01/23/2007 | K0LWF I have been trying to work SKN for the last several years, each year with limited success. Last year it was a bad coax connection at the antenna. This year it was bad band conditions on 40 meters, my only band.

Was successful only after 1600Z when I was finally able to hear some other stations. Despite my very rusty CW I was to able to have two FB qso's, the first with WB9EWF for over an hour. Then with N9NM for about an hour. Used a borrowed crystal controlled Heathkit HW-16 on 7046 for my transmitter, my Heathkit HW-101 for my receiver and an inverted V 40 meter antenna. The 7046 crystal is from my Novice days. My key was my J-38 also from my Novice days. Now if I can only get my Heathkit DX-40 transmitter fixed before the next SKN then I can use it along with my Hallicrafters SX-99 receiver and have my Novice station operational again.

Can't wait for SKN 2008, hopefully I'll be able to get some straight key CW practice in before then. -- K0LWF