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Author Topic: Join SKCC or Not?  (Read 20077 times)

OZ8AGB

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #30 on: April 16, 2018, 04:03:04 AM »

Yup. Same frequencies for FISTS EU. Just call CQ FISTS and listen. :)
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WD0EGC

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #31 on: May 10, 2018, 02:47:27 AM »

Back to the original question, join SKCC or not...

I have been a ham for 40 years, but was inactive for the past 30.  I was always mostly a CW op back in the day (40 states with a HW-8 and random wire in the 70's), and SKCC has been great for getting back into the hobby, and getting my Morse skills back.  The SKCCsked page is great for setting up exchanges, or plain old ragchews, too.  Give the rotten propagation conditions that greeted my return to ham radio, SKCC has been helpful. 

Do I also use a keyer?  Of course!!  My old Heathkit 1410 electronic keyer from the 70's still works great.  Whenever I hear a general CQ, I go to the keyer, not the old Speed-X key.  Since the manual key plugs into the keyer, I can use either one, anytime. 

Just my 2 cents. 
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N5CM

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #32 on: May 10, 2018, 11:15:47 AM »

I got back on the air in early February of this year after 10+ years of inactivity in the hobby.  I happened upon several members of SKCC as I tried to get my copy speed back to something decent.  Most all encouraged me to join, and finally, I did.

SKCC is a most welcoming bunch.  Several ops have welcomed me, and some still do.  I view SKCC as a "new"/additional (for me) aspect of CW. I've had a number of good rag-chew QSO's and have participated in a sprint or two.

When I'm chasing DX or looking for new states/band fills in contests, I use my Brown Bros. paddles and my old memory keyer.

Bottom line, I'm glad that I joined.

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KC3RN

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #33 on: May 17, 2018, 03:13:01 AM »

I joined a few years ago (2015, I think) even though my main interest was using a keyer.  However, after a while, I found that I really enjoy using a manual key.  Now both of my rigs have both a keyer and manual key active at all times, so I can switch between the two.  I still use the keyer for contests and DXing, and use the key for SKCC and more "casual" QSOs.  I wasn't expecting that outcome, but I find the key very enjoyable.

I've even become a regular on the monthly WES, and most weeknight sprints.  I earned my "C", then my "T", and am currently working on my "S".

Give it a try.  It costs nothing, and you just might enjoy it.
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KD8IIC

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #34 on: May 25, 2018, 06:44:33 AM »

  It's the only game in town. Vy popular monthly WES. Takes 5 minutes to fill out the application.
 
  Learn Morse
  Do CW
  73
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WB4M

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #35 on: May 31, 2018, 09:31:15 PM »

Since you have no interest in using a straight key, why join a straight key club?
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KE4OH

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #36 on: June 01, 2018, 05:51:04 AM »

Since you have no interest in using a straight key, why join a straight key club?

Just for the sake of being repetitious, SKCC doesn't limit member activities to straight keys. Cootie keys (sideswipers) and semi-automatic keys (bugs) are also allowed. The only real restriction is that CW must be mechanically generated.

73 de Steve KE4OH (SKCC# 13651)
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73 de Steve KE4OH

VE7PJR

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #37 on: June 27, 2018, 03:01:07 PM »

Free to join; activity level completely under your control. What's keeping you FROM joining?

Been a member for a year or so, after returning to ham radio from a 30-year hiatus on HF.

Oddly enough, I don't usually use a keyer. Quit with them back in the '70s and used a bug.

SKCC rules say official contacts should be made with mechanical devices: straight key, bug, autobug, cootie. They also say that if you need an electronic device like a keyer or keyboard, that's OK.

It's not a "straight key club," it's a "radiotelegraph club" and while the rules express a preference they are not controlling.

That said, if all you're looking for is a chance to operate CW with like-minded hams -- just crank up on 10.120 and call CQ. Likely you'll get somebody coming back at your speed.

73,

Chuck
VE7PJR
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AC2EU

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #38 on: July 06, 2018, 06:27:45 PM »

   I'm a SKCC member, and I use a U.S. Navy (WWII) vintage "Flame Proof" straight key
   that I acquired in 1959 for my Novice setup. note: SKCC membership is free and the
   other CW clubs have membership fees.

           73,
                Bob

earn

From a CW newcommer's perspective, i think the SKCC sprints are an opportunity great to truely learn the
art of CW with NO MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC assistance. I. too, have one of those "flame proof" keys with the big knob which is very comfortable to use.
I feel that doing it the "old fashioned way" has forced me to iisten more critically to my sending and be more aware of the rhythm and spacing. This has made me a better op IMO.

even though it is a straight  key, it has also made me more proficient when using paddles as well.
 

N1KWW

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #39 on: November 20, 2018, 02:27:04 PM »

SKCC RULES

I don't think you will go to hell if you don't use a straight key..hi hi
maybe just purgatory!

Getting back into CW after decades.. I joined SKCC and the folks are very helpful to me... offers to slow down for me to QSO etc... a positive experience for me.. good luck

73
frank
N1GDO


All your radios turn into CB's!

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G4LNA

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #40 on: November 21, 2018, 02:26:31 AM »

If you are looking for other CW club members whether it be FISTS, CWops, HSC, FOC or SKCC then have a look at the CW Club RBN a lot of the ops don't always send thier association to any club when they are calling CQ, I must admit I’m a bit remiss on not doing that.
« Last Edit: November 21, 2018, 02:28:42 AM by G4LNA »
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WB0U

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #41 on: November 21, 2018, 04:45:34 AM »

I can appreciate using a straight key as an individual can be identified by their unique fist. 

I'm not a fan of code sent poorly on a bug.  I have been a ham since the early 1970s and have heard only two bugs on the air that were  sending with proper spacing that were easy to copy.  One of these was a UK ham who owned a company that manufactured bugs.

73, Lynn
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OZ8AGB

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #42 on: November 21, 2018, 05:41:06 AM »

If you are looking for other CW club members whether it be FISTS, CWops, HSC, FOC or SKCC then have a look at the CW Club RBN a lot of the ops don't always send thier association to any club when they are calling CQ, I must admit I’m a bit remiss on not doing that.

Very cool!  :)
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WB9LUR

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #43 on: November 21, 2018, 02:00:41 PM »

SKCC is a lot of fun! Joining doesn't mean that you have to throw your keyer/paddle away either. Just add to your key collection with a straight key, cootie (side swiper) or bug for SKCC events and keep using your keyer for other QSO's.


Randy / WB9LUR
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73, Randy / WB9LUR - http://www.CallingDX.com

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W1BR

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RE: Join SKCC or Not?
« Reply #44 on: November 24, 2018, 08:53:11 AM »

Quote
SKCC just isn't for you.

 
(This is what really pisses me off about "city folk" moving into my semi-primitive area because they want to get away from whatever they didn't like about city life.  The first thing they want to do is transform my semi-primitive habitat into what they just left!) Just sayin!

I moved out to a rural area back in the early sixties because I wanted farms in my backyard.

Jump forward, and yuppies are moving in and taxing us to death because they want school systems that compete with the wealthy bedroom communities... and when a farmer spreads "natural" fertilizer they are shocked to learn what cow dung smells like.  I'm old enough where I won't have to worry about it much longer.

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