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Finally made first contact with K1

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Stephanie Maks

Finally made first contact with K1

It's been a month since I got my K1, and I finally overcame my 'key-
shyness' and resonded to a CQ.

My morse skills are still pretty bad, but the CQ (on 40 Meters) was
slow enough that I was pretty confident. VE2DPO in Quebec was my
first CW contact in almost 8 years -- and only my second CW contact
ever! Also, the first new entry in my logbook since 2001. And the
first QRP entry.

I'm just running 2 watts into a 95 foot wire that's dangling between
some trees in my backyard, and keying the rig for now with just a
little spst momentary switch at the end of some wire because I can't
find my real key (last seen before my last move).

I know it's nothing, no big deal. But it got me excited.

73 de Stephanie
va3uxb
K1 #02132

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Joseph Trombino, Jr

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

> It's been a month since I got my K1, and I finally overcame my 'key-
> shyness' and resonded to a CQ.
>
> My morse skills are still pretty bad, but the CQ (on 40 Meters) was slow
> enough that I was pretty confident. VE2DPO in Quebec was my first CW
> contact in almost 8 years -- and only my second CW contact ever! Also,
> the first new entry in my logbook since 2001. And the first QRP entry.
>
> I'm just running 2 watts into a 95 foot wire that's dangling between some
> trees in my backyard, and keying the rig for now with just a little spst
> momentary switch at the end of some wire because I can't find my real key
> (last seen before my last move).
>
> I know it's nothing, no big deal. But it got me excited.
>
> 73 de Stephanie
> va3uxb
> K1 #02132

Uh oh Stephanie.....now you are getting hooked on two of the most addictive
facets of amateur radio....CW and QRP.

This may be the beginning of a lifetime addiction that can only be satisfied
by getting on the air and operating CW at QRP levels.

A lot of folks have fallen prey to this addicition.....I have been feeding
my habit for over 43 years now and just can't get enough.

Before you know it you will be building more QRP kits....another fatal
addiction that afflicts a lot of hams.

Seriously, congratulations on your fine work in putting the K1 together and
making that CW contact with such a makeshift key.

If you can't find you regular hand key let me know and I can send you one on
loan until you can get another one.

Best of luck in QRP and hope to meet you on the air.

73 Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
K1, KX1, K2, RH20, RH40 ARGO V

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N2EY

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

In a message dated 1/7/06 5:56:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[hidden email] writes:

> I know it's nothing, no big deal.

It's not nothing. It's everything.

And it is a big deal.

But it got me excited.
>
>
>

Me too - just reading about it!

73 es CU on the bands

Jim, N2EY
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Kevin Rock

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

I reiterate Ms. Stephanie: please join us on the Elecraft CW Net. We
don't mind anyone's fist. If you have ever heard mine you would know!
Tom, N0SS, is in the middle of the US (near St. Louis, Missouri) and has
great ears. If he can hear you he will log you. Ric VE3XL has checked in
with his K1 from Ontario many times. Often he has a very strong signal
and works me in Oregon. Other times he is relayed in by the other NCS
folks across the country. Your fellow countryman VE1RGB (first check in
for our humble net) works across the continent from Nova Scotia on a
semi-regular basis. Rusty fist? What better place than a cozy little net
where we all enjoy another contact. This net is not about numbers, it is
not about speed, it is not about me, it is about folks getting on the air
and having fun meeting one another. We exchange serial numbers, signal
reports, and a bit about ourselves. Nothing special, just folks. It is a
great way to recharge before we go off to work on Monday. Listen along if
you feel uncomfortable with the exchanges. Listen along to hear a variety
of fists, rigs, antennas, and propagation. If we can hear you we will ask
your name, state or province (or country in some cases), and then we'll
get your rig type and serial number. After that you'll get to chat a
bit. Sometimes propagation only allows a short contact or the wall of
sound coming from all the check ins calling at once prevents a longer
chat. But normally, once you get past the name, SPC, rig, and SN you'll
get to say a sentence or two about the weather, propagation, or your
family. It is fun to see who is coolest, who is hottest, who has the best
propagation, and who has the best kids ;) Please join us some Sunday.
73,
Kevin. KD5ONS

PS. We once had a check in via a wire tapped on the dash board so we are
ready for most anything :)
KJR

On Sat, 7 Jan 2006 17:55:48 -0500, Stephanie Maks <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> It's been a month since I got my K1, and I finally overcame my 'key-
> shyness' and resonded to a CQ.
>
> My morse skills are still pretty bad, but the CQ (on 40 Meters) was
> slow enough that I was pretty confident. VE2DPO in Quebec was my first
> CW contact in almost 8 years -- and only my second CW contact ever!
> Also, the first new entry in my logbook since 2001. And the first QRP
> entry.
>
> I'm just running 2 watts into a 95 foot wire that's dangling between
> some trees in my backyard, and keying the rig for now with just a
> little spst momentary switch at the end of some wire because I can't
> find my real key (last seen before my last move).
>
> I know it's nothing, no big deal. But it got me excited.
>
> 73 de Stephanie
> va3uxb
> K1 #02132
>

Kevin Shaw

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

I'm going to try to join all of you on the 40 meter net. 20 meters would be
better I believe, but my KAT2 isn't finished yet. I'm antenna-challenged at
the moment. I'll be using a temporary 40 meter dipole I have strung around
my den. If successful, this will be my first QSO with my new K2 (S/N 5240).

I'm real rusty with my CW skills. Much more than Ms. Stephanie I'm sure, so
be gentle.

Hope to see all of you on 40.

Kevin
N8IQ/4

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Kevin Rock
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 9:36 PM
To: Stephanie Maks; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1

I reiterate Ms. Stephanie: please join us on the Elecraft CW Net. We
don't mind anyone's fist. If you have ever heard mine you would know!
Tom, N0SS, is in the middle of the US (near St. Louis, Missouri) and has
great ears. If he can hear you he will log you. Ric VE3XL has checked in
with his K1 from Ontario many times. Often he has a very strong signal
and works me in Oregon. Other times he is relayed in by the other NCS
folks across the country. Your fellow countryman VE1RGB (first check in
for our humble net) works across the continent from Nova Scotia on a
semi-regular basis. Rusty fist? What better place than a cozy little net
where we all enjoy another contact. This net is not about numbers, it is
not about speed, it is not about me, it is about folks getting on the air
and having fun meeting one another. We exchange serial numbers, signal
reports, and a bit about ourselves. Nothing special, just folks. It is a
great way to recharge before we go off to work on Monday. Listen along if
you feel uncomfortable with the exchanges. Listen along to hear a variety
of fists, rigs, antennas, and propagation. If we can hear you we will ask
your name, state or province (or country in some cases), and then we'll
get your rig type and serial number. After that you'll get to chat a
bit. Sometimes propagation only allows a short contact or the wall of
sound coming from all the check ins calling at once prevents a longer
chat. But normally, once you get past the name, SPC, rig, and SN you'll
get to say a sentence or two about the weather, propagation, or your
family. It is fun to see who is coolest, who is hottest, who has the best
propagation, and who has the best kids ;) Please join us some Sunday.
73,
Kevin. KD5ONS

PS. We once had a check in via a wire tapped on the dash board so we are
ready for most anything :)
KJR

On Sat, 7 Jan 2006 17:55:48 -0500, Stephanie Maks <[hidden email]>
wrote:

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Art - W6KY

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

Stephanie,
Outstanding! I always love to hear someone who has
made that 1st CW contact and is ready for more. At
age 15 I made my 1st CW QSO. That was almost 50 years
ago. I've never tired of CW. In fact I usually have
to hunt down my Heil headset for a SSB contest. I've
had a K1 for a little over a year and closing in on
200 countries. Thats with a ground mounted vertical
antenna and about 5 watts out of the K1-4. Started
with a K1-2. Work those weak ones on 40 late at night.
Sometimes the de is followed by a VR2, a 3W or some
other good DX. But be sure to make one QSO per day
(ragchew) to improve your speed...Have fun and welcome
to CW...
73, Art W6KY
www.w6ky.com

--- Stephanie Maks <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It's been a month since I got my K1, and I finally
> overcame my 'key-
> shyness' and resonded to a CQ.
>
> My morse skills are still pretty bad, but the CQ (on
> 40 Meters) was
> slow enough that I was pretty confident. VE2DPO in
> Quebec was my
> first CW contact in almost 8 years -- and only my
> second CW contact
> ever! Also, the first new entry in my logbook
> since 2001. And the
> first QRP entry.
>
> I'm just running 2 watts into a 95 foot wire that's
> dangling between
> some trees in my backyard, and keying the rig for
> now with just a
> little spst momentary switch at the end of some wire
> because I can't
> find my real key (last seen before my last move).
>
> I know it's nothing, no big deal. But it got me
> excited.
>
> 73 de Stephanie
> va3uxb
> K1 #02132
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Tom Hammond-3

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Kevin Shaw

Hi Kevin:

We'll be listening fer ya!

When the NCS calls for "QNI?" and stands by, just send your callsign
once and stand by. If the NCS hears you, he will acknowledge you with
an RST and ask you to go ahead. Then, go ahead and send your call, an
RST if you feel like it, your name, state, rig and S/N. If you have
any other short comments to make, please feel free to do so
(especially if your RST is 449 or better), and then turn it back to the NCS.

We'll try to send back to you at YOUR sending speed. If we're sending
too fast, PLEASE remind us to QRS!!!

73,

Tom N0SS

At 08:48 PM 1/7/2006, you wrote:

>I'm going to try to join all of you on the 40 meter net. 20 meters would be
>better I believe, but my KAT2 isn't finished yet. I'm antenna-challenged at
>the moment. I'll be using a temporary 40 meter dipole I have strung around
>my den. If successful, this will be my first QSO with my new K2 (S/N 5240).
>
>I'm real rusty with my CW skills. Much more than Ms. Stephanie I'm sure, so
>be gentle.
>
>Hope to see all of you on 40.
>
>Kevin
>N8IQ/4
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [hidden email]
>[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Kevin Rock
>Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 9:36 PM
>To: Stephanie Maks; [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1
>
>I reiterate Ms. Stephanie: please join us on the Elecraft CW Net. We
>don't mind anyone's fist. If you have ever heard mine you would know!
>Tom, N0SS, is in the middle of the US (near St. Louis, Missouri) and has
>great ears. If he can hear you he will log you. Ric VE3XL has checked in
>with his K1 from Ontario many times. Often he has a very strong signal
>and works me in Oregon. Other times he is relayed in by the other NCS
>folks across the country. Your fellow countryman VE1RGB (first check in
>for our humble net) works across the continent from Nova Scotia on a
>semi-regular basis. Rusty fist? What better place than a cozy little net
>where we all enjoy another contact. This net is not about numbers, it is
>not about speed, it is not about me, it is about folks getting on the air
>and having fun meeting one another. We exchange serial numbers, signal
>reports, and a bit about ourselves. Nothing special, just folks. It is a
>great way to recharge before we go off to work on Monday. Listen along if
>you feel uncomfortable with the exchanges. Listen along to hear a variety
>of fists, rigs, antennas, and propagation. If we can hear you we will ask
>your name, state or province (or country in some cases), and then we'll
>get your rig type and serial number. After that you'll get to chat a
>bit. Sometimes propagation only allows a short contact or the wall of
>sound coming from all the check ins calling at once prevents a longer
>chat. But normally, once you get past the name, SPC, rig, and SN you'll
>get to say a sentence or two about the weather, propagation, or your
>family. It is fun to see who is coolest, who is hottest, who has the best
>propagation, and who has the best kids ;) Please join us some Sunday.
> 73,
> Kevin. KD5ONS
>
>PS. We once had a check in via a wire tapped on the dash board so we are
>ready for most anything :)
> KJR
>
>
>
>On Sat, 7 Jan 2006 17:55:48 -0500, Stephanie Maks <[hidden email]>
>wrote:
>
> > It's been a month since I got my K1, and I finally overcame my 'key-
> > shyness' and resonded to a CQ.
> >
> > My morse skills are still pretty bad, but the CQ (on 40 Meters) was
> > slow enough that I was pretty confident. VE2DPO in Quebec was my first
> > CW contact in almost 8 years -- and only my second CW contact ever!
> > Also, the first new entry in my logbook since 2001. And the first QRP
> > entry.
> >
> > I'm just running 2 watts into a 95 foot wire that's dangling between
> > some trees in my backyard, and keying the rig for now with just a
> > little spst momentary switch at the end of some wire because I can't
> > find my real key (last seen before my last move).
> >
> > I know it's nothing, no big deal. But it got me excited.
> >
> > 73 de Stephanie
> > va3uxb
> > K1 #02132
> >
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
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>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>
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>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>_______________________________________________
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>
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Stephanie Maks

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Art - W6KY

Thank you everyone for the kind and encouraging words!

I'll be doing my best to get on the CW nets today!

Thanks again and 73 de
Stephanie
va3uxb
K1 #02132

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Michael Babineau VE3WMB

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

Joseph Trombino Jr" <[hidden email]> wrote :

> Uh oh Stephanie.....now you are getting hooked on two of the most
> addictive
> facets of amateur radio....CW and QRP.
>
> <snip>
>
> Before you know it you will be building more QRP kits....another fatal
> addiction that afflicts a lot of hams.
>
Joe is right ! Now that you have built and used your K1 it is only a
matter of
time before you can't resist the urge to buy a K2 and next it will be
the KX1 ...
soon you'll be lying awake at night pondering what additional options
you can put into your Elecraft rigs and craving the smell of fresh
roasted
solder flux ;-) !

Congratulations Stephanie and keep it up. The first few CW QSOs after a
sabbatical
away from radio can be a bit scary but you'll find that your code speed
will pick
up quickly.

Cheers,

Michael VE3WMB

P.S. I would also suggest a support group for your inevitable
addiction. Drop a note to the great guys at VE3QDR
(Durham Region QRP Club), try [hidden email].

P.P.S BTW Joe, it was great to work you in the November Polar Bear
Moonlight Madness Event. Your RH40
sounds great !

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Kevin Shaw

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-3

Actually, I decided to cut my makeshift dipole down to 20 meters. Therefore,
I'll try the 20 meter net instead.

Question: Is it still required to follow your call sign with "/" and the
region if you're operating in a region different from your call sign? In
other words, do I need to use "N8IQ/4" or just "N8IQ"? I thought I read
something about a change in the FCC rules. It's been over 20 years since
I've worked HF.

Thanks,

Kevin
N8IQ/4 (or is it just N8IQ :) )

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Hammond [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 8:49 AM
To: Kevin Shaw; [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1

Hi Kevin:

We'll be listening fer ya!

When the NCS calls for "QNI?" and stands by, just send your callsign
once and stand by. If the NCS hears you, he will acknowledge you with
an RST and ask you to go ahead. Then, go ahead and send your call, an
RST if you feel like it, your name, state, rig and S/N. If you have
any other short comments to make, please feel free to do so
(especially if your RST is 449 or better), and then turn it back to the NCS.

We'll try to send back to you at YOUR sending speed. If we're sending
too fast, PLEASE remind us to QRS!!!

73,

Tom N0SS

At 08:48 PM 1/7/2006, you wrote:

Don Wilhelm-3

RE:Signing /4 - was: Finally made first contact with K1

Kevin,

N8IQ is all that is required to conform with the FCC regs. You might want
to use the /4 if you want to indicate the call sign area where you are
located.

I have a W3 call, but live in the 4th call area and I seldom use the /4
suffix.

It used to be that you could know the approximate area a ham was located -
nice for pointing beams, judging propogation, etc., but that day disappeared
when the FCC no longer required a change in callsign when you moved to a new
callsign area - that change happened sometime after 1969 and before 1989 - I
moved from Ohio to MD in 1969 and had to change calls, but moved to NC in
1979 and was able to keep my W3 call.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> Actually, I decided to cut my makeshift dipole down to 20 meters.
> Therefore,
> I'll try the 20 meter net instead.
>
> Question: Is it still required to follow your call sign with "/" and the
> region if you're operating in a region different from your call sign? In
> other words, do I need to use "N8IQ/4" or just "N8IQ"? I thought I read
> something about a change in the FCC rules. It's been over 20 years since
> I've worked HF.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kevin
> N8IQ/4 (or is it just N8IQ :) )
>

Kevin Shaw

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

Nigel,

Thanks, but I already have a copy in PDF format that I pulled off of the
ARRL website. I also have the ARRL Operating Manual that makes mention of
the change.

I'm sorry, but I worded my question poorly. I actually was more interested
in what hams *commonly do* when they live in a district different from where
they were originally licensed. I understand you don't have to add the "/" +
number but it feels strange to me not to add the "/4". The Operating Manual
says "It's routine" not to hear the identifier. To me, if I send CQ de N8IQ,
the station responding would understandably think I was in the 8th district
and might be disappointed (if they were working towards WAS, etc...) if they
find that I'm really in 4-land. I guess in regards to a CQ transmission, the
use of the identifier would be helpful.

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Kevin
N8IQ

-----Original Message-----
From: G8IFF/KC8NHF [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 12:18 PM
To: Kevin Shaw
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1

You got a copy of part 97 in the shack?
In case not, I've attached a copy.
Subsection 119 doesn't say anything about indicating your location.

In my country, it's a license condition that you have a copy of the
license and the terms and conditions available when you operate.

Kevin Shaw wrote:

>
>Question: Is it still required to follow your call sign with "/" and the
>region if you're operating in a region different from your call sign? In
>other words, do I need to use "N8IQ/4" or just "N8IQ"? I thought I read
>something about a change in the FCC rules. It's been over 20 years since
>I've worked HF.
>
>

--
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Nigel A. Gunn. 59 Beadlemead, Milton Keynes, MK6 4HF, England.
Tel +44 (0)1908 604004 mobile +44 (0)7765 471661
e-mail [hidden email] www http://www.ngunn.net
Amateur radio stations G8IFF, KC8NHF
Member of AMSAT-UK #182, ARRL, GQRP Club, QRPARCI, SOC #548, RAYNET
Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, MKARS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Ron D'Eau Claire-2

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

Kevin, N8IQ, wrote:
...I actually was more interested in what hams *commonly do* when they live
in a district different from where they were originally licensed. I
understand you don't have to add the "/" + number but it feels strange to me
not to add the "/4". The Operating Manual says "It's routine" not to hear
the identifier. To me, if I send CQ de N8IQ, the station responding would
understandably think I was in the 8th district and might be disappointed (if
they were working towards WAS, etc...) if they find that I'm really in
4-land. I guess in regards to a CQ transmission, the use of the identifier
would be helpful....

----------------------

I appreciate stations identifying the proper district. I was one of those
who grumbled about the FCC no longer requiring the call sign to match the
district of the QTH so, when I moved from California to Oregon, I let go of
AC6Y and asked the FCC for a new call. AC6Y had been my call since I asked
for a 2X1 format when they are first released in the 1970's. I had never
paid for a "vanity" call so I took a deep breath and told the FCC to simply
spit a "7" call out of their system. AC7AC was the result. Guess I was fated
for "AC" in my call.

My point is that I've been lucky with call signs. If I ended up back in
California or somewhere else outside of the "7" zone, I'll likely ask for a
new call that fit the region. It just seems the thing to do <G>.

Among those who keep the "wrong" call, there seem to be few who bother to
identify the correct call district. I guess the need isn't there with
on-line call sign databases like www.grz.com where one can look up a call in
a few seconds.

Ron AC7AC

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Darwin, Keith

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

Stephanie -

Nice Job. It is very scary to get on the air the first time. Very
scary indeed. It makes adults sweat and quiver, makes their knees weak
and their brains dim.

But you worked through it! Yes!!!

I remember the beginning (and end) of my first CW qso. I called CQ
(very slowly). Someone answered, I sent the basics (RST, QTH, Name).
He replied and I copied about half. I freaked and shut the rig off.
Came back 20 minutes later when the coast was clear and began calling CQ
... :-)

I hated CW for the first several years but that was all I could operate.
Once I got proficient with CW, I found I loved it. Now, it's about all
I do.

And for heaven's sake, find a way to get a proper key :-)

- Keith -

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Stephanie Maks
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 10:52 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1

Thank you everyone for the kind and encouraging words!

I'll be doing my best to get on the CW nets today!

Thanks again and 73 de
Stephanie
va3uxb
K1 #02132

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k7nhb

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

Keith,
You too! When I sent my first CQ (phone) someone actually came back
to me. I shut the transmitter off and turn off the light in the
shack. After about 15 minutes I composed myself somewhat and turned
everything back on. The same contact was still there for my next "CQ"
foray and this time I answered his response. He invited me to join a
local group that gathered on 10M every night. We've kept in touch for
46 years (Oh my god, one of us is getting old!)

73,
Paul
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Paul Gates, KD3JF

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

Paul I like to hear these kinds of stories for the first contact. I was living in Georgia in 1961 when I made my first CW contact and I was really nervous... My thoughts were, "What will I say, and will he be able to copy my CW?" I really did know what to say! Years later, when I was living in Tennessee I had a SSB contact with the same guy and he told me he still had my QSL card!

Paul Gates, KD3JF
Elecraft Kits:
K1 #0231
KX1 #1186
XG1: Signal Generator

----- Original Message ----
From: Paul <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 6:55:59 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1

Keith,
You too! When I sent my first CQ (phone) someone actually came back
to me. I shut the transmitter off and turn off the light in the
shack. After about 15 minutes I composed myself somewhat and turned
everything back on. The same contact was still there for my next "CQ"
foray and this time I answered his response. He invited me to join a
local group that gathered on 10M every night. We've kept in touch for
46 years (Oh my god, one of us is getting old!)

73,
Paul
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Chris Kantarjiev K6DBG

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Stephanie Maks

I'll jump on the end of this and report that I made my first
contact as a General during last week's Spartan Sprint, after
about a week or more of calling CQ in the evening. WA6AZP
was calling CQ CQ SP pretty fast and it took me several rounds
to a) copy his sign completely and b) get over my nerves enough
to answer with my KX-1.

Between the fairly strong QSB and my poor antenna, he never heard
my repeated QRS, so we went several more rounds before I got
a strong "R R R" from him. He went on with the contest and
I shut down and went into the house to calm my nerves :-)

I'm working on my antenna setup now, looking for that second contact ...
perhaps it will be more than 10 miles away!

73 de chris K6DBG
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Dan Barker

RE: Finally made first contact with K1

I think you'll find it far more satisfying to ANSWER a CQ rather than to
CALL cq.

a) You don't have to copy a horrible fist. If it's horrible, find another.

b) You get an answer in one or two tries, not hundreds (ymmv). You know the
path is open one way, and it's probably reciprocal.

c) It's far less depressing (for me, anyhow). An unanswered CQ is no fun at
all. So, answer one!

Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456

<snip>
I made my first contact [...] after about a week or more of calling CQ in
the evening.
</snip>

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daleputnam

Re: Finally made first contact with K1

In reply to this post by Chris Kantarjiev K6DBG

Isn't it a blast, when the first one is in the log?
Now, many more to come. Even some that may stretch into chats and
getting to know more about the folks on the other key.
Maybe we'll meet one day soon,
Best hunting,
--... ...--
Dale - WC7S qrp in Wy

>From: Chris Kantarjiev <[hidden email]>
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Finally made first contact with K1
>Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 10:25:54 -0800 (PST)
>
>I'll jump on the end of this and report that I made my first
>contact as a General during last week's Spartan Sprint, after
>about a week or more of calling CQ in the evening. WA6AZP
>was calling CQ CQ SP pretty fast and it took me several rounds
>to a) copy his sign completely and b) get over my nerves enough
>to answer with my KX-1.
>
>Between the fairly strong QSB and my poor antenna, he never heard
>my repeated QRS, so we went several more rounds before I got
>a strong "R R R" from him. He went on with the contest and
>I shut down and went into the house to calm my nerves :-)
>
>I'm working on my antenna setup now, looking for that second contact ...
>perhaps it will be more than 10 miles away!
>
>73 de chris K6DBG
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com