01/02/2004 | KZ1A The anticipation of Straight Key Night was running very high as I decided to use my Christmas present for the first time. You see, my XYL Leslie found a way to surprise me with my Novice station equipment. Drake 2B receiver with 2BQ, Heathkit DX-40 transmitter, VF-1 VFO and even an AM-2 SWR bridge. I found a dow key in my pile of "stuff" and only tested the gear for performance. The old WN2TBE was ready to go.Then came Straight Key Night.Ah....that smell, and the warm glow of tubes permiated my shack. With trembling fingers, I tuned the Drake 2B on 40 meters and followed up with the DX-40. Wow !!! 55 watts out and low SWR. It was time to make that first contact and a nice one it was with AA8PW, Lloyd in Grand Rapids Michigan. Worked a few others that evening and finally "pulled the switch" as the rest of the evening required my presence with family. Just made a few contacts, but this year's Straigh Key Night will be remembered for a long time. Thanks for the QSOs all, and vy 73 de WN2TBE, I mean KZ1A. Oh, the key was my original J-38 from the Lionel Corporation. I even have the box for it also. -- KZ1A