[AMRadio] cw

[Larry Szendrei]

On 9/21/13 7:39 PM, Rsauvan wrote:
> I get the rush of the fast pace and competition of contesting and the 
> only way you can compete is to stay up with the latest and greatest in 
> technology for that facet of amateur radio. I will admit though, I get 
> a great thrill out of putting my old "boat anchors" on the air and 
> keeping the tradition of amateur radio alive and well. Look for me in 
> the Classic Exchange.
>
For a ton of CW fun, try the AWA 1929 Bruce Kelley QSO Party which is 
held for two 24-hour periods (on two consecutive weekends) after 
Thanksgiving. Main requirement is that the tube type and circuit used 
was available in 1929, crystal-control is NOT allowed, and 10W MAXIMUM 
DC input (up to 20W is allowed during part of the overnight periods.)  
So build up a breadboard Hartley, TPTG, TNT, Colpitts, Meissner 
transmitter, or a MOPA using one of those oscillator circuits, and join 
the fun! A sample (but incomplete) list of tubes "legal" for the 
transmitter are the '10, '45, '71A, 841, 203, 211, 865. Put as 
little/much time you like in the construction and make is as ugly/pretty 
as you like. There are no restrictions on the receiver, anything from a 
1929 regen to an SDR is allowed. Listmember Eddy VE3CUI/VE3XZ always 
participates, as do I.

This is a low-key contest (pun intended), sending speeds aren't 
screaming fast, and I always use a straight key. It is the most CW 
operating I do all year long, but doing so for the past 18 years or so 
has really helped my copying ability. While most just exchange the 
required information, a few ops will engage in a ragchew during the 
event. It is not uncommon to "win" the contest with ~60 total QSOs, 
because it is such a niche event. It used to be limited to AWA members 
but now is open to anyone who can get a transmitter on the air that 
meets the requirements.

73,
-Larry/NE1S