01/03/2005 | K4DXU A fun contest. I have only been a ham a little over a year, but I love CW, and this was my first SKN. I mostly used my Vibroplex bug, and I learned that the secret to bug use, at least for me, was to get the dit speed down...I had a "bug tamer" from Vibroplex that let me move the weight outboard and that did it. The rig was my trusty and just restored Drake TR-4C, which performed flawlessly! There is nothing quite like the warmth of 19 vacuum tubes, the sound of the T/R relay and soft mechanical sounds of the bug running in rhythm with the bouncing plate current meter...priceless! I did make one QSO with the straight key, and managed to communicate for over 20 minutes, with a very patient and kind 37 year ham veteran (NA4O) who sent flawless code like a keyer from his straight key - he certainly has my vote for best fist.
I love my TS-2000 and the paddle, but there is a lot to be said for the skills required to operate the Old Way. 73! -- K4DXU