01/05/2009 | K9VKY SKN for 2009 proved to be a wonderful operating experience just like those of the past. The AN/PRC-1 spy radio set perked right along despite the limitations of its 12 watt crystal controlled transmitter and not having band spread and selectivitiy capabilities.

18 QSOs were had on 80 and 40 Meters renewing old acquaintances (48 years in the case of Ray, K9XE, ex-WA9AXL), and meeting some new friends as well. Lots of good fists were heard cranking out a number of very interesting contacts, making it difficult to select a top gun. However, this year Bunky, K4EJQ, gets the nod for both Best Fist and Most Interesting QSO with his flawless sending and vintage radio stories. It's always a delight to work vintage equipment, keys, (and operators!) with the vintage equipment here at K9VKY. It's not unusual for those contacts to approach two hours in length, and with good reason!

Here's hoping that SKN fosters more of our kind of activity rather than the standard cookie cutter fare so prevalent on the bands these days. Keep those radios cooking, and happy hunting on the bands in 2009. Brian K9VKY -- K9VKY