regular mail to SKN, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
Entries for SKN 2004 must be received by January 31, 2004. Votes for "Best Fist" and "Most Interesting QSO" will be tabulated and included in the April 2004 issue of QST. If you have questions about SKN, please visit the Contest Branch Web Page or contact contests@arrl.org
Last year we had 164 entries submitted for SKN -- the most in many years. Why not dust off the key, clean the contacts and light up the ether with the beautiful melody of hand-created CW? If your Elmers were like mine, they will smile knowing that the true art of CW is not lost...
