01/02/2007 | KD6WKY SKN began rather auspiciously (try to send that word with a straight key!)when I could hear so many stations chirping away with their very distinctive sounding straight keys. The cadence was certainly slower than usual; it sort of reminded me of Navy Morse Code School back in the early 1970's.

I worked ten stations included one JA to boot. The first few QSO's were rather disconnected with all the QRM above and below me. Things finally settled down a few hours into the gig and it got much better with stations taking their time and working each other nicely.

I used my cheap ebay Chinese chromed straight key that I picked up last summer. I still had to tweak it with the Jaws of Life pliers to straighten out the hammer. Once I got it set, I worked away throughout the evening and the next day taking long breaks to spend time with family and friends.

SKN was good fun. It'll only get better as more RA's join the party. Now it's back to the electronic keyer and paddle for the rest of 2007! -- KD6WKY