12/20/2005 | KC2TA Have been inactive for quite some time. Coming back to the 'low' end of the cycle was a true awakening. Enjoying CW, I spent my time reeducating myself on the foibles of my old contest keyer, readjusting the spacing on the Vibroplex key, and getting my fist - and ears - back in form.

Made the mistake sometime on Friday evening - or maybe it was my grandson when I wasn't looking - and somehow got the yagi miscalibrated by some 25-30 degrees. With the remaining adults out of the house, I spent 20 minutes of prime operating time running in and out of the basement to the yard to eyeball the antenna. So much fun, I just wish I had someone to share it with.

Then I had to use the Cabrillo software for the first time. Not hard to use, but it will be a whole lot easier now that I've gone through the learning process. Being an accountant helped a bunch. One thing for sure, after 24 years using spreadsheets, the last 17 using Excel, I've learned my way around and know the tricks. Thank goodness it wasn't too many Q's!

I'll be back again next year - maybe it'll be warmer in the shack! -- KC2TA