01/02/2009 | K5MV Good signals on 80 & 40 meters this year. Lots of good fist and friendly ops. I only operated about an hour on new years eve before my eyes were too heavy to continue. Made about a dozen contacts total after getting up early on News Years day. Earned my Novice, WN5APD in 1961 and each year this operateing event brings back memories of many SKN's past. I used a Johnson Viking Adventurer Xtal control, 22 watts out, Drake 2-B receiver and 80 meter inverted Vee at 50 feet. Most QSO's were made on a military J-38 straight key and a few with my old Vibroplex bug. Getting back to the basics gives one a good prospective on how far ham radio has come in 48 years. I look forward to many more. 73's Jeff, K5MV -- K5MV