01/03/2005 | K9VKY Once again Straight Key Night proved to be a wonderful way to spend the New Year holiday, where QSO quality (not quantity) was the reward. Here at K9VKY vintage gear is the mainstay of the operation, and it was gratifying to hear an increasing number of glow-in-the-dark stations up and running. Of particular note was Howie, WB2AWQ, a vintage stalwart, who was running his father's ARC-5 transmitter along with his original novice BC-348 receiver. The hint of chirp in the command set note made Howie's superb fist that much more melodic. Fond memories of yesteryear were brought forward with names mentioned such as Heath, Hammarlund, Johnson, National, Collins, and Philco. Pete, KO4TE, even shared a similar addiction to the SMELL of old radios! And for those who suggest CW is dead, hats off to Bob, KA3AVB, who put his microphone away, dusted off his J-37, and came out and tickle the ether with us. What a grand time! Can SKN 2006 come soon enough? -- K9VKY