Re: [Elecraft] SKN: What a Long, Strange Trip...

[na5n]

Eric Norris writes:


How far this tiny California company has come in 20 years is just
incredible.  Not to even mention the KX2 and KX3, and all the other stuff.


I worked a bunch of SKN stations with my KX2.  Among those QSOs included a  
Heathkit HW-101 and DX-40, a Drake TR7, and an ARC-5 transmitter.  They all  
had a distinctive hum and chirp that drifted about 1KHz down the band by  
the end of the QSO.  About ran out of RIT range.  Fun, and a nostalgic  
reminder what most rigs sounded like "back in the day."  How spoiled we are  
with today's rock solid rigs, stable DDS frequency control, sensitive  
receivers, and the benefits of SDR, filtering, IF shift, etc.  Not to  
mention no longer a sturdy table to contain your Collins S-line, power  
supplies, antenna tuners, etc.  Nobody would have imagined 30 years ago the  
performance and size of today's K3S, KX3 and KX2.  Elecraft has definitely  
led much of the innovation we now enjoy in our hobby.  Such kudos are  
indeed well deserved.


72, Paul NA5N
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[Elecraft] SKN: What a Long, Strange Trip...

[Eric Norris]

This year for SKN, I left the tube radios in their racks, and went with an
HW-8, KX1, K1, K2, and K3.  After just having watched the in-depth K4
interview with Eric at Elecraft's European Distributor, and having had a
personal tour of the K4 by Eric at Pacificon, my mind is blown.  Really
blown.  How far this tiny California company has come in 20 years is just
incredible.  Not to even mention the KX2 and KX3, and all the other stuff.

Well done, Elecraft, long may you thrive.

73 Eric WD6DBM
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN.

[WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft]

For everyone's information, the Straight Key Century Club has Straight Key 
Night every day and night 24 hours per day and 7 days per week all year.  Some 
of us are Ludites Never get enough Straight Key and Bug operation.  We even 
have some that like and use side swipers.  Read about us  and our activities at 
 SKCCgroup.com and join us if you like what you see, we are free and will not 
ask for money.  If you are new to CW and would like to get better, we will QRS 
for you and welcome you!
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke,SKCC #4077S K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS
 

  From: Gary Smith <g...@ka1j.com>
 To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Saturday, January 2, 2016 9:28 AM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN.
   
Though you did get the info you asked and that SKN is over, this info 
may be moot but it's a worthy read. SKN is not a contest though it 
can be looked at that way. Here is the official website and it 
explains it well.

http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

On the personal side, I enjoy SKN for several reasons but one main 
reason; it allows me to experience ham radio the way it was before 
digital everything took over our operating stations. Back when people 
made more than a "contest style" 599 TU & back to CQing for their 
next fly by contact. During SKN, people send their station 
information, rig, antenna, key, their name and QTH and the RST is 
real rather than cookie cutter 599 regardless of signal.

It's refreshing to ignore the electronic log that already gives you 
their name & QTH the second you enter their call, and listen to them 
send their town, a comma and then their state. It takes me back to 
the days of my paper log where it was a challenge to remember 
someone's name when you hear their familiar call, where if you wanted 
to know where someone lived to send a QSL, you needed to the look it 
up in the US and international editions of the US Call Book. 
Sometimes DX would send their mailing address and it was a test of 
copy skills to get the unusual street names and town names correctly 
over the QRN & QSB. But when you did it that way, those QSL cards 
meant so much more. As a poor student in Nursing School, I remember 
hand drawing my first QSL cards, artfully, because I couldn't afford 
to pay someone to make them, paper was cheap and pens were plentiful. 
Those original KA1DQG cards were a joy to make and surely were 
appreciated by the recipients. SKN reminds me of those days.

It was a time of more honesty in RST and comments as to poor tone and 
others trying to help you without the eternal LID or UP being always 
sent. QRM is worse today but there always was QRM, even Maxim called 
it Rotten QRM and had his Wouf Hong at the ready to do battle. But I 
wax nostalgic; SKN is a time to experience older times when I think 
Ham Radio was more fun and personal when it comes to the QSO itself. 

You hear some on hand keys today, I suspect the speed demons bypass 
them like the tortoise and the Hare but those with the hand keys are 
still living the joy that made Ham Radio great and a contact more of 
a joy than another minimalist Q in the log. I have my Begali 
Sculpture and use it daily but sometimes I bring out the old Navy 
Key, just because of respect for the old days. 

This SKN I used my K3 at around 40 watts with my father's Navy key he 
brought back from Pearl Harbor when he was there in the 40's. Some of 
the contacts I made were using their tube gear. It's fun to ragchew 
about their old radio that they just dusted off. Truth be told, the 
most fun QSO's I've had in the last year were those SKN QSOs because 
you have to invest your effort to the copy and the conversation is 
much more active and personal, it's Ham Radio today as it was then. 
Consider it an annual Brigadoon of Ham Radio, you just don't have to 
wait 100 years to enjoy it again.

Try to fit it in if you can, next year.

73,
Gary
KA1J 


> I've seen several references to Straight Key Nite being tonight. Guys, I 
> thought SKN was Jan 1st. On the east coast, it's still Dec 31st. SKN should 
> be tomorrow nite. Right?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN.

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Gary wrote:

On the personal side, I enjoy SKN for several reasons but one main reason;
it allows me to experience ham radio the way it was before digital
everything took over our operating stations. Back when people made more than
a "contest style" 599 TU & back to CQing for their next fly by contact.
During SKN, people send their station information, rig, antenna, key, their
name and QTH and the RST is real rather than cookie cutter 599 regardless of
signal.

It's refreshing to ignore the electronic log that already gives you their
name & QTH the second you enter their call, and listen to them send their
town, a comma and then their state. It takes me back to the days of my paper
log where it was a challenge to remember someone's name when you hear their
familiar call, where if you wanted to know where someone lived to send a
QSL, you needed to the look it up in the US and international editions of
the US Call Book.

--

The only operating I do is rag chewing, mostly on CW with a very rare AM/SSB
contact, and I keep a paper log. Since I don't contest I have no need to
hook a computer to my rig. 

Going QRP is another way to dig up ragchew QSOs throughout the year. I find
that QRP operators more often than not like to talk about their rigs,
especially the homebrewers. My ears prick up when I hear a slightly
odd-sounding signal. Perhaps a hint of chirp or it drifts slightly. Aha!
That must be a fellow with an interesting rig. 

My favorites are 40 and 30 meters. They're almost always open and 30 meters
is a welcome refuge from contests. 

While many Hams today focus on contests or DX-ing, we are out there on the
bands looking for an interesting QSO.

73, Ron AC7AC

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN.

[Gary Smith]

Though you did get the info you asked and that SKN is over, this info 
may be moot but it's a worthy read. SKN is not a contest though it 
can be looked at that way. Here is the official website and it 
explains it well.

http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

On the personal side, I enjoy SKN for several reasons but one main 
reason; it allows me to experience ham radio the way it was before 
digital everything took over our operating stations. Back when people 
made more than a "contest style" 599 TU & back to CQing for their 
next fly by contact. During SKN, people send their station 
information, rig, antenna, key, their name and QTH and the RST is 
real rather than cookie cutter 599 regardless of signal.

It's refreshing to ignore the electronic log that already gives you 
their name & QTH the second you enter their call, and listen to them 
send their town, a comma and then their state. It takes me back to 
the days of my paper log where it was a challenge to remember 
someone's name when you hear their familiar call, where if you wanted 
to know where someone lived to send a QSL, you needed to the look it 
up in the US and international editions of the US Call Book. 
Sometimes DX would send their mailing address and it was a test of 
copy skills to get the unusual street names and town names correctly 
over the QRN & QSB. But when you did it that way, those QSL cards 
meant so much more. As a poor student in Nursing School, I remember 
hand drawing my first QSL cards, artfully, because I couldn't afford 
to pay someone to make them, paper was cheap and pens were plentiful. 
Those original KA1DQG cards were a joy to make and surely were 
appreciated by the recipients. SKN reminds me of those days.

It was a time of more honesty in RST and comments as to poor tone and 
others trying to help you without the eternal LID or UP being always 
sent. QRM is worse today but there always was QRM, even Maxim called 
it Rotten QRM and had his Wouf Hong at the ready to do battle. But I 
wax nostalgic; SKN is a time to experience older times when I think 
Ham Radio was more fun and personal when it comes to the QSO itself. 

You hear some on hand keys today, I suspect the speed demons bypass 
them like the tortoise and the Hare but those with the hand keys are 
still living the joy that made Ham Radio great and a contact more of 
a joy than another minimalist Q in the log. I have my Begali 
Sculpture and use it daily but sometimes I bring out the old Navy 
Key, just because of respect for the old days. 

This SKN I used my K3 at around 40 watts with my father's Navy key he 
brought back from Pearl Harbor when he was there in the 40's. Some of 
the contacts I made were using their tube gear. It's fun to ragchew 
about their old radio that they just dusted off. Truth be told, the 
most fun QSO's I've had in the last year were those SKN QSOs because 
you have to invest your effort to the copy and the conversation is 
much more active and personal, it's Ham Radio today as it was then. 
Consider it an annual Brigadoon of Ham Radio, you just don't have to 
wait 100 years to enjoy it again.

Try to fit it in if you can, next year.

73,
Gary
KA1J 


> I've seen several references to Straight Key Nite being tonight. Guys, I 
> thought SKN was Jan 1st. On the east coast, it's still Dec 31st. SKN should 
> be tomorrow nite. Right?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN.

[Matt Zilmer iPhone]

It's on New Year's eve.

Matt W6NIA

Always store beer in a dark place. - R. Heinlein



> On Dec 31, 2015, at 7:20 PM, Nr4c  wrote:
> 
> I've seen several references to Straight Key Nite being tonight. Guys, I 
> thought SKN was Jan 1st. On the east coast, it's still Dec 31st. SKN should 
> be tomorrow nite. Right?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
> 
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[Elecraft] SKN.

[Nr4c]

I've seen several references to Straight Key Nite being tonight. Guys, I 
thought SKN was Jan 1st. On the east coast, it's still Dec 31st. SKN should be 
tomorrow nite. Right?

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN.

[Bill Gerth]

SKN is  UTC on Jan 1st to 2359 on Jan 1st.  New Year's Day UTC.
73,
BILL
W4RK

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 31, 2015, at 21:20, Nr4c  wrote:
> 
> I've seen several references to Straight Key Nite being tonight. Guys, I 
> thought SKN was Jan 1st. On the east coast, it's still Dec 31st. SKN should 
> be tomorrow nite. Right?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
> 
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[Elecraft] SKN sans Elecraft

[eric norris]

For the first time since drinking the Kool-Aid years ago, I made it all the way 
through SKN without touching an Elecraft radio!  Nothing but my HW-16 and 
Heathkit CW twins was used, though I did have to use the AF1 to help the old 
girls out.

Nothing makes you appreciate your K3, KX3, K2, K1, or KX1 like vacuum tubes.

73

Eric WD6DBM

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN, VizKey, AF2

[stan levandowski]

The VIZ Vertical is indeed a smooth bug for slow speed work.  Tom made 
me a custom humongous-sized base so I don't knock the key over.  Another 
approach to slowing it down for super slow speed work is to go to your 
local hobby shop.  You can find small diameter brass tubes which will 
fit snuggly right over the arm.  Cut the brass tube to your preferred 
length, slip it over the arm, and then slip the weight over the brass 
tube *above*  the damper.  This is an inexpensive and effective 
solution.  Tom makes great products and I was sorry to learn that he is 
presently looking for a buyer for his business (Old Old Timers Club 
Newsletter Spark Gap Times, January 2013 edition, page 4, bottom). 
73, Stan WB2LQF



On Sun, Jan 6, 2013 at 11:52 PM, eric norris wrote:

Someone mentioned the VizKey right-angle bug.  I have a VizVertical.  
Tom made me a special weight, 1 1/4 long, with the clamp screw 
drilled at the end.  By adjusting the key so the damper hits the 
weight instead of the vibrating arm, this gives the VizVertical a 11 
to 17 wpm range--perfect for slow pokes like me.  You can see this key 
on my SKN soapbox pics, or a youtube vid under my channel 
(gliderboy1955) called WD6DBM SKN 2013--THE HEATHKIT TWINS. 
The Viz Vertical is so smooth when properly adjusted that it feels 
more like paddles than a bug.  I actually have to coarse it up a bit 
on SKN or transitioning to the Vibroplex is too hard.  A great and 
beautiful key.


My Heathkit CW twins have so little selectivity that only by using an 
Elecraft AF2 are they usable for crowded conditions on SKN 40m.  
Thanks Elecraft!


73 Eric WD6DBM

Sent from the metering jack on my Heathkit Twoer

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[Elecraft] SKN, VizKey, AF2

[eric norris]

Someone mentioned the VizKey right-angle bug.  I have a VizVertical.  Tom made 
me a special weight, 1 1/4 long, with the clamp screw drilled at the end.  By 
adjusting the key so the damper hits the weight instead of the vibrating arm, 
this gives the VizVertical a 11 to 17 wpm range--perfect for slow pokes like 
me.  You can see this key on my SKN soapbox pics, or a youtube vid under my 
channel (gliderboy1955) called WD6DBM SKN 2013--THE HEATHKIT TWINS.  

The Viz Vertical is so smooth when properly adjusted that it feels more like 
paddles than a bug.  I actually have to coarse it up a bit on SKN or 
transitioning to the Vibroplex is too hard.  A great and beautiful key.

My Heathkit CW twins have so little selectivity that only by using an Elecraft 
AF2 are they usable for crowded conditions on SKN 40m.  Thanks Elecraft!

73 Eric WD6DBM

Sent from the metering jack on my Heathkit Twoer

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[Ray Cadmus]

I think I understand your feelings about the old K2.

  I owned, for a time, serial #7.  I didn't build it myself - I acquired 
it from a ham in Canada.  There was a somewhat mystical quality felt in 
having one of the early ones - wish I had it back :-( .  It went for a 
good cause though...  and I did get a K1 in trade.  A somewhat local ham 
was looking for a K2 but,  time being limited, settled for the K1.  When 
I heard I, made the swap (some boot - I'm not that generous).  He had it 
and, I assume, enjoyed it for the better part of a year before the big C 
took him.

Some day I'll get another K2 - but it won't be quite the same.

73,

rayW0PFO

--

On 12/31/2011 05:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 John,

 If you think my fully upgraded (and packed with all options for a QRP
 K2) original Field Test K2 SN 00020 will be replaced by a KX3, you have
 another think coming.
 Yes, I will have a KX3, but that old K2 will still be rolling along.
 It may not do prime duty in the home station - the K3 takes of that, and
 it will no longer be the Field Radio of Choice once the KX3 is in hand,
 but it will sit faithfully on the operating desk and be used in sort of
 an SO2R position with the K3.
 I hope my heirs treat it with respect as well, but that is out of my
 control.  So in the future, if you youngsters run across a K2 SN 00020,
 know that it was mine, and it was never sold in my lifetime.

 Oh yes, Happy New Year to all - 2011 is just about gone.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

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[Elecraft] SKN 2012

[John Oppenheimer]

Straight Key Night is just a under two hours away:
http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

If you have a straight key, and maybe a vintage CW station, then it's
time to get on the air. Those of you that have a K2, then you may have a
vintage rig ready to go:

vin·tage
adj.
1. Of or relating to a vintage.
2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
3. Old or outmoded.

Is the year for the K2 the date it was designed, a decade ago, or when
it was built? My K2 is vintage 2011.

The K2 is absolutely; excellent, very mature, and, because it's still
sold today, must have an enduring appeal.

Alas, the K2 is old and outmoded, as it will soon be replaced by many KX3s.

Happy New Year,
John, KN5L
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[stan levandowski]

I've got a homebrew 6C4 driving a 5763 to 8 watts input *somewhere* 
around 7.028  +/- the drift ;) but my K2 is my receiver for tonight and 
the T/R relay is Phil Salas' AD5X version from an old QST.  We're 
definitely *not* talking QSK here, folks!!   Made one warm-up QSO 
today with KE3NE and realized the old fist just ain't what it used to be 
!!!  Happy New Year and Happy SKN.

Stan WB2LQF


On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 5:27 PM, John Oppenheimer wrote:

 Straight Key Night is just a under two hours away:
 http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

 If you have a straight key, and maybe a vintage CW station, then it's
 time to get on the air. Those of you that have a K2, then you may have 
 a
 vintage rig ready to go:

 vin·tage
 adj.
 1. Of or relating to a vintage.
 2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; 
 classic.
 3. Old or outmoded.

 Is the year for the K2 the date it was designed, a decade ago, or when
 it was built? My K2 is vintage 2011.

 The K2 is absolutely; excellent, very mature, and, because it's still
 sold today, must have an enduring appeal.

 Alas, the K2 is old and outmoded, as it will soon be replaced by many 
 KX3s.

 Happy New Year,
 John, KN5L
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[Ariel Jacala]

John
I agree with everything except for number 3.  For those of us to have, keep and 
own a rig where we soldered on the components and qualify as a homebrew 
transceiver in many homebrew contests, and be proud to say that it has been 
soldered together by ME, the K2 will never be replaced.  Besides, if anything 
ever broke on it, I can probably fix it by going to a local electronic parts 
store and repair the broken components.  The K2 will go the way of the Kenwood 
TS830S, an irreplaceable classic - only my humble opinion.  The ergonomics of 
the K2 design makes it the classic CW rig.
Ariel

 Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:27:56 -0600
 From: j...@kn5l.net
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] SKN 2012
 
 Straight Key Night is just a under two hours away:
 http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night
 
 If you have a straight key, and maybe a vintage CW station, then it's
 time to get on the air. Those of you that have a K2, then you may have a
 vintage rig ready to go:
 
 vin·tage
 adj.
 1. Of or relating to a vintage.
 2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
 3. Old or outmoded.
 
 Is the year for the K2 the date it was designed, a decade ago, or when
 it was built? My K2 is vintage 2011.
 
 The K2 is absolutely; excellent, very mature, and, because it's still
 sold today, must have an enduring appeal.
 
 Alas, the K2 is old and outmoded, as it will soon be replaced by many KX3s.
 
 Happy New Year,
 John, KN5L
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

If you think my fully upgraded (and packed with all options for a QRP 
K2) original Field Test K2 SN 00020 will be replaced by a KX3, you have 
another think coming.
Yes, I will have a KX3, but that old K2 will still be rolling along.
It may not do prime duty in the home station - the K3 takes of that, and 
it will no longer be the Field Radio of Choice once the KX3 is in hand, 
but it will sit faithfully on the operating desk and be used in sort of 
an SO2R position with the K3.
I hope my heirs treat it with respect as well, but that is out of my 
control.  So in the future, if you youngsters run across a K2 SN 00020, 
know that it was mine, and it was never sold in my lifetime.

Oh yes, Happy New Year to all - 2011 is just about gone.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/31/2011 5:27 PM, John Oppenheimer wrote:
 Straight Key Night is just a under two hours away:
  http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

 If you have a straight key, and maybe a vintage CW station, then it's
 time to get on the air. Those of you that have a K2, then you may have a
 vintage rig ready to go:

 vin·tage
 adj.
 1. Of or relating to a vintage.
 2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
 3. Old or outmoded.

 Is the year for the K2 the date it was designed, a decade ago, or when
 it was built? My K2 is vintage 2011.

 The K2 is absolutely; excellent, very mature, and, because it's still
 sold today, must have an enduring appeal.

 Alas, the K2 is old and outmoded, as it will soon be replaced by many KX3s.

 Happy New Year,
 John, KN5L
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[John Oppenheimer]

On 12/31/2011 05:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 John,
 
 If you think my fully upgraded (and packed with all options for a QRP 
 K2) original Field Test K2 SN 00020 will be replaced by a KX3, you have 
 another think coming.

Hi Don, obviously, your K2 #20, same as my K2/10 #7212, fits the
Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic
category. Some day I shall have a QRP rig trophy case; presently, I have
a HW-8, IC-703, and K2/10. All three were/are well used with enduring
memories.

John
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN 2012

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

FB on your Trophy Case.  I do not have any trophy case of past rigs.  
I do have some of my old tube receivers stowed away in the attic - I 
don't know why, but I just can't part with them and since they are 
homebrew, they are not regarded as classics to be rebuilt.
I did sell my BC-348 long ago and have regretted it, I don't know what 
happened to the SW-54 receiver I used as a novice (any questions about 
why I did not have many contacts?), and the nice homebrew transmitter I 
built for my Novice station was cannibalized for parts to be used in 
other projects (teenager with limited monetary resources).

So you see, I am not in the habit of buying gear with any mind toward 
selling it in the future, nor do I wish to put all my past homebrew 
projects on display (although that may be worthy of some consideration 
for what is left in my collection).

I do have an attachment to those things that I build, and if I have 
built them for myself, would never consider selling them.  I just keep 
them around so I can look at them once in a while and remember when.

You do not have to understand nor agree with my personal version of 
nostalgia, but as we look back (hey, it is New Year's Eve - a time for 
looking back and anticipating the future) we can enjoy our past 
accomplishments and take lessons from those things that did not turn out 
so well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/31/2011 6:36 PM, John Oppenheimer wrote:
 On 12/31/2011 05:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 John,

 If you think my fully upgraded (and packed with all options for a QRP
 K2) original Field Test K2 SN 00020 will be replaced by a KX3, you have
 another think coming.
 Hi Don, obviously, your K2 #20, same as my K2/10 #7212, fits the
 Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic
 category. Some day I shall have a QRP rig trophy case; presently, I have
 a HW-8, IC-703, and K2/10. All three were/are well used with enduring
 memories.

 John
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN - REPORT YOUR RESULTS!

[Bill Coleman]

On Jan 1, 2007, at 6:54 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Now that SKN is over, please report your results to ARRL ASAP.  
There's a

short deadline to report.


An entire month is not a short deadline.

I operated SKN. You can find my notes in the Soapbox. I used my  
K2/100 for receive, but my transmitter was a homebrew 6CL6 Osc / 6146  
PA crystal-controlled rig. What fun!


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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[Elecraft] SKN - REPORT YOUR RESULTS!

[N2EY]

Folks,

Now that SKN is over, please report your results to ARRL ASAP. There's a 
short deadline to report.

You can do it online, or just jot down some comments and send to Hq. 

Even if you only made one QSO, report it! Without support, activities like 
SKN will simply go away. 

73 es HNY de Jim, N2EY
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[Elecraft] SKN...

[Sandy W5TVW]

Plan to be on SKN tonight.  Mostly 80 meters on or around 3546.5.  If it's 
quiet here will try also later in evening on 1815 khz on top band.
Will be running the Drake 2NT + 2B or the TCS-12.
73 to all,

Sandy W5TVW
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[Elecraft] SKN Results

[N2EY]

SKN at N2EY:

QSOs: 6  (5 on 80 meters, 1 on 40 meters)

Rig: 100 W homebrew CW-only transceiver

http://hometown.aol.com/n2ey/myhomepage/

Antenna: 80/40 inverted V

Key: J-37

# Elecraft rigs worked: 1 (K2) 

--

Boy it was great to hear 80 meters full of beautiful CW signals.

Let's do all we can to keep it that way all year.


73 de Jim, N2EY
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN Results

[Dan KB6NU]

It really was nice to hear all the SKN activity.

I made seven QSOs, all on 40m, with a WWII-vintage J-45 (a J-37 key  
mounted on a leg clamp).  Boy, that leg clamp is tight. Guys back in  
the 30s and 40s must have had small legs, is all I can say. :)


73!

Dan KB6NU
--
CW Geek: Fists #9342, FP #1171
Affiliated Club Coordinator, MI Section
Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com




On Jan 2, 2006, at 7:18 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


SKN at N2EY:

QSOs: 6  (5 on 80 meters, 1 on 40 meters)

Rig: 100 W homebrew CW-only transceiver

http://hometown.aol.com/n2ey/myhomepage/

Antenna: 80/40 inverted V

Key: J-37

# Elecraft rigs worked: 1 (K2)

--

Boy it was great to hear 80 meters full of beautiful CW signals.

Let's do all we can to keep it that way all year.


73 de Jim, N2EY

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RE: [Elecraft] SKN Results

[EricJ]

SKN at KE6US:

QSOs: Worked 8 total, 7 on the Novice portion of 40m New Years Eve and one
the next afternoon on 20m.

Rig: Drake 2-NT and 2-B. First QSO with modified Siltronix CB VFO. I got a
595C signal report! I had to look it up! I thought it was the model of the
rig the guy was using. Retired the VFO and hooked the K2 back up as my VFO
for the 2-NT. Clean reports.

See it at:

http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm showing the K2 lash-up

http://www.ke6us.com showing the Siltronix VFO which is back on the bench
for now.

Antenna: G5RV on 40, TH7DX @ 60' on  20

Key: Speed-X

No. of Elecraft rigs worked: None, but 7 of those contacts are scratching
their heads over DRAKE 2NT WID K2 VFO.

It was great to hear CW on the Novice portion. Usually it is completely dead
up there.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 4:18 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] SKN Results

SKN at N2EY:

QSOs: 6  (5 on 80 meters, 1 on 40 meters)

Rig: 100 W homebrew CW-only transceiver

http://hometown.aol.com/n2ey/myhomepage/

Antenna: 80/40 inverted V

Key: J-37

# Elecraft rigs worked: 1 (K2) 

--

Boy it was great to hear 80 meters full of beautiful CW signals.

Let's do all we can to keep it that way all year.


73 de Jim, N2EY
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN Results

[n3drk]

Results for me as follows:

0 stations worked. My straight key broke and I did not
want to use a bug.
73s

john-n3drk


- Original Message - 
From: EricJ [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 1:57 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] SKN Results



SKN at KE6US:

QSOs: Worked 8 total, 7 on the Novice portion of 40m New Years Eve and one
the next afternoon on 20m.

Rig: Drake 2-NT and 2-B. First QSO with modified Siltronix CB VFO. I got a
595C signal report! I had to look it up! I thought it was the model of the
rig the guy was using. Retired the VFO and hooked the K2 back up as my VFO
for the 2-NT. Clean reports.

See it at:

http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm showing the K2 lash-up

http://www.ke6us.com showing the Siltronix VFO which is back on the bench
for now.

Antenna: G5RV on 40, TH7DX @ 60' on  20

Key: Speed-X

No. of Elecraft rigs worked: None, but 7 of those contacts are scratching
their heads over DRAKE 2NT WID K2 VFO.

It was great to hear CW on the Novice portion. Usually it is completely 
dead

up there.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 4:18 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] SKN Results

SKN at N2EY:

QSOs: 6  (5 on 80 meters, 1 on 40 meters)

Rig: 100 W homebrew CW-only transceiver

http://hometown.aol.com/n2ey/myhomepage/

Antenna: 80/40 inverted V

Key: J-37

# Elecraft rigs worked: 1 (K2)

--

Boy it was great to hear 80 meters full of beautiful CW signals.

Let's do all we can to keep it that way all year.


73 de Jim, N2EY
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs - OT Old Stuff Comment

[N2EY]

In a message dated 12/24/05 1:14:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


 Well, there you are! Restorable ARC-5s are expensive but junkers aren't.
 
 Most have been ham-hacked into oblivion.  Today, it would be a shame to 
 deface or modify in *any* way WWII-era military radios that have managed to 
 avoid 
 60 years of ham defacement.  Please, use a pre-hacked unit if you intend 
 to actually put one on the air.


I agree 100%. Keep the mint/unmodified sets as they are, and focus on the 
ones
so hacked up they'll never be restored.

 
 The famous WWII command set (ATA/ARA, SCR-274-N, AN/ARC-5) transmitters 
 actually perform rather well when left all original and operated in the 
 manner 
 which the original engineers intended.

Agreed! 


  Leave it to a ham armed with not much more real radio engineering knowledge 

 than how to use Ohm's law to completely re-design (i.e., destroy) a set.  
 Most of the post-WWII ham mag articles detailing the faults of the original 
 designs are based upon pure myth and lack of knowledge by the author.
 

I disagree! Sort of, anyway.

The ARC-5 sets do work quite well in original configuration *if* you have 
all the 
required stuff like dynamotors and suitable supplies, and set them up the way 
they
were originally used (transmitters tuned up and locked on frequency, for 
example).

But hams didn't/couldn't use them that way. They'd get a surplus unit all by 
itself - no documents, no dynamotor, etc. Cars were 6 or 12 volts DC, houses 
were 110 AC - 24-28 VDC was a problem!

In those days *anything* less than pure T9X was likely to get you an FCC 
notice as well as an OO card. Sure, it might be possible to get a good signal 
out 
of Command set - if a lot of ifs were met...

On top of this was TVI. Even a little harmonic energy was too much back in 
those days when TV stations ran relatively low ERP, there was no cable, and 
people tried to pick up distant TV stations because so few were on the air. 


 I have all-original AN/ARC-5 and SCR-274-N systems (radios, controls, 
 racks, mountings, tuning shafts, cables, connectors, etc.) that took me many 
 years 
 to complete.  The receivers and transmitters are by far the easiest 
 components to obtain.
 

The average ham who used Command sets in the bad old days was very 
economy-minded, and buying accessories wasn't part of the plan


 eBay is a great resource for hacked or original condition units.
 
 Those who are interested in this great old technology, both historical, 
 operational, and technical, may want to join two other qth.net lists:
 
 [EMAIL PROTECTED][General military radios of all eras, but WWII 
 predominates]
 [EMAIL PROTECTED][WWII aircraft radios, especially command 
 sets]
 
 Traffic can sometimes be light on these lists.  But beware...on either of 
 the above lists, inquiries about modifications to all-original gear or major 
 re-design of lightly-hacked gear, may get a somewhat cool reception.
 

How to join?

Again - my opinion is that unhacked units should be left alone! There are 
plenty of sets that have been hacked up so much or are in such poor shape that 
they're better off as parts sources/modification platforms.

73 de Jim, N2EY
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs - OT Old Stuff Comment

[Mike Morrow]

Well, there you are! Restorable ARC-5s are expensive but junkers aren't.

Most have been ham-hacked into oblivion.  Today, it would be a shame to deface 
or modify in *any* way WWII-era military radios that have managed to avoid 60 
years of ham defacement.  Please, use a pre-hacked unit if you intend to 
actually put one on the air.

The famous WWII command set (ATA/ARA, SCR-274-N, AN/ARC-5) transmitters 
actually perform rather well when left all original and operated in the manner 
which the original engineers intended.  Leave it to a ham armed with not much 
more real radio engineering knowledge than how to use Ohm's law to completely 
re-design (i.e., destroy) a set.  Most of the post-WWII ham mag articles 
detailing the faults of the original designs are based upon pure myth and lack 
of knowledge by the author.

I have all-original AN/ARC-5 and SCR-274-N systems (radios, controls, racks, 
mountings, tuning shafts, cables, connectors, etc.) that took me many years to 
complete.  The receivers and transmitters are by far the easiest components to 
obtain.

eBay is a great resource for hacked or original condition units.

Those who are interested in this great old technology, both historical, 
operational, and technical, may want to join two other qth.net lists:

[EMAIL PROTECTED][General military radios of all eras, but WWII 
predominates]
[EMAIL PROTECTED][WWII aircraft radios, especially command sets]

Traffic can sometimes be light on these lists.  But beware...on either of the 
above lists, inquiries about modifications to all-original gear or major 
re-design of lightly-hacked gear, may get a somewhat cool reception.

73,
Mike / KK5F 
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[Elecraft] SKN

[Jeremiah McCarthy]

But the organization that sponsors the event seems to think otherwise.

No, they don't...That is reading between the lines...Consulting the ARRL 
Members Only page, attached is an excerpt from the SKN announcement which 
also appears on page 89, December, 2005 QST...Note the words using straight 
keys...Elsewhere in this article the author mentions what we might HEAR (bugs) 
being used during SKN, but it does not say they sanction the use of bugs, nor 
does it call a bug a straight key...This is not a contest, there are no awards 
or certificates, maybe just honorable mention...Why would one want to use 
anything but a straight key?...It defeats the whole purpose of the 
event...IMHO...
In this era of digital communication, keyboarding, FM and electronic keys, 
once a year many excellent operators bring the past to the present and 
participate in the annual ARRL Straight Key Night. The object of this friendly 
event is to enjoy some good, old fashioned QSO fun, using straight keys. The 
emphasis is on rag-chewing rather than fast contest-type exchanges. SKN 2006 
begins at 7:00 p.m. EST December 31 and runs for 24 hours through 7:00 p.m. 
EST January 1( --2400 UTC January 1, 2006) 
Jerry, wa2dkg
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN

[Dale Putnam]

Must be the logic of learning to live in the elements, with the wind, rain, 
snow, and sun, and even the moon. Accomplishing what must be, and learning 
that not all the is expected is gonna happen. With the soft footfalls from 
underneath, and a clear starry night, a bit of a fresh breath across one's 
cheek, and the creak a leather, the sought after is found, and once more, 
the return to the barn is underway. Time for reflection, honest work results 
in honest rewards. No one playing fence cop, no one yelling about the 
condition of the saddle... simply the plain facts... saddled horse, pleasant 
ride, found calf, return, calf and cow are fine. Day done.
Seems a whole lot like SKN. Get on the air, have a good conversation, 
followed by another... and maybe more... and when you turn off the flow of 
electrons. a satisfied feeling knowing that it is an accomplishment.

 Simple... rewarding... satisfaction garunteed.

See you on SKN... and who cares what I use ?? Come challange me??  What 
am I using?


--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy.


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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[n3drk]

See you on SKN... and who cares what I use ?? Come challange me?? 
What am I using?


--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy.


I surely do not care what you use. But it says straight keys. Does not say 
bugs or paddles but
straight keys. Only you will know what you are using. We all have to live 
with our conscience.


Why dont you start a new one! Call it Bug Night or Paddle Night. Then 
you will have the

few who claim that a straight key is a paddle!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

john-n3drk 


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RE: [Elecraft] SKN

[Ken K3IU]

Actually, guys, it DOES say old-fashioned bugs, a variation of the straight
key on the rules page for SKN of the ARRL web site.

In many circles SKN has been expanded to encompass vintage radio equipment
as well. Reminiscing about their early days in our hobby, many operators use
SKN as the excuse to refurbish their old Viking, Heathkit, or Scout. You
will hear as many vintage radios on the air during SKN as you will variety
of keys. And you will hear signals generated using old-fashioned bugs, a
variation of the straight key. SKN is the time amateur radio recalls the
past, transporting it to the present.

Surely this horse is dead by now.

73 and Merry Christmas,
Ken K3IU

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of n3drk
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 10:15 AM
To: Dale Putnam; elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN


 See you on SKN... and who cares what I use ?? Come challange me?? 
 What am I using?

 --...   ...--
 Dale - WC7S in Wy.

I surely do not care what you use. But it says straight keys. Does not say
bugs or paddles but straight keys. Only you will know what you are using. We
all have to live with our conscience.

Why dont you start a new one! Call it Bug Night or Paddle Night. Then
you will have the few who claim that a straight key is a paddle!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

john-n3drk 

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[n3drk]

It may say that and it has evolved to that but that was not the original 
intention of the creator.

john


- Original Message - 
From: Ken K3IU [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: 'n3drk' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Dale Putnam' 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net

Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 10:24 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] SKN


Actually, guys, it DOES say old-fashioned bugs, a variation of the 
straight

key on the rules page for SKN of the ARRL web site.

In many circles SKN has been expanded to encompass vintage radio 
equipment
as well. Reminiscing about their early days in our hobby, many operators 
use

SKN as the excuse to refurbish their old Viking, Heathkit, or Scout. You
will hear as many vintage radios on the air during SKN as you will variety
of keys. And you will hear signals generated using old-fashioned bugs, a
variation of the straight key. SKN is the time amateur radio recalls the
past, transporting it to the present.

Surely this horse is dead by now.

73 and Merry Christmas,
Ken K3IU

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of n3drk
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 10:15 AM
To: Dale Putnam; elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN



See you on SKN... and who cares what I use ?? Come challange me??
What am I using?

--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy.


I surely do not care what you use. But it says straight keys. Does not say
bugs or paddles but straight keys. Only you will know what you are using. 
We

all have to live with our conscience.

Why dont you start a new one! Call it Bug Night or Paddle Night. Then
you will have the few who claim that a straight key is a paddle!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

john-n3drk

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[Elecraft] SKN

[Larry Walker (KW4A)]

Just got off the phone with Kathy who was speaking for Dan Henderson, N1ND
(Head of ARRL contest division) who is on vacation. I asked her what was the
thinking of the organizers of SKN pertaining to what kind of keys are
acceptable for use during SKN?  Her answer was very definite in as much as
Any mechanical means of producing a CW signal is acceptable. The bug is
every much a part of radio history as the straight key and is perfectly
acceptable for use during SKN.

You can quote the statement shown on the ARRL site as much as you wish but
this is not a Set of Rules but more a philosophy of what the night is all
about. The celebration of the Good old days.  Vintage equipment is being
used more and more on that evening along with the mechanical keys used to
generate cw signals from that era. All is encouraged and acceptable. The
ONLY thing that is not acceptable is the electronic generation of the cw
signal. eg: electronic keyers of any type, keyboards,  etc.

I have tried to represent the thinking of the officials organizing this
event in as simple and straightforward method as possible. I am sure someone
will read something into this that isn't there to promote their thinking
that because the name of the event is Straight Key Night that it is the only
device acceptable. NOT TRUE!!!

Gee, I hope this settles this thread.

Larry
KW4A
K2 ser# 811

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[Tony Martin W4FOA]

KW4A said..Gee, I hope this settles this thread.

and so do I !!.
72
Tony, W4FOA

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2006






- Original Message - 
From: Larry Walker (KW4A) [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 11:21 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] SKN



Just got off the phone with Kathy who was speaking for Dan Henderson, N1ND
(Head of ARRL contest division) who is on vacation. I asked her what was 
the

thinking of the organizers of SKN pertaining to what kind of keys are
acceptable for use during SKN?  Her answer was very definite in as much as
Any mechanical means of producing a CW signal is acceptable. The bug is
every much a part of radio history as the straight key and is perfectly
acceptable for use during SKN.

You can quote the statement shown on the ARRL site as much as you wish but
this is not a Set of Rules but more a philosophy of what the night is 
all

about. The celebration of the Good old days.  Vintage equipment is being
used more and more on that evening along with the mechanical keys used to
generate cw signals from that era. All is encouraged and acceptable. The
ONLY thing that is not acceptable is the electronic generation of the cw
signal. eg: electronic keyers of any type, keyboards,  etc.

I have tried to represent the thinking of the officials organizing this
event in as simple and straightforward method as possible. I am sure 
someone

will read something into this that isn't there to promote their thinking
that because the name of the event is Straight Key Night that it is the 
only

device acceptable. NOT TRUE!!!

Gee, I hope this settles this thread.

Larry
KW4A
K2 ser# 811

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[Bill Coleman]

On Dec 23, 2005, at 11:21 AM, Larry Walker (KW4A) wrote:


The
ONLY thing that is not acceptable is the electronic generation of  
the cw

signal. eg: electronic keyers of any type, keyboards,  etc.


Suppose a ham has built, or has refurbished an ancient TO electronic  
keyer? Why wouldn't they be able to use it on SKN?


I'm certainly not going to step on anyone else's fun, but, for me,  
using something other than a straight key kinda dilutes the whole SKN  
experience.




Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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[Elecraft] SKN rigs

[Joseph Trombino Jr]

Fellow Elecrafters:

I'll be using my newly resurrected/rehabbed/revitalized HT37 along with my 
Drake 2B on SKN night.


Believe I participated in SKN a year or two ago and quickly realized why I 
went to a bug in my Novice days (grin).


I'll be using a U.S. Navy flameproof hand key...for a couple of QSO's before 
my wrist breaks down (grin)hope the CW is intelligible.


See you there.

   73, Joe W2KJ
   I QRP, therefore, I am 



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RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[EricJ]

On STRAIGHT KEY Night, I'll be using the Drake 2-B, 2-C and 2-NT, not
surprisingly with a Speed-X STRAIGHT KEY.

The VFO for my 50 dollar Drake transmitter is an Elecraft K2 into a DL-1 for
about 2 vrms into the FT-243 crystal socket.
My apologies to boatanchor enthusiasts everywhere. I'm still looking for a
real VFO.

Pictures at:

http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm

Included is a picture of a STRAIGHT KEY for those who seem confused about
the concept of STRAIGHT KEY Night.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN

[EricJ]

Thanks, Larry. Kathy opens up entirely new possibilities for ARRL events. I
was always intimidated by all that fast-paced, short number exchange stuff
in ARRL contests. I thought it was mandated by the rules on the ARRL site.
But instead we're only bound by philosophy. I'm going to enjoy contests more
now that I know the participants are going to enjoy ragchewing with me at 10
wpm. DX contesters will enjoy my efforts to reach across the oceans in
friendship and learn their culture. Afterall, isn't this what ham radio and
the ARRL are all about?

But I think I'll stick with a straight key on Straight Key Night. To
celebrate the good old days.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com where a Drake 2-NT gets an Elecraft K2 VFO for Christmas!






-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Larry Walker (KW4A)
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 8:22 AM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: [Elecraft] SKN

Just got off the phone with Kathy who was speaking for Dan Henderson, N1ND
(Head of ARRL contest division) who is on vacation. I asked her what was the
thinking of the organizers of SKN pertaining to what kind of keys are
acceptable for use during SKN?  Her answer was very definite in as much as
Any mechanical means of producing a CW signal is acceptable. The bug is
every much a part of radio history as the straight key and is perfectly
acceptable for use during SKN.

You can quote the statement shown on the ARRL site as much as you wish but
this is not a Set of Rules but more a philosophy of what the night is all
about. The celebration of the Good old days.  Vintage equipment is being
used more and more on that evening along with the mechanical keys used to
generate cw signals from that era. All is encouraged and acceptable. The
ONLY thing that is not acceptable is the electronic generation of the cw
signal. eg: electronic keyers of any type, keyboards,  etc.

I have tried to represent the thinking of the officials organizing this
event in as simple and straightforward method as possible. I am sure someone
will read something into this that isn't there to promote their thinking
that because the name of the event is Straight Key Night that it is the only
device acceptable. NOT TRUE!!!

Gee, I hope this settles this thread.

Larry
KW4A
K2 ser# 811

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RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[James C. Hall, MD]

Hi Eric:

Your web site is excellent. It brought a lot of memories. My first rig was
the Drake R4-B and the 2-NT. Later when I passed the General, I replaced the
2-NT with the T4X-B. I still have them all, but the 2-NT is in a box in my
storage room. I, too, never found a suitable VFO for it, but God if we only
new about VXO's in that day !! HI I was a high school sophomore in 1971 with
my Novice ticket - WN4YDL - living in Memphis. I now also have built the
Elecraft line - K2/100, K1, and KX1. I just may have to try this 'VFO' out !
I certainly need to get the Tarn-X out and start cleaning up these great old
rigs. I saw where an outfit called Misty Hollow is developing DDS gear for
the transceivers of the day, but I don't know if they have anything going
back to the separates.

73 and Merry Christmas,

Jamie  WB4YDL



-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of EricJ
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 12:17 PM
To: 'Elecraft'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

On STRAIGHT KEY Night, I'll be using the Drake 2-B, 2-C and 2-NT, not
surprisingly with a Speed-X STRAIGHT KEY.

The VFO for my 50 dollar Drake transmitter is an Elecraft K2 into a DL-1 for
about 2 vrms into the FT-243 crystal socket.
My apologies to boatanchor enthusiasts everywhere. I'm still looking for a
real VFO.

Pictures at:

http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm

Included is a picture of a STRAIGHT KEY for those who seem confused about
the concept of STRAIGHT KEY Night.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[Bill Coleman]

On Dec 23, 2005, at 12:48 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote:



I'll be using a U.S. Navy flameproof hand key...for a couple of  
QSO's before my wrist breaks down (grin)hope the CW is  
intelligible.


Now, if you have that key adjusted correctly, and are using it  
correctly, you should be able to send CW all day on a straight key  
without any problems or pain.


About 30 years ago, 73 magazine had an excellent article about glass  
arm -- how telegraph operators would get it and it would put them  
out of a job. It also spoke of how to avoid it -- to use a rather  
wide spacing, loose trunnions, pivot on your elbow and have your  
whole arm move when you key. If you key just with the muscles of your  
wrist, you'll tire out in no time.



Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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[Elecraft] SKN

[Dave Sublette]

To all,

With tongue firmly in cheek and a smile on my face (try that!) let me 
say to this issueGET A LIFE, people.  I remember the good old days 
of the straight key.  I could hardly wait to ditch the @#$%^ thing and 
get a bug.  I bet the use of the straight key was the second leading 
cause of carpal tunnel syndrome after operating the manual printing 
press.  Then I could hardly wiat to ditch the @[EMAIL PROTECTED] bug, which 
couldn't be adjusted for decent dot speed without wrapping the arm with 
about a pound of solder between the weights, for a W9TO Keyer, which I 
built.  Then I couldn't wait to ditch the $%^* 12AX7 multivibrator 
circuits which would, at random intervals lock up or send odd length 
dits or dahs,  for a solid state keyer, the Micro TO keyer, which I 
built.  It was pretty good, but I like the modern, Mode B iambic keyers 
better. I can't warm up to the keyboard method, so here I amstuck at 
this point.


I would use the straight key for a few hours on SKN, if I could find my 
1957 J-38, but I don't know where it is. 



And while I am playing the part of curmudgeon, let me say that no matter 
which is used, straight key, bug, or modern keyer, the use of the good 
old QLF Q-signal will be desparately needed.


Having said all of this (which is waaay too much already) let me say 
that CW is my favorite mode and I encourage everyone to get on by what 
ever means they can from using two wires to a keyboard and use CW. I 
will patiently and gladly work you and won't even use the QLF Q-signal.


73 and Merry Christmas to all.

Dave, K4TO
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[N2EY]

In a message dated 12/23/05 1:20:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


 I'm still looking for a
 real VFO.
 

Build one!

73 de Jim, N2EY
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[Elecraft] SKN, SFN?

[[EMAIL PROTECTED]]

It seems to me that by now, SKN is dangerously close to becoming Straight Face 
Night (SFN).
Which brings up yet another question: If I build a mechanical key to send with 
my left foot (QLF, that is), will it be a legal device for SFN... err... I mean 
SKN?
Dave, W6KOW, K2 S/N 5120
 
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[EricJ]

Yep, I agree, Bill. I would say use your whole forearm, but no real muscle
effort should be required, of course. Keep your elbow and your wrist LOOSE.
Even rubbery. Your forearm basically just gently bounces enough to flex your
wrist. Your fingers do nothing but perch on the knob. If you don't tense any
muscles, the keying is very fluid and it is easy to get into a rhythm which,
it appears, you already know.

I really miss all the interesting fists you could hear on the ham bands in
the years before electronic keyers. I remember an episode of MASH where a
concert pianist lost his right arm. Winchester tried to get him interested
in playing, by getting him some music written for the left-hand, but the
young soldier was adamant that any career in music was over. I remember
Winchester telling him, I can play the notes...but I can't play the MUSIC.
That's how I remember the old fists. They were individual and as
recognizable as a musical style. The electronic keyers allow one to play the
notes, but it isn't really music any longer.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
 

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Coleman
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 12:20 PM
To: Joseph Trombino Jr
Cc: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs


On Dec 23, 2005, at 12:48 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote:


 I'll be using a U.S. Navy flameproof hand key...for a couple of QSO's 
 before my wrist breaks down (grin)hope the CW is intelligible.

Now, if you have that key adjusted correctly, and are using it correctly,
you should be able to send CW all day on a straight key without any problems
or pain.

About 30 years ago, 73 magazine had an excellent article about glass arm
-- how telegraph operators would get it and it would put them out of a job.
It also spoke of how to avoid it -- to use a rather wide spacing, loose
trunnions, pivot on your elbow and have your whole arm move when you key. If
you key just with the muscles of your wrist, you'll tire out in no time.


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!
 -- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[EricJ]

I spent my first 20 years as a ham building tube gear. All that sawing and
filing and drilling no longer holds my interest. 
 
I'm toying with building one based on a DDS card and controller. In fact, I
mocked up a Drake-style front panel for it which I posted on my website, but
there is just something...unnatural...about the idea. hi.
 
Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
 

  _  

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 3:31 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs


In a message dated 12/23/05 1:20:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:




I'm still looking for a
real VFO.




Build one!

73 de Jim, N2EY 
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs

[N2EY]

In a message dated 12/23/05 10:23:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


 I spent my first 20 years as a ham building tube gear. All that sawing and
 filing and drilling no longer holds my interest. 
 
 I'm toying with building one based on a DDS card and controller. In fact, I
 mocked up a Drake-style front panel for it which I posted on my website, but
 there is just something...unnatural...about the idea. hi.
 

You don't need to do all that metalwork if you have a little imagination.

Just get a Command set transmitter and use it for the VFO chassis and 
mechanicals. One that has been heavily modified and is beyond restoration is 
best, 
and cheapest. All you want is the chassis, variable caps and coil, and maybe a 
tube socket or two. Solid state, tube or hybrid, the hard work is all done for 
you.

73 de Jim, N2EY
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[Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.

[Darwin, Keith]

Hey guys,
 
I believe SKN is a straight key event.  I also know folks will use bugs
rather than straight keys.  I have but one request.  Well two actually:
 
1.  Please send cleanly as far as your are able.  If you mean to send
santa don't send sank.  QRS and send clean.  Extra space between
letters is your friend.  I'd rather work a clean fist at 10 wpm then a
string of seemingly random dots  dashes at 20 wpm.
 
2.  Please, HAVE FUN!  Enjoy the time you spend.
 
If you can only honor one of these requests, make it the 2nd please.
 
73!
 
- Keith KD1E -
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[Tom Althoff]

Some of the sloppy fists you'll hear are due to the fact that not everyone
fills their cups with hot chocolate that night!

See you all on SKN (sober) with my Navy sparkless.  Either using my K1 or
the K2/100.

73 de Tom K2TA

- Original Message - 
From: Gregg mulder [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:54 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] SKN


 I'm very glad to see and hear that there are those of u out there that
agree that SKN is for straight keys ! I know that there are also those among
us that would try to dilute this most pure fun by using other than a
straight key, and that is their perogative, but SKN only comes once a year,
and I wouldn't think of using anything but the Real Mccoy. A nice cup of
hot chocolate and the sweet melody that comes from a straight key on a cold
winter's eve. It just dosen't get any better. Anybody who tells u otherwise
just dosen't know the true joy of the music that only comes from pounding
the brass. I hope to meet many of u practicing this fine tradition this
year during SKN. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. 73  Gregg
WB8LZG dit  dit
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.

[Vic K2VCO]

Darwin, Keith wrote:


Extra space between
letters is your friend.  I'd rather work a clean fist at 10 wpm then a
string of seemingly random dots  dashes at 20 wpm.


This isn't just a bug problem!  I hear plenty of keyer-generated CW in 
which letter and word spacing is inadequate.


Some old-timers may remember the banana-boat swing in which a bug is 
adjusted to produce very fast dits relative to the sending speed.  The 
operator usually sends more dits than necessary, although I think there 
is some relationship between the number of dits sent and the number 
required.  Well, this is *easier* to copy than  CW with lousy spacing!


To forestall the inevitable comments, yes I know that the banana boat 
swing differs from the Lake Erie swing, in which the proper quantity of 
dits is used.


--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.

[Thom R LaCosta]

On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Vic K2VCO wrote:

Some old-timers may remember the banana-boat swing in which a bug is 
adjusted to produce very fast dits relative to the sending speed.  The 
operator usually sends more dits than necessary, although I think there is 
some relationship between the number of dits sent and the number required. 
Well, this is *easier* to copy than  CW with lousy spacing!


To forestall the inevitable comments, yes I know that the banana boat swing 
differs from the Lake Erie swing, in which the proper quantity of dits is 
used.


Now that strikes me a worthwhile addition to the K2 keyeran option for which 
swing you want.


Another one might be a seperate weighting factor for the dashesyou know
Dahdidahhhdi  da dahhh dit 
dahh


I tried to do it with the K2...very frustrating indeed.

73,Thom-k3hrn
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.

[Jessie Oberreuter]

 Oh!  And Sad Drake mode that makes the tone whoope!.  I nearly fell 
out of my chair laughing the first time I heard that sound!


On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Thom R LaCosta wrote:


On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Vic K2VCO wrote:

Some old-timers may remember the banana-boat swing in which a bug is 
adjusted to produce very fast dits relative to the sending speed.  The 
operator usually sends more dits than necessary, although I think there is 
some relationship between the number of dits sent and the number required. 
Well, this is *easier* to copy than  CW with lousy spacing!


To forestall the inevitable comments, yes I know that the banana boat swing 
differs from the Lake Erie swing, in which the proper quantity of dits is 
used.


Now that strikes me a worthwhile addition to the K2 keyeran option for 
which swing you want.


Another one might be a seperate weighting factor for the dashesyou know
Dahdidahhhdi  da dahhh dit 
dahh


I tried to do it with the K2...very frustrating indeed.

73,Thom-k3hrn
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.

[Tom Althoff]

If you have a squeeze key you can wire the dash paddle through 2 diodes to
the tip and the ring of the phone plug and leave the dot paddle to the dot
line.

You can then emulate a bug on the K2 if you have it set for auto-key-detect.

I haven't tried it...I was never very good with a bug above 15WPM.

Tom K2TA

- Original Message - 
From: Thom R LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN / Bug - Just one request.


 On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Vic K2VCO wrote:

  Some old-timers may remember the banana-boat swing in which a bug is
  adjusted to produce very fast dits relative to the sending speed.  The
  operator usually sends more dits than necessary, although I think there
is
  some relationship between the number of dits sent and the number
required.
  Well, this is *easier* to copy than  CW with lousy spacing!
 
  To forestall the inevitable comments, yes I know that the banana boat
swing
  differs from the Lake Erie swing, in which the proper quantity of dits
is
  used.

 Now that strikes me a worthwhile addition to the K2 keyeran option for
which
 swing you want.

 Another one might be a seperate weighting factor for the dashesyou
know
 Dahdidahhhdi  da dahhh dit
 dahh

 I tried to do it with the K2...very frustrating indeed.

 73,Thom-k3hrn
 www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring,
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[Elecraft] SKN

[Jeremiah McCarthy]

It is interesting that SKN should come up right now, although SKN 2006 is 
approaching...I've been cleaning out the shack and going through old issues of 
QST...I came across December, 1975, the last small QST, measuring 6 !/2 
inches by 9 1/2 inches...On page 95 in Operating Events, they mention SKN and 
the rules...The event was 6 hours long and started at 0100 hours Zulu on 
December 31It specifically said Rules require the use of a straight 
key...No amount of revisionist thinking can convince me that a bug is a 
straight key, and I own a left-handed Lightning Bug myself...I don't operate 
SKN anymore, but it always used to bug me when I heard someone call CQ SKN 
with a bug...They did not slow down to my speed because they couldn't !!...The 
idea behind SKN was to send ARRL one's operating results and the name and call 
of the best fist heard...IMHO, only a straight key can produce a true fist 
signature, bugs and keyers cannot because they are too automatic and are eith
 er partially of fully devoid of the human element...I know this is going to 
fall on me like a ton of bricks, but that's life, isn't it?...Maybe I'll dust 
off the J-38 on New Year's eve...The K2 is ready, I don't know whether I am or 
not...

Anybody interested in acquiring some old issues of QST, starting around 
1962?...G...Don't all yell at once...

Jerry, wa2dkg
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN History

[N2EY]

In a message dated 12/19/05 11:54:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


 The first few SKN's I participated in were twice-yearly. I tried to look up
 the dates but can't find them. How about it Jim? 
 

Well, I'm no expert, but here goes:

The first mention of SKN appears in QST for April 1970. K4MD suggested it,
and the first one was held on New Year's Eve/day of that year (1970---1971).

First one was 8 PM to 1 AM local time. They got over 160 reports, and SKN has 
been repeated every year since then.

Quick timeline:

New Year's Eve 1970 -- 1971 - First SKN, 8 pm to 1 am local time. There has 
been a New Year's SKN every year since that first one.

New Year's Eve 1971 -- 1972 - Time extended: 8 pm to 3 am local time

July 1974  - Addition of 4th of July SKN. Actually run the night of July 3 
if I understand the times correctly. 

New Year's Eve 1974---1975 Time changed to 6 hour period starting at 0100 
UTC on January 1 (1975, actually, but in USA it starts on New Year's Eve).

New Year's Eve 1976---1977 Time changed to 24 hour period starting at  
UTC on January 1 (1976, actually, but in USA it starts on New Year's Eve).

July 1979 - Last 4th of July SKN. Lack of participation cited as reason for 
cancellation; the New Year's event got more reports.

---

Researching SKN was a bit of a sporting course because in the early years it 
was a very low-key (arghhh!) event. It appears as a small paragraph buried in 
Operating News, and doesn't show up on the ARRL indexes for the first few 
years. SKN didn't get a separate announcement or result until 1976.

But even with that tiny amount of publicity, the first one drew over 160 
reports and had over 600 different calls reported worked. 

One unusual feature of SKN has always been the short reporting deadline. ARRL 
wants reports within 10 days IIRC, not the usual 30 days. Of course the 
report can be very informal, or highly detailed. There is no wrong format of 
report!

I think there's a bit of a message in all that. If we aren't active, or don't 
report our activity, they'll change the format or even discontinue the event. 


73 de Jim, N2EY
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN History

[Terry Conboy]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
nor, as it is sometimes rumored, did I go to grade school with 
Gugliemo Marconi...


and Jim KL7CC wrote:
Yeah, but we heard you used to date his sister! grin


Hmmm, wasn't her name Maria Olivia Ramona Silvia Elena?  8-)

Keep clam,
Terry N6RY


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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[W2AGN]

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Yes, another SKN will be upon us soon. While they've taken to allowing
bugs as straight keys, that makes me rather sad. Here's why:


I agree 100%. Straight Key Night shoukld be for straight keys. I once told Ed 
Hare W1RFI that I thought that, and received a vituperative reply that basically 
told me I was trying to spoil the fun of SKN by insisting it was for Straight 
Keys.


--
   _ _ _ _ _
  / \   / \   / \   / \   / \   John L. Sielke
 ( W ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ( G ) ( N )  http://w2agn.net
  \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/
CRUSTY OLD CURMUDGEON - AND PROUD OF IT!


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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[n3drk]

Of course John. Do you expect any better than the man who tries to
rewrite ham radio history and tradition! Since its inception SKN
was for using Straight Keys. A bug is NOT a straight key. But some
primadonas who crave control and like telling others how it is to be
done insist having their way. And if persons like us do not answer these
posts the truth will never get out for the newer licenses.
73s
john-n3drk


- Original Message - 
From: W2AGN [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN



[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Yes, another SKN will be upon us soon. While they've taken to allowing
bugs as straight keys, that makes me rather sad. Here's why:

I agree 100%. Straight Key Night shoukld be for straight keys. I once told 
Ed Hare W1RFI that I thought that, and received a vituperative reply that 
basically told me I was trying to spoil the fun of SKN by insisting it 
was for Straight Keys.


--
   _ _ _ _ _
  / \   / \   / \   / \   / \   John L. Sielke
 ( W ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ( G ) ( N )  http://w2agn.net
  \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN

[Dan Barker]

This is a joke, right? I didn't see the g.

Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456

snip
I got a peek at the SKN 2007 rules. Electronic keyers are OK, but no
keyboards. In 2008, all SKN exchanges will have to be handled via Winlink
and confirmed via LOTW.

SKN is for straight keys.

Eric
KE6US
/snip
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[W2AGN]

EricJ wrote:

I got a peek at the SKN 2007 rules. Electronic keyers are OK, but no
keyboards. In 2008, all SKN exchanges will have to be handled via Winlink
and confirmed via LOTW.

SKN is for straight keys.

Eric
KE6US


LOL! Unfortunately, could be true.

--
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  / \   / \   / \   / \   / \   John L. Sielke
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN - A Straight Solution

[n2ey]

So here's what we all do:
 
1) Operate SKN using straight keys only
 
2) Send in detailed reports of our operations to ARRL, with pics if possible, 
listing QSOs, rigs/keys used, best fist, most interesting QSO, etc. (Something 
ironic about using a $250 2004 digital camera to take pics of my 1945 J-37 key, 
bought at a junk sale for 25 cents in 1965)
 
3) Mention in report that while I/we have/use bugs, sideswipers, cootie keys, 
keyboards, electronic whoozis and watsatzs, on SKN I/we use straight keys only.
 
4a) Suggest there be a separate Bug Night set aside. Maybe the original July 
4th SKN date.
 
4b) Or maybe suggest BN and SKN should run consecutively, not concurrently - 
say, Dec 31 UTC is straight keys only, Jan 1 UTC is any nonelectronic key. Or 
something similar so SKN retains its unique identity. You get the idea - tell 
'em what we want!
 
No matter what the rules say, if we all use straight keys that night, it will 
remain Straight Key Night.
 
73 es ZUT de Jim, N2EY
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN

[Thom R LaCosta]

On Tue, 20 Dec 2005, EricJ wrote:


I got a peek at the SKN 2007 rules. Electronic keyers are OK, but no
keyboards. In 2008, all SKN exchanges will have to be handled via Winlink
and confirmed via LOTW.


But you didn't tell everyone that SKN will mean Sailboat Keeper Night.



SKN is for straight keys.


It was at one time.

Thom

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RE: [Elecraft] SKN - A Straight Solution

[BMW]

What's needed is a Mechanical Key Night (bugs and straight keys) versus an
Electronic Key Night (keyers and keyboards) to go along with Straight Key
Night (straight keys only). And for those who don't like CW, a VOX Night
and a PTT Night. And then, considering the season and the condition of the
bands, a Silent Night (not to be confused with Silent Key Night, one I
hope I can participate in when I've gone to the big DXPedition in the
sky...) :)

73,

Brian, W0DZ

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 10:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN - A Straight Solution


So here's what we all do:

1) Operate SKN using straight keys only

2) Send in detailed reports of our operations to ARRL, with pics if
possible, listing QSOs, rigs/keys used, best fist, most interesting QSO,
etc. (Something ironic about using a $250 2004 digital camera to take pics
of my 1945 J-37 key, bought at a junk sale for 25 cents in 1965)

3) Mention in report that while I/we have/use bugs, sideswipers, cootie
keys, keyboards, electronic whoozis and watsatzs, on SKN I/we use straight
keys only.

4a) Suggest there be a separate Bug Night set aside. Maybe the original
July 4th SKN date.

4b) Or maybe suggest BN and SKN should run consecutively, not concurrently -
say, Dec 31 UTC is straight keys only, Jan 1 UTC is any nonelectronic key.
Or something similar so SKN retains its unique identity. You get the idea -
tell 'em what we want!

No matter what the rules say, if we all use straight keys that night, it
will remain Straight Key Night.

73 es ZUT de Jim, N2EY


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Re: [Elecraft] SKN - A Straight Solution - background

[Thomas Miccolis]

  Group,

  Jim  is  the  ONLY  technical expert recognized by the ARRL.  He can
  detail  the  actual  QST  issue which details this fact as well as the
  issue that his article on Field Day appeared (published author).

  Jim,  you  should research back to when there were multiple Field Days
  (duting  the  1930's?)  and document it here on the reflector.  SKN is
  important  because  many  people nowadays not only do not know history
  accurately  but  actually choose to revise it.  So it would be nice to
  know  the  exact year that the 4th of July event ceased.   Believe me,
  some  HAMs  only  know  BPL as an interference problem and NOT what it
  originally meant for decades!

  Tom, WA3UZI
_

  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN - A Straight Solution
  Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 12:29:44 -0500
  So here's what we all do:
  1) Operate SKN using straight keys only
  2)  Send  in  detailed reports of our operations to ARRL, with pics if
  possible,  listing  QSOs,  rigs/keys used, best fist, most interesting
  QSO,  etc. (Something ironic about using a $250 2004 digital camera to
  take  pics  of my 1945 J-37 key, bought at a junk sale for 25 cents in
  1965)
  3)  Mention  in  report  that  while  I/we have/use bugs, sideswipers,
  cootie  keys,  keyboards, electronic whoozis and watsatzs, on SKN I/we
  use straight keys only.
  4a)  Suggest  there  be  a  separate  Bug Night set aside. Maybe the
  original July 4th SKN date.
  4b)  Or  maybe  suggest  BN  and  SKN  should  run  consecutively, not
  concurrently - say, Dec 31 UTC is straight keys only, Jan 1 UTC is any
  nonelectronic  key.  Or  something  similar  so SKN retains its unique
  identity. You get the idea - tell 'em what we want!
  No  matter what the rules say, if we all use straight keys that night,
  it will remain Straight Key Night.
  73 es ZUT de Jim, N2EY
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[Elecraft] SKN

[n3drk]

If anyone wants to know what a straight key is traditionally
go to these two sites. This should put an end to the current
discussion. It even has pictures for the mentally challenged.
If one still does not understand what the difference is 
between a straight key and a bug, well , there is nothing

that can be done for you. Just do not operate that
night. 


http://www.mtech.whsites.net/ghd/

http://www.morsex.com/misc/keyadj.htm
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[Elecraft] SKN

[Gregg mulder]

I'm very glad to see and hear that there are those of u out there that agree 
that SKN is for straight keys ! I know that there are also those among us that 
would try to dilute this most pure fun by using other than a straight key, and 
that is their perogative, but SKN only comes once a year, and I wouldn't think 
of using anything but the Real Mccoy. A nice cup of hot chocolate and the 
sweet melody that comes from a straight key on a cold winter's eve. It just 
dosen't get any better. Anybody who tells u otherwise just dosen't know the 
true joy of the music that only comes from pounding the brass. I hope to meet 
many of u practicing this fine tradition this year during SKN. Merry Christmas 
and a Happy New Year to all. 73  Gregg WB8LZG dit  dit
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Re: [Elecraft] SKN

[N2EY]

Yes, another SKN will be upon us soon. While they've taken to allowing
bugs as straight keys, that makes me rather sad. Here's why:

When I became a ham back in 1967, bugs and bug users were all over the place.
Electronic keyers were still fairly new gadgets even though a few had been
described as far back as the 1940s. The problem was that a bug cost only a 
little
more than a keyer paddle, while a keyer with paddles cost more than a bug. 
And
a bug could key any rig, while most keyers had all kinds of limitations on 
current and voltage.

But over time, keyers became the defacto standard and bugs became almost 
museum pieces. Now it has reached the point that they're being included in SKN.

I remember a time when I didn't have to explain what a bug was, what it did 
or how to use one, to any licensed ham. Now I find many hams have never seen 
one in use before they see mine. 

I used a straight key for the first 7 years I was a ham - every night was 
Straight Key Night!

Then I got a bug for Christmas 1974 and have used both ever since. 

Maybe the activity should be two nights, or the period split, or some kind of
categories. 

--

One thing to do: Be sure to send in a report/log or something to ARRL. A 
detailed log with callsigns and votes for most interesting QSO and best 
fist 
is great, but even a quick note or email saying you were active is a good idea 
because it shows
support for the activity and support for the mode. 

73 de Jim, N2EY
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[Elecraft] SKN History

[N2EY]

Maybe I'm getting along a bit, but nobody seems to remember the history of 
SKN - not even ARRL!

It started out as a casual operating activity on or about the 4th of July. 
(not New Year's Eve!) It was so popular that a second SKN was added for New 
Year's. The New Year SKN eventually outshone the 4th of July event, and the 
latter 
was dropped. Part of the issue was that many of us were outdoors on the 4th 
rather than in the shack.

If anybody's interested, I can look up the dates.

btw, for a few years in the 1930s there were 2 Field Days each summer, too.

73 de Jim, N2EY
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RE: [Elecraft] SKN History

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The first few SKN's I participated in were twice-yearly. I tried to look up
the dates but can't find them. How about it Jim? 

But, no, I was not around for two Field Days nor, as it is sometimes
rumored, did I go to grade school with Gugliemo Marconi...

Ron AC7AC

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Re: [Elecraft] SKN History

[Jim Wiley]

Yeah, but we heard you used to date his sister!
grin 


- Jim, KL7CC



Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

snip 


nor, as it is sometimes rumored, did I go to grade school with Gugliemo 
Marconi...


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