Why You Should Join the SKCC

[terry]

I know it's been 5 years since you posted this video but I'd still like to thank you for making it. After I watched it, I joined SKCC and I've had a blast the past 5 years. I've progressed up to the Senator level now. Along the way I've operated as K3Y/7 during Straight Key Month each January, I've been "Rudolph" for the Christmas themed operating event in December, learned to use a cootie key, and made lots of new friends. So again, thank you for introducing me to a great group.

[nvrumi]

It's so good to see you produce another video. The FCC issued my license today, so I am now officially a ham. Cliff, you are one of my Elmers and I appreciate what you do. Thank you again.

[bigloon]

Oh the navy flameproof key. I have one myself, a gift from a friend years ago. In my opinion it’s the greatest straight key ever made.

[KXUL]

Wow! I must have been reading your mind. I joined this morning before you even posted this video! Let’s keep straight key CW alive and well.

[KyleKrieg]

I hear you about editing and making videos. I have a ham channel and I love shooting new video of what I'm doing, but hate editing as it takes forever to complete. I guess that's why I have hours of video on my computer and only a few videos up on my channel. Props to the new videos every once in a while!

[martyyoung]

Nice video, Cliff, I also enjoy the WES events and get on from time to time. Love your key, BTW, I believe that style is called a “Postal” key. It reminds me of my Elmer who had that type that taught me CW. He was a railroad telegrapher. Yes, there were some back in the day that did CW for a living, can you imagine? Hi! Anyway, he taught me not to “tap” the top of knob with the tips of my fingers which is the natural tendency to do. He said it is very fatiguing and less efficient. Rather, he explained, grasp the knob in my fist and hold it like a ball. Rest the back side of my fingers against the lower disk below the knob. Sending is accomplished by pushing with your whole hand downward using your arm /wrist muscles grasping the knob only tight enough tho keep hold of it. I always wondered the purpose of that lower disk below the knob.

[russpeck]

I know this video is 5 years old, but I just discovered it. Terrific job, Cliff. You have sold me on SKCC!
73

[wrowe]

Great video about the SKCC. I'm an early member (#228), and I look forward to seeing other SKCC members on the air soon. 73 de WQ1C.

[GFUW]

Nice little video Cliff, sounds like the kind of contest I like - no pressure and friendly exchanges. Never heard of the SKCC before, thanks for the info.

[wolfgangbachschwelloewbs]

Nice encouragement for using straight key again. Thanks so much. Btw. Appreciated the bonus material showing ur shack and workplace. I’m making info show for Austrian hams since 1979, still with great enthusiasm. 73!

[rvamark]

I really love your videos, Cliff, and I appreciate the work that you put into making them. They are always very professionally done. I especially like the fact that you take a single subject, carefully break it down into simple, easy to absorb pieces, while never talking down to your viewers or making the subject more complex than it needs to be. 73, Mark, KE6BB.

[binder]

Cliff, thanks for all the great work you've done in the past. As a presenter, I feel you are 1st rate. I've recently got back to interests in qrp and await mt QCX Mini from Turkey. I already have POTA plans to activate a park near me here in New Orleans. Well, I just needed to say how much I appreciated all your videos, thank you. Frank KK7HI

[jaspatters]

Glad to know more about your production efforts. We all want more, it's understandable considering your momentous efforts.

[BongoboyJT]

The other two benefits of SKCC, great way to practice numbers. If you’re like me, figuring numbers out has been difficult. Much easier to do now that I’m doing mostly SKCC. second benefit is the schedule website. Much easier to do a contact when he bands are so poor. Good job Cliff. Dit dit

[simonoliver]

Great video cliff! Will look into the SKCC tomorrow if I remember. Loved the extra bonus footage too. Look forward to seeing the next CCB production.

[jbell]

LOVE it!! Your channel is inspiring on many levels. Thank you so much, Cliff, for giving back to the community.

[srs]

Excellent video Cliff! Just passed my 20wpm proficiency so I am joining SKCC as we speak and hope to work you on the air one day!
Kind regards
Simon
M0SYS

[gsansoucie]

Cliff, so glad to see you back, missed your videos, really enjoy them. SKCC is my favorite club, pretty much guarantee at least one SKCC contact each day I try. I’m not great at tracking them so I’ve not earned any awards or letters (‘S’ or ‘T’) yet. I just really like sending with my Straight Key (Navy Flameproof as well) though. W1ND SKCC #18580. I should add that I have been checking each contact for FISTS as well and have found a handful so far.

[antonstegen]

Thanks for this video. I had no idea there was a straight keyer club. I'm just learning CW and have a long way to go.

[artpam]

Very professionally done videos! Easy to watch and the content is great. I'm SKCC 20236, looking forward to the time when I'm proficient enough to try a QSO. KJ7DWM