NAQCC # 2279 - Former VP North American QRP CW Club
This afternoon I worked KP4YO in Cogas, Puerto Rico on 20 meters. I couldn't help but notice this picture on his QRZ page. It was a short QSO of 1676 miles in a straight line.
I liked seeing this picture so much that I thought I would share it with everyone. In my humble opinion, being able to read Morse Code, with only the human ear is a very precious skill these days. I would encourage everyone to share this statement on their radio pages.
It's difficult to think that I've been inactive on the radio for the last four years but sometimes life moves much quicker than I care to think about. Although I haven't forgotten how to use most of the features on my Icom 703 rig, there have been a few moments when I really thought I might need to get the instruction manual out to go over a few fine points.
The last several afternoons, I've realized electrical noises have become much worse over the last four years, especially on 40 meters. I blame a new telephone pole and transformer which was replaced after an especially windy week a few months ago.
There are also still Christmas LED lights all over the neighborhood. lol
Yes, my CW speed has slacked off a bit, but I still can copy, and send CW at about 17 words per minute. I surprised even myself because I feared that I was around 11 wpm. Of course most of that depends on who is sending it and what key they are using.
This afternoon I made a quick contact with VE2NGO in Montreal Canada. I missed the call but realized the mistake. (it's been awhile) The 30 meter band has always been a staple band for CW operators.
I'll have more to say as time moves slowly forward but for now 5 watts and an indoor random wire antenna is working well.
It's a great feeling to be back on the air.
