01/02/2007 | K1Y/8 Had an absolutely great time on SKN. As a member of the Straight Key Century Club I operated the special event call sign of K1Y/8 for part of SKN. This is the SKCCs 1st year anniversary and we will be using the K1Y call for the entire month of January to celebrate.

I worked 21 stations during SKN, most were rag chews, a few had to be cut short due to conditions. Stations worked were: WA4FOB, AA1SB, AA6E, W8GDP, WB2KKI, W1KRT, K1Y/4, K1Y/2, WA4NVD, K9LA, W5UXS, W9KMP, NV4T, K3PX, KB9ROB, K3WD, K0ALT, YV1/W5ALT, AD1E, K8NB, and N4QR. Thanks to all those I worked for great QSOs.

The most memorable QSO was with K0ALT, Christine, from Silt, Co. She told me both of her moms parents were Western Union telegraphers and she was using a Western Union straight key. Thats quite a heritage to follow, all the best to you Christine and keep using that Western Union key.

The key I chose to use for SKN was my Grandfathers key that was used by him during his 53 years as a Pennsylvania Railroad telegrapher. Its a J. H. Bunnell skeleton base brass key that is in the photo. I put the Navy knob on it for better operating.

Thanks ARRL for SKN and thanks SKCC for making every night straight key night.
73, Don, NN8B, Straight Key Century Club #36 -- NN8B