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  • CQ Amateur Radio

    Build a Straight Key CQer

    Jun 01, 2019 5 minutes
    BY MIKE HERR,* WA6ARA

    While I have modern radios and high-speed electronic keyers and paddles, I enjoy using a straight key and old rigs. It’s a chance to slow down a bit and enjoy operating for operating’s sake. There are a number of events and groups to help you enjoy the lure of straight keys as well, such as Straight Key Night (SKN), the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC), Novice Rig Roundup (NRR), and Novice Rig Night (NRN) held every Monday. I operate all of these using my trusty Heathkit DX-60B transmitter and a straight key handed down by my father, WB6MNX (SK).

    These activities all have in common the use of straight keys. However, it can be tiring to send out CQ for long times waiting for a QSO, plus I like to busy myself in the shack with other projects while I call CQ. So I). A short video of the operation is on YouTube at <>.

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