SKCC members around the world are operating special event CW stations through Jan. 31st using only straight key, bug and cootie keys. These three key types are the original instruments of early radiotelegraphy, which this event celebrates. This is our 16th annual Straight Key Month event and the 16th anniversary of SKCC. Official event stations in US jurisdictions operate from 13 regional call areas using call signs K3Y/0 through K3Y/9, plus K3Y/KH6, K3Y/KL7 and K3Y/KP4. Additionally, SKCC members from various countries in six IARU continental regions participate as special event stations using their own call signs and sending "CQ SKM". All event stations are listed on the Operator Map and in the Op Schedules on the event page at https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/ Members and non-members alike are invited to complete the following goals: - Basic Sweep. Contacts with K3Y/0 through K3Y/9 stations. - Full Sweep. The above plus KH6, KL7 and KP4. - Grand Sweep. All above plus the six IARU Continent regions: AF, AS, EU, NA, OC and SA. Our special event QSL "sweep" card will list one contact from each region, up to 19 QSOs total for the "Grand Sweep" (see QSL info below). Operator certificates and area-sweep certificates are also available on the event webpage.. For additional fun try working as many stations as you can in each of the following categories: - US States - DX entities - Canadian Provinces & Territories - Band-area Combinations (more than 150) - Event Station Operators (more than 250) Your progress toward all of these goals will be recorded in the Sweeps & Stats section of the event page. This is not a contest so you can enjoy working our event operators all month long in easy-paced exchanges. You don't need to be an SKCC member or use a straight key to participate. For more info see the event webpage at https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/ Have fun!
