Ham Radio / Morse Code / Straight Key Night

That doesn't look like a Navy flame proof key. It looks like a Nye Viking.

Yes! It is a NV- SpeedX!

Many, many years ago i worked at a ham radio store in the Boston area. (1970s). I met Bill Nye who owned Nye Viking. He sent me a gold plated Nye Viking key as a gift! I think I still have it. We sold tons of his tuners, paddles and hand keys.
The SpeedX feels way better than the Navy key....

The K4D is quite a radio. I've only touched the surface but it has a very quiet receiver and the signals just jump off of the noise floor. I don't know how ir really works on SSB although I have made a few contacts on SSB with good reports. Just not 'my jam."
I don't hear anything bad about them at all.
 
Okay, I called CQ and fumbled through an awkward QSO. I missed most of what he sent but that was on me. He had a good fist. He didn't use any spacers like BT so I got lost in what he was saying. Also I've been trying to copy all day long and my brain is tired. Oh well, #1 is in the log.

My sending was at least good enough for the RBN to understand me, so that's good. I thought I was going really slow, but it was 14WPM which I don't consider REALLY slow.
 
>>Long Dahs seems to be the theme today<<

Drives me nuts! I find some bug and/or straight key users impossible to understand. Unfortunately, this makes sending CQ difficult, as you never know who's going to come back to you.
 
It's that time of year again. I believe I'll participate.

January 1, 2025, from 0000 UTC through 2359 UTC

 
I just re-assembled the shack..

Usually I break out my novice rig, IC-735, or my Grandmother's FT-101ee, but I may just use one of the modern rigs and plug in a Navy flameproof.

HNY guys!

UJay
 
Man, I already burned out on it. I listened to a bunch of QSOs to get the feel, only to not be heard or the guy quit. I was looking for people who I could copy. I'm still not good with all the extras, so I need someone I can understand.

Mostly I'm annoyed because my car is f***ing up and I don't want to deal with it. It'll be a new year in a few hours, so maybe that'll help :)
 
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