I spent one year preparing for SKN 2011.  After the last SKN, I decided I'd refurbish & tune up my old HW-16, which I built in 1972 when I was a Novice (WN0HEG).  I wanted to use real vintage equipment in 2011, but the HW-16 chirped real bad, and I hadn't used it in 30 years.  So I re-engineered the plate and grid power supplies with homebrew voltage regulators and replaced all the electrolytic caps (from www.hayseedhamfest.com).  Stabilizing the grid block keying voltages was a challenge, but my new keying circuit worked flawlessly.  At 1~2 days per month of "playing", the rig was better than new and ready just in time.  So on Jan 1st at 2029z, I plugged in an old 40m xtal from Trigger Electronics, tuned up the plate and called a relatively chirpless CQ for the first time in 30 years.  It was extremely satifying to hear it purr again.  50 watts was plenty to make a few SKN contacts.

WB6ZFG (Randy) in Bishop, CA answered and we had a nice chew.  A little later, I worked AI6O (Ed) across town from me in San Diego, followed by W1QG (Dick) near San Jose, all on 40m at 7.040 (my "best" xtal).  Even though I didn't make it out of California, SKN 2011 was a huge success for me.  I'm looking forward to more fun next year.  Maybe I'll design a VFO for the rig...in my spare time.  Thanks to all for the QSOs.

Tubes Rule and CW Rocks!

Happy New Year & 73, Roger (SKCC #5268, FISTS #14324, NAQCC #3248)