Life-in-general made this a somewhat slow ham radio week for me. It did, however, get off to a great start for my Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) activities.
Having reached the Centurion level (100 SKCC member QSOs) back in mid-March, I set my sights on reaching the Tribune level (50 QSOs with Centurion or higher members). Thanks to the many SKCC members who were eager to add me to their logs with my new “C” designation, I made great progress over the following 2 weeks.
So, by last Monday (March 28th), I needed just 3 more QSOs to reach the Tribune level. Despite some rough band conditions, it only took about 30 minutes to reach my goal. The QSO that put me over the top was a nice chat on 20 meters with Pablo KP4SJ in Puerto Rico. Pablo’s QSO helped me reach Tribune on the 2-month anniversary of my SKCC membership. It was especially gratifying doing it with 5 watts into my rainspout antenna. SKCC members, apparently, have very good ears!
Now begins the long climb towards the Senator level. That entails 350 more contacts with Centurion or higher members and 200 more contacts with Tribune or Senator level members. That, for sure, is going to take quite a while.
I made a number of 2-way QRP SKCC QSOs during the week, as well. I worked K8FAC in Ohio, NC4RT in North Carolina, N0HYD (portable) in Kansas, AH6AX in Maryland, and NF1U in Connecticut.
I’m hoping that “Life-in-General” settles down a bit next week and lets me get out for some portable operating.
72, Craig WB3GCK
WB3GCK QRP Amateur Radio 
FB, Craig. Good article. I’ve been a member of SKCC for some time but only recently began chasing the awards and designations in earnest. Once you get the bug (no pun intended) it can become obsessive. All qrp here, of course. I enjoy your blog and hope to work you one day. 72/73 de Larry N2ICZ
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Larry: Thanks for the kind words. As you can tell, I’ve been having a ball with SKCC. They’re an unbelievably friendly group of folks. I look forward to a 2xQRP with you soon. PA to NJ should be pretty easy (if these bands ever improve!). 72, Craig WB3GCK
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Craig – nice article. I have worked so many SKCC guys over the last couple years, but always with my keyer – so I am basically starting from scratch myself. I had some time this weekend, but the bands really stunk!
Hope to be on WES next weekend for a few hours – maybe we will catch each other again there!
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Thanks, Burke. I’m planning to operate some of the WES while portable. Most likely Saturday afternoon. I’ll be looking for you. 73, Craig WB3GCK
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