[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Addendum

[Kevin Rock]

Whoops, I just uncovered, from beneath a pile of wire wrapped circuitry,  
my notes.  I had intended mentioning a few of them in my announcement but  
they were obscured by wire,  parts, and a microcontroller.  I'll get to  
the point: I was digging through my station logs looking for a date.  The  
date when ECN began and three folks checked in for the first time.   
VE1RGB, W0CZ, and N51B for my CW contacts number 121, 122, and 123.  This  
occurred on June 7, 2003.  Thus we are very close to our third  
anniversary.  Since the 7th is on Wednesday I think it may be more  
appropriate to celebrate the beginning of our third year next week.

The net, its procedures, the time, and the frequencies have changed since  
that first attempt.  Some of this is written down on our website but some  
of it is just a feel.  A simple understanding of what each wants out of  
the net and what each is willing to offer in return.  We've moved the time  
to avoid contests.  We've expanded to two frequencies to allow folks near  
and far to enter into the discussion.  My notes, my announcements, and the  
reports on this Reflector have also gone through some modifications.   
Hopefully we have gotten better at what we do.  Maybe in another few years  
I will learn a thing or two about how to run a net ;)  I've made many  
mistakes and tried to correct each as they occur.  I realize I will make  
many more.  But, what I really want is for folks to feel comfortable with  
getting on the air with CW to chat a bit and then to listen to others do  
the same.

Who knows what the future will bring?  I do know the bands will get better  
as the solar cycle starts its way back up again.  I've not experienced a  
full cycle, or even the peak of one so it will be exciting to be able to  
work Europe for those night owls like Geoff :)  It is a lot of fun when I  
call QNI ? K and hear one solid howl of sound.  I can't make out a single  
letter but when that happens I simply try again and work a little harder.   
Someone once told me I must be doing something right if that solid wall of  
sound hits my headphones.  I hope he was right.

Does anyone have any ideas for what we should do to celebrate our third  
anniversary?
    VY 73,
       Kevin.   KD5ONS

P. S.  Thank you for three years of fun.
     Sincerely,
        KJR