01/13/2009 | NY0O Straight key night is about having a good time and meeting people on the air. I used my w.w.2 navy flameproof key that I bought on ebay a year or two ago, but I contacted one ham, Tom, w2tmt, who used his navy issue key that was issued to him when he was in the navy. (The air force never issued me a telegraph key, as I was a musician, not a telegrapher).
Made four contacts: k8hzk, Leo from Michigan, n5gy, John from Texas, w2tmt, Tom from Florida, and n5eei, Dave from Tennessee.
My vote for best fist goes to Tom, w2tmt, with his original navy issue key, still with the original owner.
My advice for no code hams? Take about 15 minutes daily to work on the code and get your straight key for next year's event. Nothing else like it. Might even impress the kids or grandkids.
73, Ben ny0o -- NY0O