01/10/2010 | AB5XZ This SKN was my first CW operation in about 50 (FIFTY) years. I had only one contact, with Joe, W5QLF, a friend who lives about 30 miles away. We arranged the contact with e-mail, then found that 7080 was blasted by a tropical broadcaster. Via landline, we went QSY to 7070, which was clean and clear. I learned a couple of things: (1) I can still send CW with my old J-38 (purchased in 1957 for $1.50). (2) My CW is rusty with either hand. The J-38 was part of my station KN5YFK in Corpus Christi, Texas. You can see from the photo that I have some other "keys", but I like the J-38 best. In the photo you can see, clockwise from top left: an AM radio, a stapler, a butane cigarette lighter (spark ignition) and the old reliable J-38. It was fun, and I'll be back!

-- 73Tom, ex KN5YFK, K5YFK, KB5ZXE, V31XZ -- AB5XZ