New Zealand Straight Key Night Radio Event

Polish and lubricate that old morse key and enjoy an evening of old-time radio fun.

Straight Key Night is an informal event which honours the roots of amateur radio: Morse Code sent with a straight key (no bugs, sideswipers, keyers or keyboards).

This semi-annual event is supported by the
New Zealand Morse Code Telegraph Key Directory.

When

Winter SKN is the second Sunday in June, 8-9pm NZ time.

Summer SKN is the first Sunday in December, 9-10pm NZ time.

Band

80m (3.5 MHz)

Mode

CW sent with a straight key (no bugs, sideswipers, paddles or keyboards)

Rules

Maximum transmitter output: 100 watts.

All contacts must be CW-to-CW, using a straight key (with exceptions for disabled operators who cannot use a straight key).

Exchange

RST / Location / Name / Key / Transmitter / Power

We recommend calling “CQ SKN” or just “SKN” rather than “CQ TEST” for clarity and to help promote the event.

We recommend exchanging meaningful RST, rather than an automatic “599”.

Scoring

As of December 2021, SKN is an informal event, in which operators can score their own performance based on the number of complete two-way contacts. There are no certificates awarded.

Logs and summary sheets

As of December 2021, SKN is an informal event so you will not be submitting a log or summary sheet. These forms remain available, however, should you wish to use them for your own record-keeping. They can be downloaded using the links below.