The books are now closed on yet another fantastic Straight Key Night.  40 Meter band conditions were excellent here in WPA, which brought the brass pounders out in force for renewing old acquaintances and meeting new ones as well. 

The PRC-1 spy radio set soldiered on again with its 12 watts of crystal controlled, coal fired power to the doublet.   Luckily the smoke remained in the suitcased signal generator for this latest adventure, although the bunker soon filled with the pleasing aroma of hot beeswax and mildew. 

Although only a dozen or so contacts were made, all went well beyond the cookie cutter and contest format getting so common these days.  Receiving hand set Morse from a live person banging away on a straight key or bug is truly refreshing.  Special kudos to Jerry, KI4IO, and Bob, K3PX, who know how to use both well, and carried on for 1+42 and 2+14 respectively.  The subject of vintage radio is always of interest and marathon contacts here.  My thanks, too, to the guys who bother to tune off their transmitting frequency to listen for those of us operating crystal controlled rigs.

Here's to all the brass pounders who keep the faith and refuse to let Morse die.  Cheers for 2015!    Brian   K9VKY