Thanks-Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??

[Kevin Rock]

Hi Jeremy,
   During an amateur radio presentation to a group a cub scouts I was the CW person.  There were packet stations, SSB stations, FM stations, but the kids came over to my set up to listen and watch me work a couple CW ops.  I then had them sit down with a chart of CW (I know, bad precedent) and work out their names.  I put the K2 into TEST mode and let them bang away on my straight key.  They had a ball.  The other radio amateurs were a bit miffed at me for stealing the show.  The kids loved CW while they just politely looked at the other setups.  I think 10 is the perfect age to introduce your son to CW.  You may want him to gather a few of his friends because they could then work as a group.  They would have their own 'secret' code to use with each other.  Adds a bit of spice to it.  Then, once they have learned CW, they'll not forget.  One day they will think back on those good times and get on the air.  Since they already know code it won't be tough to get back on the bicycle years later and just ride away. 
   GL and 73,
      Kevin.  KD5ONS


-----Original Message-----
>From: Jeremy <jeremymblock at yahoo.com>
>Sent: May 26, 2008 10:48 PM
>To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Thanks-Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??
>
>Thanks everyone who offered advice to regarding getting started @ HF and whether or not a K1 would be a good first radio for a beginner.  As much as I desperately want to build an K1, I think I'm going to hold off and find something used (and QRO) to start with - I'm really wanting to avoid getting discouraged and should probably get my feet wet first before going QRP.
>
>One of the things that I didn't mention before, but is pretty important to me as well is that both I and my 10 year old son took our tests together - and both were licensed together (he's a Technician - KC2TIW).  My thought was that if I had something that was SSB capable (something that I could afford - can't afford a K2 right now!) - we'd be able to enjoy it together - and maybe he'd become interested in learning more about radio and maybe even getting his General license and learning morse.  I guess I'm thinking that as CW is - 10 year olds these days are probably not very impressed with morse code in and of itself.....  
>
>Thanks again for everyone's advice & stories - it's appreciated.
>
>-jeremy
>KC2TIX
>