At our September club meeting, I reviewed the radio kit that lets me transmit CW on 2 meters. Jim also asked me to share a few words about the Brass Knuckle Gang (BNG), and if you like Morse code with a healthy dose of fun, this is for you.
A friend calls amateur radio the “hobby of hobbies,” and the BNG is living proof. We are a lighthearted group of CW enthusiasts proud to be “law-abiding, FCC-respecting, 2-meter CW or bust!” The name comes straight from traditional straight-key operators “pounding brass.”
Started by Forrest Stephenson (KI7QCF) in Utah, the group is growing quickly—especially among SOTA and POTA activators bringing VHF CW to the field. Most members hop on the air using sub-$30 Quansheng HTs running custom firmware capable of CW transmission and sidetone practice.
To get “jumped into” the BNG, all it takes is one confirmed 2-meter CW QSO with an active member. As the South Carolina OG, I keep 2m CW rigs ready to go. Track me down after a monthly meeting, at Ham & Eggs, or at the next tailgate, and let’s get you on the roster!
For more information, check out https://www.bkg.club/
73,
David Lauten, KF4HAW (BNG #249, SCOG)
803-807-1753