ARRL Straight Key Night  
=======================
<Rules 2000/12.99>


Sometimes the "old fashioned" ways may still be the best. 
Why not work your way through the "millennium crisis" with a dose of 
real brass pounding. All you have to do is participate in ARRL Straight 
Key Night 2000. This annual on-the-air event is your opportunity to get 
away from high-tech hamming and return to the basics of radio. 
SKN 2000 is designed to allow anyone-from the high-speed superstar to 
the Novice beginner- the chance to get on the air in an enjoyable 
operating environment. 

1. Object 
---------
The object of this friendly on-air gathering is to enjoy the art of 
conversation using "straight" CW hand keys-no electronic keyers allowed! 
This is a friendly meeting on the air using straight keys. 
Suggested areas of operation of 80, 40, and 20 meters are 
60 to 80 kHz from the lower band edges and 10 kHz from the 
lower Novice-band edges. 


2. Date and Contest Period 
--------------------------
SKN 2000 begins at 7:00 PM EST December 31 and runs for 24 hours through 
7:00 PM EST January 1 (0000-2359 UTC January 1, 2000). 
{05FRI12:1100:1440}


3. Exchange
-----------
When participating in SKN, use SKN instead of RST preceding the 
three-digit number to clue in passers-by. 


4. Miscellaneous
----------------
This is not a contest; 
quick, contest-like exchanges are discouraged.


5. Reporting
------------
When participating in SKN 2000, instead of sending RST before sending 
the signal report send the letters SKN to indicate your participation 
(and to clue in any listeners). Following SKN, send the Contest Branch 
a list of stations worked, plus your vote for the best fist you heard 
(it doesn't have to be one you worked). Also, include your vote for the 
most interesting QSO you had or monitored, as well as any other comments 
you may have for the SKN 2000 write-up. Entries may be e-mailed to the 
Contest Branch at StraightKey@arrl.org, or may be sent via postal mail 
to: SKN, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. 

Entries for SKN 2000 must be received by January 31, 2000. 
Votes for "Best Fist" and "Most Interesting QSO" will be tabulated and 
included in the April 2000 issue of QST. So when your computer suddenly 
dies and your cable company crashes because of the Y2K bug, dig out the 
old brass keys and pound out some fun for the New Year's celebration. 
