CQ SSN CQ SSN (sidewsipers net)
For the past few months I've been joining the Sideswiper Net on Sunday and Thursday as family and work schedules permit. The net was established a long time ago to promote the use of the sideswiper also known affectionately as the "cootie" key. The cootie is a horizontal "straight key" which relies on the operator to form the dits and dahs versus using an electronic keyer associated with IAMBIC modes. I really enjoy the challenge of improving my CW skills in a directed net format. My key for the SSN is usually the Titan made by Steve Roberts W1SFR who also joins the net on a regular basis. Darrel - AA7FV is usually the net control station for the sessions I join. Allen - KA5TJS, Ron - N9EE/4, TJ - K9TJL, and Bill - WA4FAT also join the net on a regular basis. All are excellent, friendly CW operators and many are also members of the SKCC. I've not had much luck hearing the DX stations on the net but I hope that will change after I add a Mosley Mini-