[CW] re: QRL?

[Rich Dailey, N8UX.]

Regarding prices... on the flip side of the coin, look at what $500
bought you in 1963.  Half a grand got you a 80lb tube transmitter.
Adjusted to todays $, that's what, over $6000? Plunk down another
4-6k for a receiver, and you're golden. Or made of gold.

But back to CW.  I've got a gaggle (yes, a gaggle) of straight keys -
ask Tony.  I also have several bugs.  I use a straight key for SKN,
and a bug on bug nights (are there still bug nights?) and the VBA net.

I have more fun these days with the bugs, but every once in awhile I
get the bug(?) to pound brass, and out comes the Teleplex, Nye, J-38,
J-45, MESCO k.o.b., or McElroy Stream key. My current favorite
is a Vibroplex Double straight/vibrokeyer - a mix of old and new.
It has a great feel to it.  Picture of it on my web page.

I remember running into quite a few ops on SKN years ago who sent
with the dash paddle of their bug. Hand-formed keying, yes - but not
a straight key.

I'm just happy to hear what seems to be increased straight key and
bug activity on the air.  Seems like it happens during the bottom of each
cycle. FB!

Rich, N8UX. (still trying to find my skcc #)



Rich Dailey, N8UX.
http://tinyurl.com/kkb6j
The J-36 Census Project - http://tinyurl.com/9y3kq
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