01/03/2009 | N9AKF Yet another fun filled SKN, my third. This year was the toughest I think, as I operate QRP only, and conditions weren't the best.

The best fist (at least to my ear) was K1LGQ. I didn't hear anything that I would call exceptionally interesting, but that may be due to the reports of keys, rigs, etc., that I've heard in previous years. Lots of vintage gear, and that's a lot of fun to hear. The most enjoyable QSO that I had was with W6LFB. Just a good old rag chew talking about everything from pets to previous homes and personal history.

I used a homebrew straight key that is made from actual "keys." I built this for the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) HB Sprint last October. This key was also selected by the Society for the Preservation of Amatuer Radio (SPAR) in their annual HB key competition in December as the most original key. You can see the SPAR newsletter here http://www.spar-hams.org/Roundtable/Roundtable-2008-12.pdf

For me, every night is straight key night, but I sure enjoy this annual event and look forward to seeing everyone next year.

73,
Bart -- N9AKF