[Hallicrafters] Ham radio operation.

[Waldo Magnuson]

I'm looking for suggestions, comments, and advice:
I'm a long-time graduate electronics engineer (retired) and grew up 
listening to CW on the Hallicrafters S-41G my father gave me for 
Christmas in 1946.  I went to college when vacuum tube technology was 
80% of the curriculum but quickly became "transistorized and 
computerized" on the job.  Well, after retirement I've kind of returned 
to vacuum tube roots and have been repairing Zenith Transoceanic radios 
and Hallicrafters radios (S-38, s-41, & two SX-42s).
    A few months I got a Ham license (finally) and am (I think) ready to 
take the code test.  My questions revolves around CW operation.  I 
don't have a particular desire to use AM or SSB voice and have always 
enjoyed the idea (or mystic) of code operation.  Yet I hear very little 
CW now days.
    So my questions are:
1)  Should I bother with CW - are there enough people out there who 
would respond?
2)  Would a 5 -> 7 wpm beginner be welcomed (if I can make contact)?
3)  What transmitter would you recommend (Hallicrafters of course) to 
go with my SX-42 receiver?  I do all of my own maintenance, rebuilding, 
etc.
4)  I live in Spokane, Washington - what band would be suggested?
5)  There are lots of other questions - but this should do for now.

Welcome back Duane.

Thanks,   Skip Magnuson  KD7VRM