01/08/2005 | WA6OCP Wow, that was fun! I have been a ham for 44 years, and this was my first ever SKN. I christened my Christmas present (a Kent straight key) on New Years Day. I had to chuckle, as the key was bigger than my QRP signal, but it soon became a transparent extension in translating my thoughts to the few contacts I was able to make. The sound of all those straight keys and the antique rigs, with their chirps, clicks, and unique accents, was truly wonderful. Why wait another year to pull everyone together? An 'unofficial' straight key night the first of every month would be a great idea.

72, Neal -- WA6OCP