Gentlemen,
Amateur radio is supposed to be a hobby. FUN.
What we see is TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT! It certainly changes the hobby,
but it should not change the fun. I read my license, but I can't find
that FTx modes MUST BE USED EXCLUSIVELY.
45 years ago we did RTTY contests with an old RFT pagewriter, not even
punched tape, all transmissions by hand. Was it fun? YES. Do I want to
do it again? Of course not.
45 years ago I did not have a transceiver. I did have an old military
surplus receiver and a homemade transmitter. CW only, 80/40. Was it fun?
YES. Do I want to use it again? Of course not.
45 years ago (even 5 years ago) I wrote my contacts in a paper log. Do I
still have them? YES. Did I type up all QSOs in a computer file (when
computers became available)? YES.
38 years ago VK0CW used a split of 25 kHz on 20 CW, so I had to turn the
VFO of the FT250 (aka Tempo One) five times right to TX, then five times
left to RX. Luckily I made the contact. Was it fun? YES. Do I want it
back? Of course not.
Just like in every other aspect of life, technology developed a LOT.
Take advantage of it!
Denying development is not what ham radio operators are (or should be)
famous about! Computers are everywhere. We are driving computers on four
wheels. Modern SDR radios are more or less computers. These are facts,
even is some of us do not like them.
Take my example. I work as a technical translator at home. Two screens
are connected to my computer (yes, computer aided translation is
easier). On the main screen I do the work. On the second screen there
are some ham programs running. When I see something interesting on the
cluster or HamSpots. or wherever, I take a look. If it is digital, it is
convenient because I find a TX frequency, I click on the call, and the
computer will control my radio to try to work the other station. If it
is CW or SSB, I grab the key or the mic, and try to work the other
station. No question lost time from work is significantly more if I have
to use my hand to TX CW or hold the microphone :).
Digital modes also opened EME for a lot more people. Yes, information
exchange is rather limited, but we still have many other chances to chat
- use them!
73/DX
Steve HA0DU
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