I gave away my J-38, mined from a WWII "surplus store" in the early 1950's, to a new Novice years ago after I switched all of my CW operating using paddles and, eventually, grew to regret it when I returned to a bug and straight key. Then I ran into Larry, W6CCW, in Northern California on 40 meter CW one evening.
Larry had for some years used a barefoot HW-8 (2 watts output) and had saved to buy a 100 watt rig. He finally did so and "gave" his new rig to himself for Christmas early one December. Then he learned that a disabled friend nearby had a rig that failed, putting him off the air and out of contact with his friends on both CW and SSB. He could not afford to repair it. So Larry wrapped up his new rig and gave it to his friend for Christmas, and dug his 2-watt HW-8 out of storage. I had used an HW-8 for years before building my K2 in 2000. Over the years I had built an outboard amp for it that ran about 15 watts output - a BIG step up over the 2-watts the HW-8 ran barefoot. I learned Larry's story during a rag-chew we had on 40 meters one evening. So I sent my amp off to Larry to hang onto his HW-8. A box arrived in my mail one day. It was from Larry. Inside was a J-38 that he had kept in his junk box for many years and had dug out after hearing me mention that I had given mine away to a Novice many years ago. It's a beautiful key from a Ham who, IMHO, knows the true spirit of Amateur Radio. 73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- I had the J-38 and to this day am so sorry I sold it. It was in mint condition. I have yet to find one that is clean and intact for a reasonable price. 73, Bill K9YEQ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
