I assume that the same thing occurred when CW (Continuous Wave) started
to replace spark, and tube receivers started replacing crystal sets.
"Its to easy, takes away the challenge".
Back in the 80s I used a pocket-size 2 Watt 20m kit xcvr to work >100 DX
entities in a 1 year period on CW.
Try for DXCC with 5 or 10W using CW and digital modes. The fun is still
there, now for more Hams, as is good antenna design.
On 4/1/2018 12:44 PM, Pete Rimmel N8PR wrote:
This is just the same type of comment that was made back when SSB took over for
AM Phone operations.
SSB was considered “Not Real Ham Radio” and now is not even a pause in anyone’s mind about
it being a “development” mode.
FT8 is the same... a development that allows us to hear deeper into the noise.
I work EME using JT65 and most of the QSOs on 2 meter EME would not have been
made if the stations were using CW.
I don’t understand why there is resistance to change and progress.
You must remember that since CW is no longer required to get a license in the
US, why denigrate those who want to work DX with a mode other than CW and SSB
(oh, and RTTY,PSK31, Heilschreiber, Olivia...)?
BTW, Is not part of ham radio figuring out how to put together effective
stations and antennas? Without that ability, the rare ones would not be
worked, ,no matter what mode is used.
Many hams still have not figured out that FT8 is a WEAK SIGNAL mode, not a LOW POWER mode. 1500 Watts and
a good TX antenna is still frequently not good copy on the other side of the world on 160. the testament
to that is that if you watch the signal reports on FT8 anything lower than a – 12 SNR report would
not be good copy on CW... I see and have worked – on HF – stations with a –24 SNR...
Yes I know that it is said that lower than -19 is not possible on HF with FT8, but That is not true, since
I use a Waller Flag receive antenna on 160 through 30 Meters, which hears better than most receive antennas
other than phased beverages, and unless you have 100 acres, you cannot have them in at least 8 directions.
My WF rotates to point at any incoming sighal, and will change polarization, as well.
73, and Keep complaining... as long as you are on here typing, I’m on there
working the DX without you in my way -- LOL !!
73, PeteR N8PR
Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2018 07:16:07 +0000
From: Peter Sundberg <sm2cew@telia.com>
To: "k1zm@aol.com" <k1zm@aol.com>,topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change
is Upon us!
Message-ID: <20180401071612.32FC3AC9BC8@mx.contesting.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Apparently SV5DKL made 13.000 QSO's on the bands in a few months,
totally without operator intervention. I bet many hams were happy to
put SV5 as a new DXCC in their log, Isn't it wonderful that his
computer was so helpful with that while the operator was busy with
other things.
As for the legal aspects of unattended operation of a ham radio
station - who will be able to tell if the operator is there or not as
it is fully automatic anyway..
In the near future - if we embrace this way of operating - for
Wednesday activity nights on 160m we just let our computer do the
work and check in the morning how many contacts that were made and
how many that are already credited via LotW. Simple as that.
In contrast to this digital automation it was very interesting to
read Jeff K1ZM's report from the Spratly expedition on how the
experienced and highly skilled crew put in a BIG effort to make real
radio contacts. Way to go! And I am glad that they did not leave an
FT8 robot station behind, neatly tucked away in a corner of the
conference room.. :-)
I do not want to take part in this modern Internet driven computer
game. If people would disconnect their FT8 computers from the report
services on the net there would be a lot less amazing contacts in the
noise as the "a priori" advantage is lost. Then it would be more
apparent what the radio channel is actually providing for them.
I think that the statement from Ken K4ZW in his recent posting is
very appropriate:
"For those who think guys like me are dinosaurs, I would kindly
suggest you don't understand what motives us. 73 Ken K4ZW"
We can't change/stop this new lazy way of automatic band harvesting.
Many will even make huge amounts of money on the new way of operating.
But we can still do it the old fashion way, as it pleases us to make
radio contacts. Therefore I will continue to populate the 160m band
with my CW signal until there are no more stations to work.
73
Peter SM2CEW
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