01/02/2007 | KC9ECI SKN is the best event that the ARRL sponsors each year. Like the first year I participated (not that long ago), and each year since, I a blast! Just a bit before Christmas this year I got a new Llaves Telegraphicas Artesanas SKCC edition Marconi key, serial number 01, which I promptly named "The General." I plugged it into a Kenwood TS-520SE, and called CQ SKN on 80M. It didn't take long before I was answered by fellow SKCC member and QRP enthusiast Fred, VE3FAL, who helped me break in my new key on the air. Over the course of SKN, I also had the pleasure of working Doug, K3DUG and Bill, K0CDJ. One of the more exciting moments for me was to work the SKCC 1 year anniversary special event station, K1Y/4 manned by the able fist of Milt, K4OSO, . My last SKN QSO was with Gordon, N6WK, who appears as a frequent visitor in my logbook, and even more frequent Elmer via e-mail. It was a real pleasure to work all of them on the air. For more information on the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) please visit http://www.skccgroup.com/ For more information on "The General," please visit http://www.mtechnologies.com/skcc/ -- KC9ECI