01/25/2007 | WA4IIF This was my first SKN event, and I enjoyed it greatly. I operate mostly CW, so my CW wasn't rusty, but my straight key fist was! For SKN I used what I think is a Navy flameproof key. (I thought it was an old military key, possibly from an aircraft, but I wasn't sure of its lineage. But with some research after SKN, including looking at the SKN soapbox, I think it's a flameproof key, or least a close "cousin" to it.) Anyway, it's my straight key that I used as a Novice in the early 60s and if memory serves me correctly, given to me by one of my Elmers and the key I used for my first Novice QSO. I really like the idea of using vintage equipment on SKN. Along with my straight key, I used my old Yaesu "Twins" for SKN: the FL-101 (TX) and FR-101 (RX), both about 30-years-old and still going strong. Next SKN I might use an old Vibroplex bug or Speed-X straight key that I have in the shack. I had SKN QSOs (all on 40 meters) with the following: N8EFZ, K6KSG, VE3UN, W8HYD, W2QF, W5WQQ, N5AF, and KM5I. (Dick, K6KSG, had a particularly FB fist.) Thanks to all of them for the QSOs and great time. Long live CW!!! -- WA4IIF