Santa Claus AKA "My XYL" bought me an old German Junker (pronounced "yunker") CW Key for Christmas! Actually she purchased it from PA3FLM John in the Amsterdam, Netherlands back on November 19th, but thanks to the heavy shipping of Christmas gifts, cards, etc it took 26 days to arrive! I was quiet surprised to see my daughter Elizabeth with a package when she came home around 10 PM Tuesday night. I wish I had drove the 1 mile to the mailbox earlier that evening and I could have used it in the North American CW Club (NAQCC) December QRP CW Sprint. I worked the 2 hour sprint earlier that evening running only 5 watts and wound up with 28 stations in 16 states which got me 2nd place in the entire W4 division using my Begali Camelback straight key! I love my Begali and hope to someday get me a set of Begali paddles! Below are a few photos of the key Santa got me:
An excellent Christmas gift indeed and very much appreciated! Well, at least I'll have it to use today from 1800 UTC until 2359 UTC in the ARRL CW Rookie Roundup and in the ARRL Straight Key Night coming up on New Years from 0000 UTC until 2359 UTC! CW is by far my favorite mode of operation and, speaking from 14+ years of experience on amateur radio, where you encounter the best and most courteous operators. If your a fan of Facebook take a look at my CW OPERATORS page on Facebook. I try and post the latest events for CW operators on there each week to keep folks informed. Well, guess that's about it this post and thank you for reading my blog. Be sure and sign my guestbook if you have the time at the link at the very top of the page.
Hope to work you on the bands! 73 and "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy and Prosperous 2011!" de Cliff KU4GW SKCC#652 NAQCC#1491 FPQRP#1183 30MDG#865
