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Author Topic: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.  (Read 1157 times)

KBKZ2105

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STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« on: December 27, 2020, 06:58:37 AM »

Who is going to participate?  With a actual straight key and no CW decoder.  It's a wonderful experience.   
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N6YWU

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2020, 07:23:15 AM »

I'll be using my vintage Navy Flameproof for Tx.

But I'll be both listening and running up to 4 different software decoders to see which can decode human fists better than the others.  My machine learning models need more training data. If anyone's making recordings, I'm interested.
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W9SA

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2020, 08:24:20 AM »

I'll be using a straight key and an internal grey matter biochemical CW decoder.
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K4EMF

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2020, 09:26:51 AM »

I'd like to but doesn't look like I'll have a straight key in time.   I've been considering a SK for some time almost exclusively with SK Night in mind.
After looking over various new models, given it's primary purpose, it struck me that maybe something with a bit more nostalgia might be in order. 
Not Indiana Jones rare or museum display quality condition, with the accompanying price tag.  Just something with a bit of history behind it that is still serviceable.
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WA9FZB

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2020, 10:56:21 AM »

I'm planning on it -- as long as I don't suffer a forgetful "senior moment" over the next few days.  My 1942 Navy Flameproof SK is currently detailed as a paper weight in my office at work.  I have to bring it home and re-install the cord so I can get on the air.  As always, the biochemical decoder will be on duty.

I "could" bring out my Vibroplex Blue Racer, or its older cousin, the Original, but I wouldn't want to embarrass myself and burden my QSO partners with my sending, as I haven't practiced with a bug in years.  As a last resort, I could set the keying mode on my WinKeyer to "Bug" and use the "dah" paddle as a sideways straight key.  We did that a lot with our bugs back in my novice days.  Came in really handy when we made contact with a newer novice who couldn't copy at bug speed.  I don't think I will actually use the bug mode as a bug because it just doesn't feel correct.  Nothing rattling, either.
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KF0QS

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2020, 12:20:36 PM »

I got an N3ZN straight key for Christmas (I already have one of Tony's paddles and it is wonderful).  I specifically wanted to get it going before SKN and made my first QSO's with it yesterday.

I'm looking forward to working some of you guys during SKN.  Unfortunately, I will be involved in watching some College Football on New Year's Day, so I'll be missing part of the event.

Looking forward to it.
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N8RKD

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2020, 06:39:26 PM »

I'm looking forward to it, using my original Speed-X.  If I can get my fist ready in time I may wire my Vibroplex bug in parallel with it and try to make a few contacts. 

Oh boy!  A pot of Sumatran coffee, freshly ground, an insulated mug and I'm all set.

With any luck, this callsign will be retired by then in favor of something that rolls off the key better.
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KBKZ2105

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2020, 10:21:21 AM »

Good deal I hope everyone has fun.  I always use a old Lionel J-38.  I take my time and have fun with it and I always send everyone I work a QSL card.  This year I have to work  Good luck and have fun. 
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N9FB

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2020, 05:55:31 AM »

I'm looking forward to it, using my original Speed-X.  If I can get my fist ready in time I may wire my Vibroplex bug in parallel with it and try to make a few contacts. 

Oh boy!  A pot of Sumatran coffee, freshly ground, an insulated mug and I'm all set.

With any luck, this callsign will be retired by then in favor of something that rolls off the key better.

Sumatran coffee?  yum!

as for your callsign -- it takes 18-20 days after filing for a new call for it to be assigned to you and i dont see any applications filed yet.

This call is available and *might* interest you: http://ae7q.com/query/data/CallHistory.php?CALL=W8key

(i had to edit cause KE8NT is also available but it's restricted to Advanced class or higher)

as for me, i will be using my Brown Brothers ST-A
« Last Edit: December 29, 2020, 05:59:45 AM by N9FB »
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N8RKD

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #9 on: December 29, 2020, 08:47:04 AM »

I'm looking forward to it, using my original Speed-X.  If I can get my fist ready in time I may wire my Vibroplex bug in parallel with it and try to make a few contacts. 

Oh boy!  A pot of Sumatran coffee, freshly ground, an insulated mug and I'm all set.

With any luck, this callsign will be retired by then in favor of something that rolls off the key better.

Sumatran coffee?  yum!

as for your callsign -- it takes 18-20 days after filing for a new call for it to be assigned to you and i dont see any applications filed yet.

This call is available and *might* interest you: http://ae7q.com/query/data/CallHistory.php?CALL=W8key

(i had to edit cause KE8NT is also available but it's restricted to Advanced class or higher)

as for me, i will be using my Brown Brothers ST-A


I was granted N8RKD (my second choice) this morning. I've notified SKCC, eHam, and the zed. Now all I have to do is find time to light up the rig.

Hope to work many of you on SKN.
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AA4Q

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2020, 09:51:21 AM »

I plan to get on either from home rotating thru a bunch of SKs in the collection, or from a campsite with just 1 or 2 SKs.

AA4Q
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N9FB

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #11 on: December 30, 2020, 07:28:23 AM »

Quote from: KE8IWM
I'm looking forward to it, using my original Speed-X.  If I can get my fist ready in time I may wire my Vibroplex bug in parallel with it and try to make a few contacts. 

Oh boy!  A pot of Sumatran coffee, freshly ground, an insulated mug and I'm all set.

With any luck, this callsign will be retired by then in favor of something that rolls off the key better.

Quote from: N9FB
Sumatran coffee?  yum!

as for your callsign -- it takes 18-20 days after filing for a new call for it to be assigned to you and i dont see any applications filed yet.

This call is available and *might* interest you: http://ae7q.com/query/data/CallHistory.php?CALL=W8key

(KE8NT is also available but it's restricted to Advanced class or higher)

as for me, i will be using my Brown Brothers ST-A


Quote from: KE8IWM
I was granted N8RKD (my second choice) this morning. I've notified SKCC, eHam, and the zed. Now all I have to do is find time to light up the rig.

Hope to work many of you on SKN.

d'oh i looked up your old callsign for applications, but i should have searched by your name  :o
Congratulations on the new callsign!  Hope to get u in the log.

http://ae7q.com/query/data/CallHistory.php?CALL=N8RKD#Apps

fyi: QRZ queries the FCC's ULS less frequently than many other sites, so there is usually a delay of about 24 hours at the Zed

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N8RKD

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #12 on: December 30, 2020, 08:02:31 AM »

N9FB, you're a relatively short haul from me.  I'll keep an ear open for your call. 
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N5CM

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #13 on: December 30, 2020, 09:23:32 PM »

I plan to participate, but we have severe wx forecast for tomorrow afternoon into the evening.  Chance of severe wx is 3 out of 5 per Natl. WX Service.  May have to disconnect antennas and power supplies and get on 2m FM HT for Skywarn. :(
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N9FB

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Re: STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT COMING UP.
« Reply #14 on: January 01, 2021, 04:22:39 AM »

Last night was my 1st time participing in Straight Key Night, despite my having been a ham for a long time, so last night i looked up the rules before getting on the bands for QSOs...

http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

... i was surprised to learn the rules are you just make QSOs using a straight key, no particular exchange is required and no points are tabulated...

so for me that was a bit of a letdown, but only because my normal modus operandi is my Brown Bros ST-A straight key. 



i do like the theme of the event, especially since every night is kind of like SKN for me except for the rare times when i use my Brown Bros BTL paddle...
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