01/05/2010 | N6EV Well SKN 2010 is in the books and once again I had a blast. Thanks to the ARRL for continuing to sponsor this historic and important event. It was great to hear the large number of stations participating. And as noted above by others, it seems more and more participate every year. CW is truely alive and well!

It was also great to hear and work many of my fellow SKCC (http://www.skccgroup.com/) and FISTS (http://www.fists.org/) members during SKN! Way to represent!

As a devoted CW fan, collector and user of straight keys and boatanchors, SKN is a natural blending of all of my favorite facets of the hobby. This year, I used a Viking Ranger paired with a Heathkit RX-1 Mohawk on 40 meters. Conditions were very poor as others have reported, so I stepped up the output power to 300 watts with a Heath SB-221 amp later in the event. The lucky key this time around was my Bunnell Spark key, ca. 1915.

Unfortunately I could not allocate a lot of time to the event this year, but managed 13 quality SKN QSOs with K6BHH (Curt), K6FFY (Nick), K6JEY (Doug), WB6NTU (Rob), K7DAA (Dave), N6KN (Rocco), W6UT (Dennis), W7OD (Bob), AC7JW (Jason), K5BZH (Jim), K6KPH (YL?), WB6AAJ (Kelly) and JH1GNU (Shige).

Once again, it was great to hear the woopy, drifty, clicky boatanchors, and the great straight key fists. Thanks to one and all who participated. Remember, SKN doesn't have to be a once a year event. Break out that boatanchor and straight key any time, and join the likes of SKCC and FISTS for year round fun.

73
Paul N6EV SKCC 3358T, FISTS 1407
http://www.N6EV.com/ -- N6EV