As usual, I had a blast at the Dayton Hamvention this year. I have lots of stories to tell, and rather than write one big long post, I’m going to write a series of shorter stories. Here’s one of them…Dan
On of the most memorable experiences of Dayton 2016 happened on Saturday morning, as I was manning the CWOps booth. About 11:30, Tommy, N1SPY, and his father walk up. I guessed that he was about 10, 12 years old, and he said that he’d recently gotten his General Class license. After congratulating him on that achievement, he told me that he plans to learn Morse Code.
So, I give him he spiel about the CWOps club, and we talk a little bit about about operating Morse Code. As we were discussing keys, and how I think that it’s important to have a key and practice sending as well as receiving, a woman came up the booth and asked me a question. I talked to her for a couple minutes, then turn back to the N1SPY, who I noticed was still standing there.
The father, Ivan, No2CW, says, “My son just recognized your call. He used your study guides.” How cool is that? Then, he asks if I’ll sign his book for him. So, I sign his book, shake his hand, and tell him thatif he ever hears me on the air, to make sure to call me, especially since I collect QSL cards from stations whose callsigns spell words! I certainly will be listening for him.
Sam Barrett-W5KF says
Good for N1SPY. Nice call. I hope that he follows through on adding CW to his Ham Radio chops.
I wonder if his Dad’s callsign is a coincidence or a statement (No2CW=No to CW?).
Dan KB6NU says
Yeah. I was wondering about that myself. I may actually e-mail him about that.
William "Bill" Kisse says
I was there and caught most of this.
What a kind response to an enthusiastic young ham!
The look of pride on his father’s face was priceless!
Ivan Cholakov - NO2CW says
Good morning, I am happy to share that Tommy N1SPY is working on his CW skills and with some practice during the summer will soon be a seasoned CW operator. Here’s a short video he made for his friends last week:
https://youtu.be/FLybpGDqYUk