01/02/2007 | WB2AWQ I always anticipate some great operating on Straight Key Night, and, as usual, SKN 2007 lived up to my expectations. While I only made 6 QSOs, all were interesting, and enjoyable. The keying chores this year were handled by my Brelco Flameproof key (from a tank or something, havent established where it would have been used). I chose this key for a good reason the rig I selected for SKN was being cathode-keyed, and the flameproof key has the contacts covered up. The rig in question is a WW2 Navy GO-9 transmitter, usually found in PBY Catalina sea planes. This large, handsome transmitter, of which I used only 1/3 of it, stands 32 inches high, and uses but three tubes 2 837s in the MO and buffer, and an 803 in the final. Power out with just 1KV on the plate was 75 watts. Two receivers a WW2 vintage HRO, and my original Novice receiver, a WW2 BC-348Q, all kept on frequency by an LM-18 frequency meter, also WW2 vintage, kept pace with the busy bands.

All six QSOs were with new SKN faces. Two of the contacts were with guys running homebrew rigs (W8AW and W3ZT, both running 6146 finals). Two QSOs were with with ex-navy CW ops, which I am also. This kind of stuff makes for fascinating QSOs. Combine this with some real busy bands this year, and SKN will be a part of my operating for many years to come. 73 all, Howie SKCC # 735 -- WB2AWQ