On the air again … and lovin’ it …

Monday, Dec. 20, 2021

I got to spend some time up in the shack during daylight hours with my recently re-connected HF antenna. Signals were great and signals were plentiful on 20, 15 and 10 meters.

I had planned to check in on my Georgia CW net with the Kenwood TS-520S, but I realized right before the net that I didn’t have the proper cable to connect the MFJ keyer to the rig. The Tempo 2020 has an RCA connector for the CW key; the TS-520S uses a 1/4-inch mono plug. While I was waiting for the net to start, I cut a length of cable and dug up connectors and while I was checking into the net on the Tempo 2020 I cobbled the proper cable together.

The Tempo 2020 with the Tempo 8020 external VFO is a really dependable hybrid rig that I really enjoy using. Tomorrow night I can use the Kenwood TS-520S to check into the net.

This afternoon while up in the shack I hooked up my MFJ analyzer and determined the proper tuner settings for all the HF bands.

I located the El Cheapo hand mic I bought for the Kenwood as well, so maybe I can make a phone contact as well.

I’m already enjoying the bands and how quiet conditions are. Its going to be a good season.

SKN THIS YEAR?? Straight Key Night is coming up the week after next, but I don’t think I’m going to be here in town to enjoy it. My wife and I have been invited to Western Kentucky to a lake house for New Year’s. I’m not really that keen to go, but I owe my wife a trip down there. I would be fine just staying home, personally, but we’ll be OK.

73 es CUL …. de KY4Z …. SK … SK …. (dit dit) ….