01/06/2011 | N0JBF

 

This year’s SKN was very enjoyable. Even though I only worked four stations I was able to do so in my own shack all by myself. Last year several of us gathered at K9ZTV’s for a meal and then a visit to his shack where some of his vintage equipment was put on the air. I was able to make two contacts with a lot of help. If I continue with that mathematical progression next year I should be able to make eight contacts. I appreciate Kent’s, K9ZTV, complements regarding my fist. I didn’t think I was sending that well but he obviously thought otherwise. I used my Morse Express miniature Christmas Key since it seemed to be smoother than my full size Bencher straight key. I am fortunate to belong to the Mid-Missouri Amateur Radio Club which has several CW enthusiasts who promote the use of CW. The three members (K9ZTV, N0SS and W4RK) who teach CW classes have over 150 years of CW experience between them. Their excellent tutorage has made CW enjoyable instead of an odious chore to be endured only long enough to get your ticket as it was when I was first licensed in 1987. The only down side to SKN this year was the inability to use my FT-101E since SKN demands that vintage with tubes should be used. It had sat idle for several years and when I attempted to bring it back to life in mid-October it burped. A friend offered to help resuscitate it with an eye to getting it ready for SKN but the holiday’s got in the way. I got it back yesterday and the shack is once again bathed in the warm glow of light from tubes. It still has a few problems but nothing that can’t be corrected. I am already looking forward to SKN next year and hope to work many more contacts. -- N0JBF