01/04/2008 | K9VKY Once again a wonderful time was had during SKN. Band conditions were especially erratic on 40M where a number of ragchewing stations simply disappeared with propagation changes. The PRC-1 spy radio receiver left a lot to be desired on 40M as well. 80M was more forgiving, but only after waiting until later in the evening when the traffic nets were finished.

Sadly, there seemed to be fewer vintage stations on the air than in years past. There were notable exceptions, though. Bob, K9LWA, was celebrating 50 years of ham operation with his homebrew 6146 transmitter. Jim, N2EY, showed up with his ambitious homebrew transceiver which must be a work of art. And Don, K1DC, gets the nod for the most interesting QSO which, of course, centered on glow-in-the-dark radio. Don, incidentally, was operating a rare Collins 30FX transmitter and NC-101X receiver.

Some other notable contacts were made with Bill, W2FMA, and Roy, W3TZW. Bill was returning to CW operating for the first time after a 54 year hiatus! Welcome back, Bill, and I didn't miss a word from your FB fist. Roy was using a replica of the key used on board the ill fated RMS Titanic. The clickety-clack of the wide spark contacts on that key could be heard all the way from Pittsburgh! Pound that brass, Roy!

Here's hoping the spirit of SKN continues through the year, and that we fondly look forward to next year's SKN as much as those of yesteryear. Brian K9VKY -- K9VKY