Slow learner that I am, my serious attempt to learn CW began in 1968. After that inauspicious beginning, there was a lapse of some 30 years. Then, with retirement came the leisure to try again, and this time it worked ---- modestly. |
October, 1968, found me in Viet Nam, serving as Chaplain of the 3rd Battalion of the 47th Infantry with the 9th Infantry Division. My wife Anne had sent me, per my request, a code oscillator and key. The key is an inexpensive but well-made copy of the familiar Triumph style. I kept this gear on a table next to my "bed" in a hunkered hooch, which was my office and quarters. Having no such things as jacks, plugs or switches, the system was always hard-wired and ready for a few minutes practice. |
I always slept rather lightly over there, and late one night I was suddenly awakened. This time it was not by in-coming lead, but by the sound of my oscillator. My first immediate thought was that my hooch-mate was harassing me. Then I recalled that he had been wounded and medically evacuated a day or two before. Curious, I quietly reached for my ever-present flashlight, rolled into position and shined it on the key --- and about six large rats cavorting on it. Apparently they liked the fun of making the oscillator sound! |
That key and oscillator now sit in my shack. When I eventually get up the nerve, I will attempt my first CW contact. You can bet I'll use that same old key, the one I call my "rat key". |
The moral? If you hear lousy - really lousy --- CW being sent, it may be rats on a key or it could just be KB3KBC! |
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