01/26/2005 | KL7IDY The year 2005 is the beginning of my 45th year in ham radio and this was the first SKN for me. It really takes one back to hear vintage radios on the air. The chirpy signal seems to be a badge of honor on this special night. Getting back to a straight key brings back a lot of novice memories but it is also fun seeing new hams getting excited about straight cw.

The tarnished J-38 I used as a novice in 1960 is long gone but the chrome plated Speed-X from a recent ham swap meet is a pretty good second choice. Speed-X replacement parts are available on the web so it is almost like having a new key.

I'm looking forward to New Years Eve 2005 and will practice up during the year on FISTS frequencies. Thanks to ND6T, W6STU, K9PET & WB6KSD for the SKN QSOs. 73, Joe -- KL7IDY