01/04/2006 | NF6E Every Jan 1 Straight Key Night would come and go, and every Jan 1 I would tell myself, Ive got to do this next year. Well, this year was that year. I broke out my Nye-Viking Master Key and after my first QSO I realized that I had forgotten just how difficult using a straight key can be, especially when youve been spoiled by a paddle and keyer for 25 years.

QRN on 40 meters was high, but that didnt stop me and it didnt stop you either. Tuning up and down the band in the evening was music to my ears, with dozens and dozens of dancing tones filling the air like wind chimes. It was glorious! In fact, it was just as much fun to keep the rig on in the shack and listen to all the QSOs as it was to get on and operate.

I enjoyed SKN so much that Ive now added a key to my field pack. The next time I head out to work QRP in the field, Im going to break out that key. -- NF6E