01/04/2010 | W4RK 2010 SKN Mid-Missouri Style

Mid-Missouri ARC CW enthusiasts and XYLs gathered at K9ZTVs QTH for a nice dinner before heading down to Kents hamshack for a walk down memory lane. His collection of vintage ham gear is wonderful! Selected for this years SKN was Kents pristine Drake Twins (T-4XB & R-4B). Seeing the cheery glow of vacuum tubes was a special experience for some of the newer CW enthusiasts in the group. However, this glow was warm nostalgia for some of the Old Timers (N0SS, K9ZTV, W4RK) with over 50 years of ham radio experience each. Just so the younger crowd wouldnt feel too out of place, Kent also had his Elecraft K3 fired up and connected to a different antenna. It was a credit to both the Drake and Elecraft equipment that there was virtually no mutual interference. MMARC members also brought a number of straight keys from their collections and used them on the air. A few of the keys included were the venerable J-38, Vibroplex straight key, Begali Camelback, and a Russian military key. SKN is a wonderful tradition and combines some the finest attributes of ham radio: history of technology, operator skill, and fellowship. Our club is seeing an increased interest in CW among the newer hams and SKN is a great way to encourage this. 73, W4RK -- W4RK