01/02/2009 | W1TS Another Great SKN for the records! This year I decided to use my DX-100-B transmitter and HQ-150 rcvr for 80 and 160 meters, but switched to the DX-60-B and 75A-3 for some contacts on 40 meters. It was nice to hear all the activity come up once the contest began and was the reason to seek out some QRM free spectrum on 160. First was VE3PYG on 80, then K4JJW on 160 to close out 2008. On New Year's Day I worked N2KZ, W4YE, and N5DY on 40. Heard many great sounding fists, but too many to recommend any one as best. My most interesting QSO was with Buddy, W4YE, who has his father's call from the 1930s. We talked at length about preserving the historical importance of old 2-letter calls and the radio pioneers who once held them. Mine is no exception, having once belonged to Don Mix, North Pole expedition op and ARRL technical editor for many years. CW may have appeared to die with licensing requirements, but it is resurrected each year on SKN. Long live CW! -- W1TS