SKCC Sprint 2-21-17

Posted: 2/21/2017 11:36:30 AM EDT

The two hour SKCC sprint is tonight from 0000-0200Z. Technically speaking, that is Wednesday, but for most of us, it translates to Tuesday night in local time.

Details here.

Posted: 2/21/2017 1:02:26 PM EDT

[#1]

Thanks for the reminder.

(I'll probably forget it anyway -- getting old sucks!)

Posted: 2/21/2017 6:05:54 PM EDT

[#2]

And for the Elecraft users....there is a new firmware update available.

Posted: 2/21/2017 9:57:30 PM EDT

[#3]

40 and 80 were very noisy tonight with lots of signals very difficult to pull out of the noise. I packed it in early with my ears ringing.

Did manage 27 contacts, though.

Posted: 2/22/2017 8:18:18 AM EDT

[#4]

Thanks for the reminder. Just learning code and not having an hf transmitter meant I could only pretend to play radio...

Posted: 2/22/2017 11:56:35 AM EDT

[#5]

What kind of a key is that? The square brass base is unusual, at least in my experience.

What are you using to learn CW?

Posted: 2/22/2017 4:09:25 PM EDT

[#6]

Frank, it's hard to tell from that picture, but it kind of looks like a Vizkey camel back.

camelbackdemo.wmv

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWwaGbKYcZ8

Posted: 2/22/2017 9:04:21 PM EDT

[#7]

Bingo! I received it for Christmas. The VIZKEY Camel-Back Straight Key

I soldered a couple of wires to the left button of a mouse so I could use it with: Learn CW Online

I also recorded about an hour of the sprint with HDSDR so I can go back and try to copy some of the slower transmissions... Maybe I have one of Frank_B's QSOs.

Posted: 2/22/2017 9:41:25 PM EDT

[#8]

Nice looking key. Very tempting! I keep eying his vertical bug to go along with my 1922 Vibroplex Original.

I was hanging out on 80 just above 3.550 after about 0030Z for the SKS. I packed it in about 0130.

Here's some practice files for you: http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files. For real-world copy, W1AW transmits practice Monday - Friday according to this schedule: http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule.

Posted: 2/22/2017 10:07:46 PM EDT

[#9]

Thanks, a lot!

Posted: 2/23/2017 8:47:32 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
...
I was hanging out on 80 just above 3.550 after about 0030Z for the SKS. I packed it in about 0130.
...

View Quote

Frank, I think I found you...

...or someone, saying "FRANK FRANK" at 0039GMT on 3550khz.

So if I'm right, my receiving speed has increased to 2 wpd (words per day

).

It's amazing how addicting this thing they call radio is.

Posted: 2/23/2017 10:58:22 PM EDT

[#11]

That's me! I was squatting on 3.550.5 between about 0020Z and 0130Z enjoying a run of 23 stations.

I checked my log and I started on 40 at 0009Z, jumped to 80 about 0020, and threw the big switch about 0140Z after a short try back on 40.

Here's some more practice files. If you want a real challenge, try "Jabberwocky".

http://www.skccgroup.com/member_services/learning_center/

This is handy for getting the "feel" of CW and typical contact procedure. http://www.skccgroup.com/member_services/beginners_corner/

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - SKCC Sprint 2-21-17

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