03/16/2005 | W8JFB All contacts were made on both 80 mtr. and 40 mtr. CW Band, using a replica of the old straight key that was used on the RMS Titanic. This key is about twice as large as the conventional J-38 Key type and requires lots of "stamina" to operate it over long periods of time. I am told that the very first use of the distress signal "SOS" was sent from the Titanic before she went down to her watery grave.

I made 25 contacts, with a total of 445 minutes air time, which equates to 17 minutes per contact. I found that operating the straight key was not like the "good old days" of my novice days, back in 1963. It seems that the "little straight key" has become an instrument, much like those contraptions you see advertised on TV, that build your body muscles without leaving the privacy of your own home. In other words, you can get sore without being embarrassed by doing it in front of other people. After about 4 hours of operation, I noticed a small blister forming on my finger caused from "gripping the navy style key knob" like there was no tomorrow! It was worth it though, I had lots of fun listening to other "old hams" and newer ones too, trying to pound out the old 15 words per minute with the straight key, it was "music to my ears!"

After finishing my enjoyable 24 hours of participation in SKN, I have one individual that I wish to nominate for the award of "Best Fist" for SKN 2005. This individual is Harold "Hal" Danforth, NU9L of Oshkosh, WI. Hal is a retired medical doctor and is 85 years young. He has been a licensed amateur operator for more years that I have been alive, and he has a "magnificent fist" and was by far the best fist I heard during the entire contest time. I was truly impressed with his sending abilities and think he should be considered for the prestigious award of "Best Fist." We talked for over 30 minutes and he was almost flawless. If I am blessed to be able to send code like this by the time I am 85 years, I will be very happy. Regardless if he gets the award or not, I wish to say: "Thank you Doc, for all the time you devoted to the lives of others so that their quality of life could be just a little bit better. Now enjoy your retirement." If any of you hear Hal, NU9L, be sure to give him a call and say Hello Hal! His code will rival the very best that you will ever hear.

Now I will get off my soapbox and return to my regular routine and anxiously await for Dec. 31st, 2005, at 7:00pm, when Straight Key Night begins again. Very best of 73's to you all. Jim Bishop,W8JFB, St. Ignace, MI. -- W8JFB