The Setup

This time I traded the portable struggle for the armchair life at DL0OV (DARC OV Bonn / G03) at Burg Limperich. Nothing beats the combo of a Kenwood TS-590, a solid-state amp, and a 80m dipole up in the trees. “Infinite” power, warm room, and all I had to carry was my own key!
So I paired the rig with my 9A5N solid-state dual paddle. Unlike traditional mechanical keys, it uses strain-gauge technology to register the slightest pressure. This allows for an incredibly sensitive and precise movement where the paddle feels like an extension of your fingers. The virtually zero-travel action makes sending effortless and fatigue-free. Although my heart usually belongs to bugs and single levers, this dual paddle has a feel that’s hard to resist. It’s really starting to grow on me. :-)

The QSO with DJ9BM

Connecting with Volker, DJ9BM, was a perfect reminder of why I cherish a proper rag chew. These longer sessions allow for a genuine depth of conversation — weaving through technical details and personal stories — that holds more value to me than thousands of quick, impersonal exchanges. We chose 80m, which was ideal for the 6km distance (hardly DX!), providing a pristine link with absolutely zero QSB. This stability was a luxury, allowing me to relax and concentrate fully on the CW and the details of our chat.
Listening to Volker on the air is always a treat; his rhythm has a character that makes the code sing. He is also a master at unveiling the small, hidden mechanics of our craft. My favorite memory, however, remains the day he taught me the secret to the straight key. He showed me how to hold it properly, relaxed and effortless, completely removing the tension from my sending. It was a turning point that turned the mechanics of Morse into pure enjoyment and since then I love the straight keys as well.