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Topband: final from me

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: final from me
From: Hans Hjelmström <sm6cvx@hjelmstrom.se>
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:39:49 +0100
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Hi folks

Been reading all sayings about FT8/FT4-business
.
MYSELF  I will NEVER ever use FT4 or FT 8. Been active Ham-operator since
1961. I am now 75 years old,and still active,and dx-expeditioner.

I say, this PC to PC business kills the challenge of our hobby.
I agree 100% with OK1RR and OK1TN  and SP2XF writing.AND others.

Of course, IF you like FT 4/FT 8 ,its up to you to use it.
If I do NOT like it, it must be acceptable for me to tell other Hams ,
I feel I do NOT like it. And I will NEVER use it.

In Sweden ,I know ,,,a LOT of Hams ( old-timers mainly ,but also new Hams) ,
that has stopped Ham-radio and sold all their equipment because of this PC to 
PC play game. 

WHY.  Well, they have always been chasing dx, by looking for hours ,
and with their own ears finally heard the weak dx, and they called the dx
on CW/SSB/RY using their challenge and equipment built during many many
years. And when not looking for expeditions, they have made nice chat on 
CW/SSB/RY with other Hams world-wide, talking and making social 
connection.Never mind if they have a big or smaller station.

How can we say its Ham-radio, when a dx-operator is using FT8/FT 4 
and making so called QSO:s on two or even more  ( up to 3 bands ) at
the same time. YES, its technically super, BUT is this what we want ???

I think ARRL/dxcc should make a separate class for this FT 8/FT 4 
business. NOT accept it for BAND/DXCC. It is NOT fair to let it compete
with CW/SSB/RY for BAND/DXCC.  

Finally ,last thing,why I do NOT like it. Before a dx-expedition were on 6 or 
160  meters during ALL expedition.NOW they share it with FT8/FT 4 and
we have less time to do a real QSO. AND for no expedition, I prefer to 
make a QSO and exchange information,and try to learn about the other person I 
work. Not just to click on a yellow line.
I will NEVER send a DONATION for a FT8 -expedition.

Last outside this FT 8-business. I also must say, that this remote-story 
is under NO control. YES, of course ,you can build a station less
than
150 kilometers or so from your home.PERFECT.  BUT build a station in
Haiti and sit and operate it from NYC, THATS really killing the pleasure
to work a new one.

Thanks for letting me give my feelings. I will NOT react on any replies.

From MAY until AUGUST I will be around 50098 CW ( ONLY ) looking
for dx I can hear in my ears. Last season I worked 7 stations in California
( info for K9YC ).So IF there had been no FT8-business, I am sure I had
worked at least 20.One day there was a 4 hours opening to all over USA ,east to 
west, and I worked 25 stations in 4 hours. IF it had been before all of
these Hams were on FT8 ,I had worked 100……...

Kind regards

SM6CVX   ( Since 1961 )   Hans
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